Civilization Days interview w/ Chris (drums), Mike (vocals) and Tommy (guitar)


1: How did you all meet each other?

Chris: I met our bass player Josh in 1999 when he produced and recorded an LP with me. Soon after that he joined my band The Brewkowskis (who later became Prisoner Cinema) and we hit it off. We met Tommy while playing a show with his old band Sonance. They were from Jasper. We did a mini-tour and played countless shows together. When Tommy moved to Edmonton a few years back we started jamming. Calvin, our lead guitar player, recently joined the band but is also an old friend. He was a pillar of the punk scene back in the day with The Johnsons. It's awesome being in a band with him since I was such a fan of theirs.

Mike: I met Josh through work. We talked about our own musical projects for years before he invited me to try out for CivDays. That would have been when I met Chris and Tommy back in 2022.


2: Who writes the lyrics, and what usually inspires them?

Mike: I write most of the lyrics, but Tommy has written some as well. I typically find myself writing words that help me rationalize the impending doom of civilization and collapse of society. I think I fit well in a band called "Civilization Days."

Tommy: The songs I've written are mostly a reflection of my own indecision. Like being torn between staying comfortable and taking a risk.


3: What is your favorite song to play live and why?

Chris: Probably Destinations because it gets the crowd going and has me moving around the kit with varying tempos.

Mike: It's Not Clear

Tommy: We played a new song called Slow Down from our upcoming EP for the first time the other night. It was fun! Might be my new favorite.


4: What is the biggest mistake you've made as a band so far?

Mike: Not quitting our full time day jobs to create the most ultimate musical experience the world has ever seen.

Chris: Also we fall a little flat with our social media presence.


5: If you could tour anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

Tommy: I've played all over Western Canada, but I've never been east. Quebec sounds like a good time.

Mike: I'd tour Japan.

Chris: It would have to be Europe. The history would be cool to experience, not to mention the food.


6: What is the first album each of you remembers buying with your own money?

Chris: Faith No More's The Real Thing. I played that cassette out on repeat. Still not sick of it. First punk record was NOFX's White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean, but I may have permanently borrowed DK: Fresh Fruit from a friend and never gave it back.

Tommy: I can't recall, but it was for sure glam rock.

Mike: Linkin Park-Hybrid Theory


7: What's next for the band?

Mike: We will be playing Rock the Rails in Fort McMurray in June.

Tommy: We are stoked for this one, headliners include Good Riddance and Ignite, plus some of Canada's best punk and hardcore bands.