The Little Red Umbrella: Meet The Band: RatTail

Here's yet another new Toronto band we can't wait to see live: RatTail. They've actually been playing together since 2009, with an EP out not long after that, but their first and self-titled full-length was just released. And it's great. Raw and rickety and catchy, in large part thanks to Jasmyn Burke's gritty, sometimes droning, sometimes wailing vocals. She was recently willing to sit down and answer some of our silly "Meet The Band" questions. And we'll post a couple of a MP3s from the new album and the video for an older song, "Polka Dots" below.

How do you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard you before?

Soul sludge grunge folk sampling

What was the craziest live show you've ever played?

I probably can't remember. I think I broke some gear? I think I woke up somewhere.

Your all-time, all-star supergroup?

Spice Girls.

What's the worst album you own?

Couldn't say, really. I can't really afford buying music right now. And I don't have the Internet, really.

If you could open for one current band that you haven't played with before, who would it be?

I would like to open for Mavis Staples.

If you could have one of your songs in a commercial for any product, what would it be?

I really love Tim Hortons, that's all I eat and drink while on tour (not a lie), so probably Tims.

What was the first record you ever bought? When was the last time you listened to it?

I had this Minnie Mouse LP that my grandma got me. And I remember my mom saying to my grandma, "we don't own one anymore." I was so upset. I didn't actually know anything other than CDs.. But that LP had such a sweet cover..

Beatles or Rolling Stones?

How can you pick, RIGHT. Also, I would choose Buddy Guy over either of these bands.

If you were going learn to play one instrument you don’t already play, what would it be?

The Autoharp.

If you could have one musical superpower, what would you want it to be?

That I could drink and feel kinda tipsy but still be able to play my instrument well, obviously.