Interviews About Albums: Calling All Captains - (e)motion Sickness (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Canadian Pop Punk/Post-Hardcore band Calling All Captains to ask questions about their album, "(e)motion Sickness".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

We are really proud of this EP because it blends all of our styles, while also introducing some new sounds and feels. We believe in these 6 songs and hope they find their way to the people who need to hear them most.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Connor: The title ‘(e)motion sickness’ actually came before the EP was fully conceptualized. Most of our lyrical content would probably fall into this category anyway, but it speaks to the way your emotional state can make you physically sick. Especially when you’re hyper-focused on achieving something that the people around you don’t understand or support. It takes a toll on the body as well as the mind.

Some of these songs existed previously, and some were written specifically for the EP. We took great consideration in choosing the songs that would make up ‘(e)motion sickness’.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Luc and Connor are the main songwriters in the band, but we all play an important role in shaping how these songs sound in the end. Especially our producer Quinn, who challenges us to take the extra step and try things outside of our artistic realms.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Connor: One More Day. The lyrics are highly personal and mean a lot to me. It’s also the first time I take the vocal lead on a track. Our songs usually change a lot from the demo phase to the final recording, but this one sits almost exactly the same as the day it was written.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Luc: The special message across all of our music and this EP especially is that if you dig deep enough, you can always find a sliver of hope. It’s the feeling that even though you're going through a lot, there is always a part inside of you that can get you back to where you want to be. Each of these songs deals with a different emotion, and in each one, we have that little sliver of hope that can keep us on the path forward.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

“You can try and restrain me

You can clip my wings

I still have my people who were there for me

You can break my stride

But you won’t take my pride

And you can waste my time

But I’m still alive”

Luc: This lyric from ‘Skin & Bones’ with Connor’s vocals is my favorite on the record because it's a direct reflection of our friendship. I'm always the one to be all doom and gloom, but Connor can always pull me back, or at least provide the ‘sliver of hope’ in my depressing lyrics.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Luc: A big inspiration for this EP comes from my own personal life. I wrote a majority of these lyrics to reflect personal experiences and how they affect those around me. The dedication and passion to create art is something that not only requests personal sacrifice; it demands it. Letting people down because you are pursuing a passion can feel selfish and overtake any positives that come from the success of playing music. It’s a whirlwind of emotions.

8. Something to add?

Check on your friends and family. Support those who have crazy dreams. Never forget what you wanted to be when you grew up. I wanted to be on a stage playing music when I was 12 years old. I made my wish come true.

Thank you for reading and thank you for helping us achieve our dreams.