Cocomyrrh: Thank you for taking the time to chat today, Mischa! It’s exciting to see your journey with knitting unfold. Let’s start with the beginning of it all. How did the lockdown influence your music-making process?
Mischa Dempsey: Thanks for having me! The lockdown was a unique time for everyone, right? For me, it was like a double-edged sword. I spent my evenings searching for new music on Bandcamp, which was a way to fill the void left by the live shows I missed so much. It became a social activity of sorts with my friends. We would exchange links to new favorites like they were hunting trophies.
One night, a friend sent me this self-titled tape from a new project called knitting, and it had a song called “baby carrots” that just blew me away. The lyrics captured this personal yet universal feeling, and I remember thinking, “Wow, there are still songwriters out there who get it.” That experience encouraged me to reflect on my own songwriting during that time.
Cocomyrrh: That’s an interesting way to cope with the lockdown. So, “baby carrots” really inspired you. How did the concept of knitting come about, and what does it mean to you?
Mischa Dempsey: Well, it all started as a no-expectations project. I had this urge to create music without the pressure that typically comes with it, especially after my previous band, Lonely Parade, had run its course. The songs I wrote during that time became the foundation of knitting.
The name “knitting” came from my love for the craft and the metaphor it holds for bringing things together. Just like knitting, music is a way to weave different threads into something new and beautiful. During the lockdown, I also spent a lot of time knitting—it’s a calming activity, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment when everything else felt so uncertain.
Cocomyrrh: That’s a beautiful analogy! It sounds like the process was very personal for you. Can you tell me more about how your songwriting evolved during this time?
Mischa Dempsey: Absolutely. In Lonely Parade, I was angry and very direct in my lyrics. I was writing about frustrations with the world, and it was a bit confrontational. But during lockdown, I took a step back and reflected on my experiences and emotions instead.
The songwriting became more subdued and introspective. I focused on negotiating my feelings rather than just expressing them outright. It felt like I was maturing as a songwriter, which ultimately led to the self-titled tape you discovered. The songs were raw and personal, recorded mostly on a four-track and featuring simple percussion.
Cocomyrrh: It sounds like you used the time wisely! What was the reaction to the self-titled tape within your community?
Mischa Dempsey: The response was really heartwarming. It mostly circulated within my network, and people were grateful to see that I was still making music after Lonely Parade. Songs like “baby carrots” resonated with them. Even now, folks still ask us to play tracks from that record, and it’s gratifying because it was such a genuine expression of where I was at that time.
Cocomyrrh: As lockdown restrictions began to ease, how did you transition from a solo act into forming a full band?
Mischa Dempsey: Slowly but surely! After the lockdown, I was eager to bring the songs to life with a full band. In the latter half of 2021, I reconnected with drummer Andy Mulcair at a gig, and we started brainstorming what knitting could become.
When Sarah Harris moved from Newfoundland to study electroacoustics, I knew I wanted her on board. And Piper Curtis, who was already playing with another band, joined us through a mutual connection. With two guitars now and live drums, the sound really evolved. It leveled up from that punchy bedroom pop to something much more dynamic, blending slacker rock and grunge together.
Cocomyrrh: It sounds like the chemistry within the band developed organically. Can you share a bit about your upcoming debut album, Some Kind of Heaven?
Mischa Dempsey: Some Kind of Heaven is a culmination of everything we’ve worked on together as a band. It reflects a lot of what I’ve learned through my experiences, both personally and musically. The songs are personal yet sharp, and they walk the line between tumultuous and even-keeled.
I think what sets this album apart is how we’ve synthesized familiar alt-rock sounds into something original. We want to show that we can create something that feels both new and nostalgic. It’s exciting to finally share this collection of songs with a wider audience, especially under Mint Records, which has a great reputation for supporting strong Canadian indie music.
Cocomyrrh: That’s exciting! What can listeners expect from the themes and sound of the album?
Mischa Dempsey: They can expect an emotional ride. The album touches on themes of connection, identity, and the ups and downs of navigating life as a young adult. Sonically, it brings together elements of grunge and slacker rock, combined with introspective lyrics that invite listeners into our world.
We’ve worked hard to ensure that every song has its own vibe while still feeling cohesive as a collection. It’s been a joy to see how our individual influences come together to create something fresh.
Cocomyrrh: I can’t wait to hear it! As a final thought, what message do you hope listeners take away from your music, particularly with Some Kind of Heaven?
Mischa Dempsey: I hope listeners find a sense of connection in our music. Whether it’s through shared experiences or just enjoying the sound, I want them to feel something real. Life can be complicated, and while we often tackle heavy themes, I also want to remind people that it’s okay to find joy in those moments, too. Ultimately, I want our music to be a space where people can reflect, feel, and maybe even have a little fun along the way.
Cocomyrrh: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Mischa. It’s been a pleasure, and I can’t wait to see how knitting continues to evolve!
Mischa Dempsey: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the thoughtful questions, and I’m excited for everyone to hear Some Kind of Heaven.