HOLD THE MUSTARD PRODUCTIONS: Know Before You Go - an Interview with Live & Learn

Live & Learn will be performing live at the Chill House this Saturday ahead of the release of their brand new EP this September. The band will be hailing all the way out from Vancouver to perform an exclusive set full of new music and mixed-genre Punk sounds in Chilliwack - and you won't want to miss your chance to see the band live in town. 

The Melodic Punk band will be showcasing their sound to open up Saturday night thanks to Hold the Mustard, and their set is sure to get the energy for the night off to a great start while backing up other British Columbia locals like Chronic Fatigue and In The Flesh - blending both local and far away talents for yet another unforgettable show hosted at the Chill House.

Without a doubt, Live & Learn are one of the most unique and creatively inclined Punk bands in the BC music scene - making learning about them before you dive deeper into their musical endeavors and live performances an absolute must. The entire band was kind enough to partake in an exclusive interview to promote their music and upcoming performance, and it's the best way to learn all there is to know about each member and what makes them so unique. 

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1. For those who haven't heard of you yet, introduce yourself

L&L: We're a five piece melodic punk rock band from Vancouver that's been playing shows since 2024. We've had a few member changes over the years but the current lineup consists of Tom Phoenix on vocals, Abraham Portilla on lead guitar, Peter Falk on rhythm guitar, Matt Lee on bass and our newest member Owen Gill on drums. The Chill House will only be Owen's second gig with us and we're super excited to have him aboard! 2. What makes Live & Learn stand out from other bands?

Tom: We definitely aren't reinventing the wheel or doing anything groundbreaking genre-wise, but I think our combined sets of influences that include ska, metal and alternative rock gives us our own flavor. We try to make every show feel like a party that everyone in the room is invited to. Also we're very fortunate to have Abe as our in-house graphic designer which helps to give us a unique visual identity that matches the music.

Matt: The nail that sticks up gets hammered down. 3. How would you describe the band's style and sound?

Tom: Melodic rants that's you can mosh to. Matt: We play music with chords and drums and singing. It’s really cool. 4. What are some of your influences and inspirations both musically and style-wise?

Tom: Punk rock ranging from the Ramones to Drug Church and everything in between. I also love Trojan Records ska, '90's hip-hop and '50's/'60's rock n roll. The lyrics are influenced by writers like Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, Aldous Huxley and John Steinbeck. Owen: Musically coming from lots of rock, punk, funk, and even playing jazz knowing multiple styles and approaches has made my style unique while still maintaining a hard hitting flashy punk style of drumming. My punk influences come from bands like the Ramones, Green Day, and Operation Ivy. Overall musical influences from the Beatles, Weezer, David Bowie, Cheap Trick and Nirvana

Matt: Martha Stewart for both.

5. What can people come to expect from your upcoming EP release?

Tom: Short, fast, catchy songs trying to make sense of this mess we call the modern world. The EP is titled "Touch Grass", which sums up a lot of what we're about - get off your damn phone and go outside! Go to a show! Matt: Lots of music numbered in order on a donut shaped flat shiny thing. 6. How did you first start making music, and what made it stick? Tom: I've loved music since discovering my Boomer parents rock n roll records at a very young age, and my family is full of musicians so it was a fairly natural progression to go from tearing around the living room to "Johnny B. Goode" to tearing up stages as a teen. Being more interested in creativity than technical musicianship so discovering punk, where you could have a band and write songs before you even knew how to really play well is what hooked me. Now I've been doing it for 20+ years!

Owen: I come from a musical background with my dad playing pretty much all the instruments in rock bands growing up, my sister being a violin player and my mom playing piano and cello, music runs in my family. I started playing drums when I was very little watching music videos and listening to a variety of music and immediately falling In love with the drums. I’ve played in a ton of cover bands playing drums guitar and singing throughout high school and playing in jazz big bands and combos. The thing I love about music and the reason I’m wanting to do it as a full time job is the way I get to express myself through music and play with others which I love to do and being in this band getting to do both those things is a treat. Matt: Only our drummer uses sticks

7. What makes being in a band worthwhile for you?

Tom: The creativity and community. At a time when we're hearing terms like "loneliness epidemic" being thrown around, being in a band (or any artistic community really) is the perfect antidote. My favorite part is discovering cool bands and then getting the opportunity to meet and play with them (like Among Legends)!

8. What can people expect from your performance at the Chill House on the 29th?

Tom: The maximum amount of energy you can fit on that small stage! Matt: Intimacy

9. What does the creative process of the band look like in and out of the studio?

Tom: Every song usually starts from a single idea, be it a chorus hook, a guitar riff, a line, or even just a topic. Typically I'll try to flesh out the basic chord patterns and most of the lyrics to a song before bringing it to the band, then everyone can write their own parts on top of that skeleton structure and we work out the arrangement together in the jam space. The recording process for the EP was deliberately quick and grimy. We really wanted it to sound like five people in a room actually playing so everyone went in with their parts ready and we bashed the whole thing out in a couple days.

Pete: We all bring our ideas to the table and support each other in trying new things, making mistakes, and embracing the occasional happy accident. Our songs usually start with a main verse or chorus idea, and from there we focus on how we can best serve the song in terms of arrangement and feel. As we practice, we openly discuss ideas, experiment, and shape the songs together. That support for one another, combined with our shared drive to do what’s best for the song, makes the creative process feel really fun and liberating.

Matt: I am just the bass player, I have no idea.

10. Lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to any aspiring artists out there?

Tom: Two pieces of advice. The first is to only make art you like. You gotta be your own biggest fan before anyone else will. Second, but just as important, go out to local shows and get involved in your scene! If you're visible in the community and stay true to your art someone is bound to notice eventually!

Abe: Well, if I could go back in time and talk to myself the first time I picked a guitar I would say, there will be people that tells you that you suck and you probably will, but learning is part of the never ending process, you gotta practice constantly and with purpose, unlike me that for the longest time I was not focused on learning new things. Also, don't get frustrated, whenever you get tired of composing and you feel you hit a wall, take a break focus on other things, then come back to it. Don't be afraid of experimenting and learn from whoever you can. Finally, as the threat of AI is rising in the horizon, don't let it take your sleep away. Yes it is scary but we love music and making it is part of what makes us whole. It's worth it. Owen: My advice is in the name. Live and learn! Always play play play and learn from everyone and have an open mind and a positive attitude! Matt: Always have fun while doing it.

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Thanks as always to Live & Learn for taking the time to partake in this EXCLUSIVE interview with us - it's always greatly appreciated, and getting to know the bands that are performing at the Chill House BEFORE seeing them might just be the best way to find your next favorite band. 

You won't want to miss out on your chance to see Live & Learn at the Chill House this Saturday, as it's sure to be an incredible show for people of all ages. The venue will be packed with talent throughout the entire evening, and it's set to be another unforgettable night of punk music at the venue.