It’s impossible to talk about Canadian new wave music without mentioning Platinum Blonde.
The band enjoyed huge success in the ‘80s with such hits as ‘Doesn’t Really Matter’ and ‘Crying Over You’, but hadn’t released new material as a band since the late ‘80s.
But fans shouldn’t put away the hairspray and eyeliner just yet, because the boys are back.
In 2008, vocalist/guitarist Mark Holmes said he began talking with bassist Kenny MacLean about touring and recording a new album. Holmes agreed, but under one condition – they could only tour with new music.
That year, Holmes joined MacLean on stage at the release party for his new solo record, and that same night, MacLean unfortunately passed away of a heart related problem.
Holmes said it took quite a while to come to terms with his friend and bandmate’s passing, but he decided to keep his promise to MacLean. In August 2012, the band released their first studio album as Platinum Blonde since 1987’s Contact called Now & Never.
This year, the band has been out on a world tour celebrating 30 years since the release of their first album, 1983’s Standing in the Dark. Holmes caught up with the Cochrane Eagle to answer a few questions.
Eagle: This tour is in celebration of 30 years since the release of your first album, Standing in the Dark. How has the tour been going so far and what have audience reactions been like?
Holmes: The reaction has been both surprise and delight, as we play tracks from Standing in the Dark that we’ve not played since the album was first released. It’s quite amazing how not just the original fans, but all the new ones as well, sing alone with every word. We thought that no one would really recognize certain selections from our set list, but our fans are quite aware of all the songs and not just the radio hits.
Eagle: How did it feel to be back on stage with Platinum Blonde again?
Holmes: To be back on stage with the band felt as if we’d just taken a few weeks leave and were continuing where we left off.
Eagle: Canadian electronic band Crystal Castles covered your song ‘Not in Love’ in 2012 with Robert Smith providing the vocals, and it was a huge hit. What did it feel like to know your song from 1984 was reaching a whole new generation?
Holmes: Since the release and success of the remake we have been rediscovered all over the world. We had always been popular with a younger audience in a cult status way, but we were now on the mainstream again. When we released the first single “Beautiful” from Now & Never we had one of our biggest hits to date.
Eagle: A lot of reviews of your latest album said that you manage to keep that classic Platinum Blonde sound, but it also has a very modern sound. How do you think you have managed to accomplish this?
Holmes: I’ve been a DJ, producer and remixer for many years now. Because of my work in the EDM (electronic dance music) world I remain just the right amount ahead of the musical curve and knew how to incorporate the classic sound with the new. The sound from our first record is very popular with the new indie bands of today.
Eagle: If you had any advice to offer up and coming bands, what would it be?
Holmes: There are many great musicians and writers out there, but only a precious few have their own sound. Find your own sound!
Eagle: What are the future plans for Platinum Blonde?
Holmes: We are presently recording a new album entitled The Sympathy Orchestra to be released in early 2015.
* Answers edited for length and clarity.
Platinum Blonde will perform Oct. 19 at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino. Visit stoneynakodaresort.com/platinumblonde for ticket information.
