1. Who are you?

I am James Gilbert and I am a third-year Queen’s student
and musician.

2. What do you do?

I spend most of my time writing music, listening to other people’s music and trying to play as much as possible. I’m putting together a band with Sam Edwards and Devin Clancy. Playing. Having fun.

3. Does this band have a name?

Our name was going to be the Sam Edwards experience ft. Beatmaster D—we’re not sure yet. Maybe the 10 o’clock people, named after a Stephen King
short story.

4. Your music sounds like?

It’s basic rock and roll. Stuff that generates energy. Stuff that people are interested in moving to. We want to revive the sense that live music can make people feel energetic and feel included.

5. Why should anyone care?

They shouldn’t. But I really
think music is interesting nowadays with the top 40’s domination, it’s good to get back to the basic rock roots. Music isn’t exclusive, everyone can be a part of it, and enjoy it. That’s important.

6. Have you been in other bands?

Yes. The Fishwives, a
Toronto-based Beaches band that won the Battle of the Bands. We split up to go to respective universities. Me and Caleb Mitchell [drummer from the Fishwives] performed together at Queen’s as the Brothers Molotov.

7. If you could kill anyone in history, who would it be?

I would avoid killing if I could. But if I had to, it would probably be the Bee Gees—that’s three people.

8. Dream collaboration?

I heard a rumor this year about Jack White and Jay-Z working together. If it’s true …

9. Where would people have seen you before on campus?

On the street. I spend a lot of time writing in the Queen’s Centre. Clark Hall, Grad Club, Common Ground and the Mansion. Anywhere you can perform really.

10. What comes to mind when you think of Kingston?

Prisons, and a lot of trees that are trying to live but can’t because it’s too cold. There’s a big university in the middle of it.

11. What’s your favourite planet?

Neptune. It’s got a great name.

12. What’s the best song you’ve ever written?

None of them are very good.

13. What’s the most fun show you’ve ever played?

Every show can be fun if you don’t worry about it too much.

14. Why are you the right man for the job?

Because I will play anywhere, anytime, for free.