Toronto's Ohbijou recently released a really hot album. Metal Meets is a beautifully layered combination of sounds which will soothe and make you move. I asked lead singer and personal friend, Casey Mecija, to answer some questions for Wiqaable.com.

RRK: Casey, as you know I am so so excited about Ohbijou's latest album Metal Meets. Thank you for letting me share this with the Wiqaable family. I know you've been traveling a lot in the past year or so and have spent time in rural parts of Canada. This album makes me think about Canada's landscape, which I have only recently begun to appreciate and admire. Do you write better music in the wilderness? Can you tell us about Ohbijou's music creating process?

CM:The city is full of distractions. Whether it be friends, family, relationships, technology; I think escaping to somewhere that feels isolated promotes focus. Ohbijou went to a little cottage in a place called Dyer's Bay. Everyday we focused on writing music together. I think because of this our writing for the album conveys a greater cohesion from our previous records. Running off to the woods, despite it being the proverbial band get away was the in the end the most idyllic and enjoyable way to write and arrange this record.


RRK: This album is bass and rhythm heavy, what has changed since your last album?

CM: With this album we were definitely conscious of trying to take on unique approaches to each song. The rhythm section worked at keeping the album moving. We wanted to develop our sound but still convey space and restraint so I think the bursts of drums and bass are exciting and creative.

RRK: A few of the band members are queer, however Ohbijou's music isn't overtly queer and the fan-base is a pretty diverse group. How does this aspect of your identity influence the stories you tell?

CM: The love stories on this record are queer love stories. I think an audience can relate to these emotions whether or not they are privy to this aspect of my life.
As a band we receive so much support from the queer community and we are truly humbled that our music can communicate to diverse groups of people. What more could you want?

RRK: Your parents immigrated to Canada from the Philippines. How does their journey and the culture or your relationship with the Philippines influence you as an artist?

CM: Being Filipino impacts my endeavors as an artist everyday. For this record especially, I was trying to communicate aspects of my culture, lineage, bloodline etc...in our songs. Music is an incredible conduit to expressing yourself. I wanted to relay gratitude to my parents for their sacrifices in creating opportunities for my sisters and I. I wanted to pay homage to their hard work and success at creating a life and love in Canada despite racism.

RRK: What was Casey the teenager like?

CM: Oh god. I was definitely confused as a teenager. At one point I was attempting to dread my hair. It's actually too embarrassing to think about.
Humour aside, I always had an interest in community activism and am glad that I used my years in highschool to organize activities and events that promoted an anti-racist agenda.

RRK: You're back in school, doing a masters in education. How does this relate to your music?

CM: Being in school, reading course material and participating in class discussions have inspired a more contemplative inquiry into our world and how it operates. I feel like I ask more questions now. With music I find myself doing the same. I have begun to really parse through each lyric, each melody choice to make sure the end result is thoughtful and is the best that it can be.

RRK: As someone who witnesses the connection you have with your partner I am constantly looking for her in your music. How much of the new material is inspired by your current partnership?


CM: My relationship with my partner is everywhere on this record. Metal Meets is a love story; our love story.

Here's the video for Niagara, the first release and one of my favourites from Metal Meets.