Getting down with Down with Webster

Once there was a group of kids with big dreams. Now, they’re a bunch of adults living those dreams. What started out as a middle-school talent-show act has turned into a music career for a group of six Torontonians. Together, they’ve forged the popular rap-rock group Down with Webster.

“Growing up, what really got me excited about being in a band was seeing my favourite bands live on stage,” says bassist Tyler Armes. “That was the most exciting idea for me, being able to perform and play my instrument in front of a crowd, and being on a big stage with lights.”

The band has been able to develop a distinguished sound that combines rap, rock, hip-hop, and classic rock. Armes describes it as an iPod shuffle band; drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of genres. This is a stark contrast to music heard on the radio on a daily basis, which, according to Armes, is something that needs to be stopped.

“I hate how everything on the radio sounds like it’s a ’90s dance song. I hate that shit. I think someone has to press the button on that and end that right now,” he says.

While their music style may be all over the place, Armes’ routine is not. He emphasizes the importance of sticking to a solid routine when on the road to avoid burning out.

For Armes, that routine includes healthy eating, exercise, and a whole lot of Mario Kart. By sticking to this schedule for over 10 years he has developed quite the knack for kicking-ass at the classic Nintendo game.

“Aw, man, I’m nasty at Mario Kart. I could go pro. If somebody could find a league or tournament that they host, I’ll fly down and play,” he says.

Armes acknowledges that a career in music is not all fun and games. A lot of work is involved with being in a career band: it’s a constant cycle of recording an album and touring.

This doesn’t leave much time for leisure.

While the media portrays rock stars as living the stereotypical life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, Armes says that’s not always the case. He respects that while being a musician is awesome, it’s also a job, and he treats it as such.

“We do have some awesome nights on the bus and have thrown some parties, but for the most part if you want to survive and make it past your thirties you have to pace yourself and try to see that it’s still a job,” he says, “even though it is the most unstructured, crazy job of all time, I’m pretty sure. But it’s not at all like the movies.”

Down with Webster
Thursday, February 23, 7:30pm
McPherson Playhouse, $35
downwithwebster.com