Toronto rock band Hollerado made waves recently with a video documenting a unique transcontinental experience of frontman Menno Versteeg.
Long story short, the video relays the experience of Versteeg’s grandfather during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in the Second World War, followed by the young musician’s trip to Germany to meet the grandson of a German soldier who knew and was integral in saving the life of his grandfather.
It’s an incredible video, not to mention a seriously catchy tune. Tongiht, the band brings its melodic, hook-filled punk-pop to the Danforth Music Hall to kick off their fall tour.
Tell me about the experience of making “So It Goes” in memory of your grandfather?
It was very meaningful. I was such good friends with my grandfather and I wanted to pay him a tribute. Just the fact that I made this song was enough for me. But I’ve had so many e-mails from people I didn’t even know, just saying how they identified with the story, how it reminded them of their grandfather. It means more than even I thought it would.
What were your expectations going into the release of the new album, and are you happy with how it has been received so far?
To be completely honest, it’s a little disappointing that it hasn’t been received as well as I would have liked. I think a lot of people wanted to hear stuff from our first album. Really, that’s not something that concerns me. I’d much rather be evolving as a songwriter than just sticking to the same place.
What can we expect from your show at Danforth Music Hall?
I’m excited because we haven’t really done a headline tour off this album yet. So that’s going to be fun, to be able to play an hour and a half and go deep into the new material.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened at a Hollerado show?
It is hard to say what the craziest thing is, but a couple weeks ago at Osheaga, some fan got up, stormed the stage and proposed to his girlfriend — that was amazing.
Hollerado plays the Danforth Music Hall on Sept. 13 in support of their new album, White Paint.
