In this episode, I talk with vocalist Tim van der Krogt and drummer Pete Lavery from the Revelstoke, British Columbia band Pickle Juice about their second EP, The Whiteroom.

We talk about the growth between the band’s first two EPs, why the first one felt like a “proof of concept,” and how becoming more confident as a band affected the new songs. Tim and Pete also explain how they narrowed approximately ten songs down to the five that worked best together.

We get into the band’s songwriting process, which often starts with Tim bringing in the basic structure, lyrics and melody before the five members develop the arrangement together. Pete talks about his previous experience playing with Hazels in the UK, and Tim explains what Pete’s ability to hear the bigger picture brings to the band.

I also ask about some of the musical details that stood out to me while listening to the new EP, including why “Dogma” never returns to its chorus, the layered guitar parts in “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” and the thick, cloudy guitar tone that opens “A Little More Time.” Pete talks about returning to an older drum arrangement for “Dogma,” and how he tries to capture the energy of the band’s live shows in the studio.

We also talk about the members’ different musical influences, the connection between Pickle Juice and Revelstoke’s snowboarding culture, long drives between shows, and touring in a truck that blows hot air on one side and cold air on the other. Tim and Pete also discuss involving members of the Revelstoke community in their music videos and the band’s plans to begin working on its first full-length album.

Topics include:

• The growth between Pickle Juice’s first two EPs
• Choosing the five songs for The Whiteroom
• How the band develops Tim’s original song ideas
• Pete’s experience playing with Hazels
• Why “Dogma” never returns to its chorus
• The guitars in “I Don’t Wanna Wait”
• Capturing the band’s live energy in the studio
• The opening guitar tone in “A Little More Time”
• Why Ben and Tom exchange bass and rhythm guitar
• The influence of Revelstoke and snowboarding culture
• Touring Western Canada
• Working with the Revelstoke community on music videos
• Plans for a future full-length album

The Whiteroom is available now on streaming platforms. Music, videos, merchandise and links to Pickle Juice’s social media are available at picklejuiceband.com.

The Modern Mind Readers joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about their upcoming show, Mind Reading, Marriage, and Other Milestones, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Mind Reading, Marriage & Other Milestones

The Modern Mind Readers | Saint John, NB

What happens when mind readers fall in love, build a life together, and raise a child while performing impossible feats of the mind? Blending sharp humour with quiet wonder, the show explores family, memory, and the reality of growing up & growing together. Every moment is rooted in real life, making the impossible feel intimate, human, and unforgettable.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

Drag king Moe Mustacherides joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk drag, clowning and Maritime Mussel’s Stupid Sexy Clowns at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Stupid Sexy Clowns Maritime Mussel | Wards Creek, NB

In the chaos of the (almost world-famous) clown pageant 'Stupid Sexy Clowns', the talent portion has officially begun. Clowns compete for the coveted title of Stupidest, Sexiest Clown 2026, and you’ve just arrived for the main event. Watch them go honk-to-honk in the most highly anticipated spectacle of the year.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

Jon Forward joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about his upcoming show, Role Model, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

Jon Forward | Role Model | Saint John, NB

A failed teacher becomes a comedian. A comedian unexpectedly becomes a good teacher. Then everything blows up. In this funny, honest, and occasionally heartbreaking solo show, Jon Forward tells the true story of reluctantly giving teaching one last chance, unexpectedly falling back in love with it, and what happens when comedy and the classroom collide.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:https://fundyfringefestival.com/

An Evening of Close-Up Magic | Sackville, NB

Postcards From A Magician tells Bill Peterson’s personal story of becoming a magician and takes the audience on a magical journey through the cities where he learned his craft. As the journey unfolds, the audience helps shape and influence the show, and it becomes clear that no words, picture, or postcard can fully capture the experience: you just had to be a part of it.

Magician Bill Peterson joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about his upcoming show, Postcards from a Magician, at the Fundy Fringe Festival.

For tickets and full schedule, check out:

https://fundyfringefestival.com/

More than 20 years after first seeing Protest the Hero perform in the cafeteria at UNBSJ, Jai reconnects with guitarist Tim MacMillar to talk about the band’s new album, Within.

Tim reveals the connection between “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray,” reflects on the band’s earliest New Brunswick shows, and explains how Protest negotiated its way out of its final record-label obligation to release Within independently. He also breaks down traditional record deals, royalty splits, master ownership, streaming data, SOCAN and why he believes artists should retain control of their music whenever possible.

They also get into Tim’s work co-founding Sheet Happens, transcribing Propagandhi’s Supporting Caste from the original stems, the influence of classical piano on his guitar writing, and what Nolly Getgood brought to the mix of Within. Plus, Tim turns the interview around to ask Jai about his favourite songs from the new record.

Topics include:
• The “Led Astray” callback hidden in “Liberty Spike”
• Revisiting more than 20 years of Protest the Hero history
• Releasing Within independently and retaining the masters
• How record-label royalties and recoupment work
• What master ownership means for streaming and satellite radio
• Sheet Happens, transcription and learning from other musicians
• How piano influences Tim’s approach to guitar
• Working with Nolly Getgood
• “The Orchard,” and the album’s instrumental passages

Within is available now through Protest the Hero, Bandcamp, Sheet Happens and streaming platforms.

Protest the Hero photo credit: Sandra Lee Layden

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

Constantin Blondy of Montreal punk trio General Chaos joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about the band’s new album, Can’t Please ’Em All, and how their approach to recording changed after their first full-length, Outta My Way.

We get into recording the new album live in just three days, working with Ryan Battistuzzi and Stomp Records, the ideas behind songs like “No Bullshit,” “The Idiots Have Taken Over,” and “Wilder Daze,” and the band’s mix of punk, country, jazz, and other influences.

Constantin also talks about writing in French, Montreal’s outdoor punk scene, learning who to trust in the music industry, and why younger bands can feel shut out by a scene that keeps relying on the same nostalgia-driven festival lineups.

We also look ahead to a huge run of shows with Goldfinger, The Offspring, Mustard Plug, The Planet Smashers, and more.

Listen and support General Chaos on Bandcamp:
generalchaosband.bandcamp.com

Explicit language.

General Chaos photo credit: À l’affiche Montréal

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

Dee Hernandez joins The Radical Fabulatorium to talk about her upcoming album Deshecha, her newest single “Used,” and the journey that brought her from Cuba to Canada through music.

We discuss Dee’s writing process, including how many of her songs begin with bass lines, rhythm, mood, and feeling before lyrics or chords take shape. Dee also talks about writing in both English and Spanish, and how each song’s language is connected to the experience, dream, or memory that inspired it.

We get into the stories behind songs like “Used,” “Danzón,” “Odumile,” and “16,” as well as Dee’s work with producer El Tata, musical director John Bailey, and the musicians helping bring her Afro-Cuban, jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and Latin influences together.

Dee also speaks openly about coming to Canada as a teenager, reconnecting with Cuban musical traditions, journaling, dreams, motherhood, community, the importance of artistic confidence, and learning to make music that is fully and honestly her own.

Dee’s upcoming album Deshecha is on the way, and her music is available now on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.

Check out Dee’s music and tour dates here:
https://www.deehernandezmusic.com/

Dee Hernandez photo credit: Terry Winchester

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

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