Music Interview: Windows ’78 blast off

By Darren Young

In case modern progressive rock has lost its ability to satisfy your inner geek­–and the only way to fight exam time depression is to feed the nerd–maybe it’s time for you to succumb to the awesome powers of space rock and welcome Windows ’78 into your life. The band’s latest album, The Window Seat, is an extremely mellow disc with lyrics discussing robots, technology, and a little bit of psychology.

“There’s a number of different elements going on [in the album],” explains Nathanson, the band’s drummer. “There’s the space rock element and the element of technology. There are also some songs that touch on interpersonal relationships–songs about human interaction, or sometimes the lack thereof. The concept, while it is specific to technology and space, has some other elements that get worked in there.”

Nathanson understands the connection existing between humans and technology. He sees the influence of technology on the songs as inevitable.

“Because our lives are so entwined now with modern technology, it is so hard not to be influenced by it,” says Nathanson. “In the writing of the songs we couldn’t help but have that influence, because we deal with technology every day.”

Besides the conceptual influence of technology upon Windows ’78, the band took advantage of technology in production while recording The Window Seat with engineer Caleb Stull, a member of the band Parlour Steps. Nathanson fondly recounts his experiences with Stull in the studio.

“Caleb is a terrific engineer with great ears,” he says proudly. “Some of the things that he heard we did not. [His ideas] flushed out the sound in a really positive way. I can say unequivocally I’ve waited 15 years for an engineer to make my drums sing the way that they do on this record.”

Nathanson does not mind giving publicity to Stull. In fact, he believes strongly in advocating for other artists and workers in the industry.

“A lot of bands don’t like to promote other bands,” claims Nathanson. “We have no problem with that. We all have a common goal of entertaining people, and at the same time entertaining and working with each other.”

In addition to singing the praises of his peers from Calgary, Nathanson also discloses his love for one of Canada’s most beloved rock acts.

“Personally, I’m a fan of Rush,” he admits, admiring the group for their ability to work together and keep up to date with their music. “Lots of people like to put them down, but those guys are so hip to what’s going on musically.”

Admittedly, Windows ’78 doesn’t sound anything like Rush, but if your Rush-loving, Canadian inner geek is begging to be set free, then space rock may be your wave of the future.