Wasting Time Releasing Once More Without Feeling
This past week I’ve been listening to the upcoming sophomore album, “Once More Without Feeling” from Toronto punk-pop quartet Wasting Time, and I’ve been loving it.
The record is highly reminiscent of 80s pop-punk, something I love, but it’s also super fresh and fun. The tracks run a mix of tempos and feelings, and I’m here for all of it.
Once More Without Feeling is out March 25th and will be self-released and distributed worldwide by Paper + Plastick. Also out on the 25th, a new video for the track “Game Night.” Links are at the bottom of the post.
Once More Without Feeling is the sophomore album, featuring 10 songs that will take the listener on a magic carpet ride of uptempo romps, melodic choruses, heartfelt lyrics and a few slower excursions. – Release
If you’re a fan of MxPx, Lagwagon, or Alkaline Trio, you’re going to love this band!
Thanks to the band for answering our burning questions.
Q&A with Wasting Time
Can I get your names and who plays what?
Vlad sings and plays guitar, Mike plays bass, Mark plays lead guitar and Nick plays drums.
Tell me about your writing process.
Vlad usually writes the lyrics, melodies and chords of a new song and presents it to the rest of the band. We eventually spend time hashing it out during practices until we’re all happy campers.
Have you worked with Steve Rizun at Drive Studios before?
We had not worked with Steve before we started recording “Once More Without Feeling“. We first were in contact with him 2 years ago through a mutual friend and have enjoyed working with him ever since.
Talk to me about putting the songs in order?
Before recording started, we selected our 10 best songs that we had fleshed out in early 2020. When our sessions finished, we simply wanted to make our album as cohesive as possible with just the right amount of twists, turns and thrills like a roller coaster.
What’s the one thing you’re most excited about with the release of “Once More With Feeling”?
A few delays were faced before releasing it due to the pandemic, so it just feels cathartic to have the whole piece ready for public consumption as the beginning of the end of it hopefully approaches.
Who came up with the concept for the Game Night video?
The vision for our video came from the mind of Vlad, who was inspired by commercials for the board game, “Dream Phone” that set the template for the all-girl slumber party scenes. We decided to thrash around for the band performance parts in an array of different outfits for kicks.
Do you have a favourite song from the album?
It’s hard to choose favourites, but “My Limited French” currently holds a special place in our hearts as it was the first song we released and recorded for the album. It is also our most popular song at the moment. It doesn’t hurt that we’re not tired of performing it either!
Is 2022’s Wasting Time the original lineup?
Vlad started the band back in the early 2000s with 3 previous members. That lineup went on a hiatus a couple of years after and the band didn’t reactivate until 2017. Mike joined just as the project started up again, Mark jumped on board in 2020 and Nick has just joined as of a few months ago.
Who’s responsible for the album artwork?
A fine artist named Michael J Larson brings Vlad’s rough sketches to life.
In 50 words or so, can you tell everyone what to expect from your music and your live show?
Four whacky guys from Toronto trying to sweat their asses off on stage while playing melodic punk rock. We don’t take ourselves too seriously in between songs, which usually results in jokes at our own expense.
What’s it like to have live dates on the calendar?
It’s great! For some of us, playing live is the best part of being in a band. It feels like it’s been a long time coming since we’ve last performed in front of people.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Catch us at a show soon and check out “Once More Without Feeling” on March 25th. In the meantime, watch our latest video for “Certain Days” on YouTube that was made by our talented friend, Michael Crusty.
Wasting Time – Certain Days
Upcoming Tour Dates
March 19th at The Red Dog, Peterborough, On
March 25th at Hard Luck Bar, Toronto, On (record release show with The Anti-Queens and K-Man & The 45s)
May 19th at Avant-Garde Bar, Ottawa, On
May 20th-22nd at Pouzza Fest, Montreal, Qc
If you’re looking to get your hands on a physical copy of the album, hit up one of these shows.
Wasting Time’s Links
Bandcamp // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Amazon Music // Apple Music // Spotify // Linktr.ee // Once More Without Feeling
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Toronto Music Blogger
