Toni Vere & Hashmagandy
A few words with Toni Vere – from Toni Vere & Hashmagandy. The band: Toni Vere (acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals), Carla Rawlyck (lead guitar, vocals), Kelly Timleck (bass, vocals) and Lauren Buckell (drums).

Hashmagandy has a couple of definitions. In Australia it’s an outback stew. Toni’s more sophisticated Canadian definition is “an artful infusion of genres, spiced with original music, flavored with timeless favourites, stewed with a healthy portion of fun”. Read on…

Leicester Bangs: How did you start out making music?
Toni: Music picked me at the tender age of 5. I started writing songs when I was 12... living in a small town of 500 people didn't offer much in the way of recreation. I wasn't into sports, boys, or alcohol... I did what any good-natured odd child would do... I turned to music... (laughs)!

LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Toni: Interestingly enough, I had a steady diet of Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, George Jones and Stompin Tom Connors. I believe the influence is primarily in my song subject and delivery. I don't get complicated... I'm not trying to prove anything. I write songs about my life and what is important to me or makes me laugh!

LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Toni: "Just To Be" is not only a life long dream, but also a project that almost never happened. I've had trouble my whole life believing in myself. I didn't want to become a senior citizen who regretted not doing something. I tried to get a grant to pay for the project and they turned me down. I talked it over with my partner and we decided to invest in me, and my love of songwriting. It's funny, when you invest in yourself it opens up the creativity even more. I'm almost ready to go back into the studio to start my next project even though this one only came out Feb 27th. The band is back in the studio April 5th, 6th, and 7th recording my new tune "I'm Gonna Be (On Ellen)" complete with a video so we can introduce ourselves to the world. My dream is that one day the band and I will make it to the "Ellen" show... and hey, a girl can always dream!

LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
Toni: We play live every week in the Greater Calgary Alberta area.  We have some small tours coming up throughout Alberta. We're busting at the seams though, and want to tour the world. Our audiences are engaged... they participate in our shows and let us know that they are diggin' what we're doin'. Our audience can always expect to leave the show with a smile on their face.

LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Toni: The art of creation is what drives me the most. Self expression, and when that self expression results in an email from a supporter who can relate to something I've written it totally rocks my world. Playing live is a total gas... on stage, in the studio, I am as alive as I can be.

LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Toni: My website, Myspace, CD Baby, iTunes, etc. Links below:

www.ToniVere.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/ToniVere
www.itunes.com/tonivere
www.indiegrrlrecords.com/vere.html
www.myspace.com/tonivere