All Apologies: Natalia Yanchak of The Dears

08 July 2017, 00:01

(The Dears)

Together for more than twenty years, Canada's The Dears have been releasing epic, rousing rock music for most of that time. After a six year break the band, centred around co-founders Murray Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak, returned in 2015 with Times Infinity Volume One - and next week sees the release of companion piece Times Infinity Volume Two. Ahead of that, Natalia Yanchak takes on our Q&A.

What's your present state of mind and being?

"I am always in a state of 'utter chillness' and 'epic grace.' Also thinking about my concept for a cooking competition show called: JUDGE DREDGE."

What's the most overrated virtue?

"In the LEGO Movie Video Game, his special powers are 'secret knock' and being able to fearlessly walk along precarious edges. His character is voiced by Morgan Freeman in the movie, but then by some soundalike actor in the game, which is kind of a rip off. So that's probably themore overrated Vitruvius."

What one thing have you learnt from your parents?

"Don't be a dick. But I also might have learned that from Wil Wheaton."

What the most desirable quality you look for in romantic partner?

"See previous answer."

What and where was the greatest meal you ever ate?

"Without being boastful, I have to say that Murray [Lightburn] is a great cook and basically does all the cooking around the house. Every Friday is 'pizza night' so in the morning he starts the dough and proofs it throughout the day. This year he rebuilt the pizza oven in the backyard so when that all comes together it is my favourite thing. He'll start with a margherita pizza for the kids and then jam out some toppings for adults: a classic vegetarian, or kale with aioli mayo. My fave wheel is topped with roasted eggplant, basil, tomato sauce, cheese and caramelised garlic. And then if we're really going all the way, a Caeser salad with dressing made from scratch. So every Friday at our house has the potential to be thegreatest meal I've ever ate."

What's your most treasured possession?

"Stuff is for losers. Wanting things, collecting and presiding over posessions is the ultimate perversion of humanity."

What was the last dream you had about?

"I was walking on a boulevard-style street with my kids when we notice a convoy of police motorcycles and cars with tinted windows, as would escort someone important through the city. We stop and see, at the center of the motorcade, an electric blue convertible with the top down -- possibly a Mazda Miata -- with someone, a young-ish dark-haired man, seated proudly in the driver's seat and driving somewhat recklessly. They are in black academic dress, a black robe with a furry white accent, a golden chain draping a deep purple cape around his shoulders. 'Is that?' Yes, if course, it is Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, celebrating a recent graduation (honorary degree, perhaps?) by zipping through the downtown core in a mid-level sports car. We roll our eyes and continue walking."

What's the biggest lie on your Wikipedia page?

"Everyone knows Wikipedia is crowd-curated and an unreliable resource. And even though I refer to Wikipdeia regularly, I also am not shy about getting someone to edit out information on The Dears' page when total untruths appear. There's some stuff on there that I would never say about the band (comparing us to Jethro Tull is a major stretch), but I won't tolerate straight-up 'lies' so to dorks who add that stuff I say: heave-ho!"

If you could say something to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

"'Why are you so rude to your parents? They only give you EVERYTHING, plus love and hugs, so be more gracious.' Alternately, I am bracing myself for my children being rude to me because we all know teenagers are total jerks."

And finally, who would you most like to apologise to and why?

"I would like to apologise to all those people who have crossed me and made it onto my 'X-ed' list. I mean, you all still suck, but I'm sorry I couldn't rise above and find a better way to deal with y'all. Also, I forgive you but, seriously, never call me again."