1. When and where did OTC form, who plays what and how was the name chosen?
OTC started in Victoria BC, I believe in the summer of 2017. Current members are Myself (Will) on vocals, Mike on guitar, Evan on drums, and Jordan on bass, although we had Tobias on bass for the first couple shows and both recordings, and Alex on drums for the first show and demo. The name came up as I was having a few beers with a guy I work with. He tried to ask me some shit about a job we were on to which I replied, “don’t wanna hear it, we’re off the clock.” The other guys liked the idea so we went with it.
2. What is the scene like in Victoria? Are there many venues, bands to play with?
Victoria is a funny scene. It’s small but it’s close knit which is cool. Everyone is friendly and supportive so there’s a real family vibe. There aren’t too many venues as it’s a smaller city. That said, we have Logan’s pub and some great house venues that put on a lot of cool punk bands etc.
3. Style wise, you guys seem to have different influences coming thru in the songs. What bands/genres influence you the most, and does it vary from member to member? What's the best way you've heard someone describe the band?
Yeah so, some major influencers for me were bands like Oxblood, Negative Approach, and 4skins. Basically, hard-hitting Oi! with a touch of early hardcore. It definitely varies from member to member though which is great because we all bring a little touch of our own. Best way I’ve heard us described is just another angry Oi! band.
4. Being from Florida originally, do you find the scene and things in general much different up in Canada? If so what's the difference, and which do you prefer?
Oh, for sure. Florida is a crazy place in general so you can imagine it breeds some equally crazy scenes. Violence was a big part of things down there, where as up here it’s more about getting together for some beers and some laughs. At this point I think I prefer the laughs. However, I definitely miss that excitement sometimes.
5. Word is that you've got a record coming out, but there's no information on the details. Can you fill us in? How did it all come together?
Yeah, we finished the record up a while ago and have kind of been waiting on details ourselves. Our close friend Esther is helping us put it out as a start to her new label so we’re all pretty stoked. I think it’s just a matter of getting the last details sorted and it should be a go. More news to come?
6. Are lyrics important to you, and if so what do you try and communicate? What are some non-musical influences, be it politics, TV etc? Does the Oi! genre restrict what you write about at all?
They’re kind of my only job so I do try to put a bit of effort into them. Though, mostly I just gripe about shit I don’t care for, so pretty typical I suppose. I do think Oi! limits you a bit in what you can write about but just because it feels a bit cheesy going too far out of the box. Some bands may pull it off but I don’t think we’re one of them.
7. Have any of you been in bands previously, and if so what bands?
I was in a couple bands called Union Boys and Dead Street when I was younger. Mike’s been in tons of stuff such as Thankless Graft, Last Crusade, and currently plays in No Heart with Jordan. Also, I know Evan played in bands growing up in Nova Scotia, Genetic Angry being one of them.
8. What has bin yer favourite show you've played so far, and favourite bands you've played with?
Honestly, they’ve all been great. We’ve been lucky enough to play with some really awesome bands. The two that stick out though are definitely Antisocial and The Brass. It was really exciting to get two big names in Oi! to the island and to just hang out with some great people.
9. What's in store for the future with Off The Clock?
We’ve got some new songs in the works that we’re all really happy with. Hopefully we’ll get them recorded fairly soon and who know, maybe a 7”? Other than that, I guess we’re just gonna keep doing shows and maybe talk some shit in between.
10. Closing comments?
Get Hog-wild boys, cheers bye.
