The sweet sounds of Toronto's Seedy Ease have been echoing in my head since I first saw them play at the Mod Club back in March. They are an atmospheric pop rock trio that can melt your heart just as easily as they can get your feet moving.

Aftering playing together in a previous band, Seedy Ease was formed by singer/guitarist Daniel Brooks and drummer Robbie Butcher (who also plays in local garage rockers Tin Bangs). Bass player Hollie Stevenett completes what the band refers to as "the charismatic triangle".

If you weren't watching them perform, your ears would tell you that two guitar players were creating all those layers. Dan does a great job of working his pedals and his parts while his smooth, earnest vocals make you want to watch him sing them. If that weren't intriguing enough, Robbie is one of the best drummer/vocalists in the city.

Seedy Ease play the Drake this Thursday night. I spoke with Dan and Robbie about cover songs, New York City and Phil Collins.

Keep reading for the complete interview.

blogTO: Why are you called Seedy Ease?

Dan: In my silly way of looking at words, I thought it was cool instead of calling us CDE's, get it? Ha.

How would you describe your sound using only a noun?

Dan: Reverberating. Although, a noun is a person, place or thing so: Tiger.

Robbie: Uppercut.

How did the band form?

Dan: 3 parts talent, dash of serendipity...

Robbie - you sing and play drums very well. At what point did you start singing while drumming? Why do you put your mic in front of you instead of beside you like most singing drummers?

I don't remember when I started. I'm actually not a fan of drummers who sing (lead especially, Don Henley etc), or drummers who talk during shows. It's a bit of a pet peeve. I only do it 'cuz Dan and I sound good together. The mic in the middle thing is what Ringo did back in the day. You don't have to crank your neck to the side.

Dan: I think the "Phil Collins Drive Thru Attendant" mic is next Rob. Sexy!

You played a great cover song when I saw you at the Mod Club earlier this year. What was that song and what made you choose that particular song to cover?

Robbie: It was "Naive Melody (This Must Be The Place)" by Talking Heads. I wanted to do it because that song is very special to me. It's a celebration, I love singing it. You also might be thinking of "Don't Give Up" by The Whitest Boy Alive, which we also do. Dan can comment on that one.

Dan: "Don't Give Up" is a song that should've been written by me. Therefore, we play it. One of those "I wish I wrote that" sort of things. If you don't know them check out The Whitest Boy Alive. Killer.

Dan - you lived in New York for a bit. How does living there compare to living in TO?

Very different animals. Both really great! Lot's of culture, but TO is a heck of a lot slower.

What do you like best about living in Toronto?

Robbie: Sharing an apartment with my brother.

Dan: It looks a lot like NYC a lot of the time. (sarcasm)

What do you like least?

Robbie: I miss the rest of my family back in Kitchener.

Where is your favourite place to enjoy the sun?

Robbie: Anywhere! I'm pretty bashful at the beach....but I'm sure one day that will change.

Dan: The Great Lawn @ Central Park or Anywhere in the Mediterranean.

What can people expect to see/hear/feel at the Drake this Thursday?

Robbie: A nice recap of what we've done so far, and an indication of where we'll be going. I also recommend the rooms upstairs.

Dan: I'll be staying in one of the rooms! A Birthday treat from my lady...select few will be told which one. Rob nailed it for the show dynamic.

THESE ELECTRIC LIVES Remix Album Release Party
w/ Seedy Ease, vitaminsforyou (DJ Set), TEL DJs
Thursday, June 5
The Drake Underground
1150 Queen Street West
Doors 8pm
$8 Cover

Call & Response is a series of Q&A's with bands/artists from or playing in Toronto. Photo: Jonathan Gold.