Malcolm Biddle is one busy dude. When the former member of Sun Wizard and Capitol 6 isn’t fronting psychedelic synth-lizards Dada Plan, he’s performing solo under the moniker Malcolm Jack. Using looped synths and drum machines, he creates spacey folk-scapes rife with undeniably catchy melodies and darkness.
This Saturday (April 23) Biddle will be sharing the stage at the Anza Club with Frog Eyes, Weird Candle, the Backhomes, and Experience This for Discorder Magazine’s annual fundraiser show. (Advance tickets are $15 online)
Westender caught up with Mr. Biddle/Jack to talk to him about Brian Wilson and the enduring allure of the McDonald's ball pit.
Who are you? Big Malcolm Jack, vocalist for Dada Plan and solo performer.
Where are you from? Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia.
How do you describe your sound? With big words that people tune out and nod their heads to.
Who are your major musical influences? Ishmael Butler and Ray Davies.
Favourite sandwich? Nat’s Pizza’s Cold Chicken Deluxe, that’s the jam.
Best live music performance you’ve ever seen? Years ago I was in Calgary with Sun Wizard for Sled Island and we met the guys from Brian Wilson’s band. They hooked us up with tickets for the show and we hung with them backstage afterwards. That was some magic.
Closest you’ve ever come to death? Birth, baby.
Finish this sentence: When I’m not writing and playing music, I spend my time… Dancing to the echoes of karma.
First album you ever bought? KLF’s The White Room on cassette.
What is your spirit animal and why? Dr. John. Because I’m wise to the Zulu parade and the golden blade, the sun up to sun down second liners who dig Fat Tuesday more than anybody and that’s plenty.
What was the name of the first band you ever played in? Morange. I was 12. Shouts out to Geoff Way and the OG freak-boy Satish Williamson!
What is one place you will never play again, and why? The McDonald's ball pit. The times they are a changin’.
Super secret fact about you that (almost) no one knows? I dig the Tragically Hip. What?
What was the best crowd you ever played for, and why? ArtsWells last summer with Dada Plan. The vibe there is very pleasant, they truly ingest your presence. Make the pilgrimage!
