Music writers tend to pigeon-hole bands into an increasing number of obscure genres for expediency's sake, but it seems Canadian singer-songwriter Brooke Gallupe is tired of his band, Immaculate Machine, being lumped into the folk-rock category.
When asked if he agrees with the label commonly used to describe his music, Gallupe says: 'I am not looking to make it easy for reviewers to label us. Some people hear an acoustic guitar, even if it's way in the background of a recording, and immediately call the music folk. I would say that we have elements of folk in the lyrics, and we are pop insofar as we have distinct melodies that drive the songs. But mainly we are a rock band.'
Gallupe is going to have to work harder to shake the association. On their latest single Only Love for Your Car - from their fourth album High on Jackson Hill - Immaculate Machine come across as charming and folksy, and on the acclaimed Jarhand from 2007, even a bit country. But they also know how to rock, especially on stage, and have enjoyed raucous responses during their latest tour, which rolls through Hong Kong tomorrow.
Immaculate Machine's appreciation for subtlety and melody is perhaps a result of their decision to base themselves in Victoria, a relatively isolated city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Gallupe says the quiet environment of their hometown is a constant source of inspiration. 'For music business reasons, we should probably leave Victoria, but there is more to music than selling albums. We tried moving to Toronto one year, but we never did any practising or songwriting because we were too busy being drunk bohemians.'
Another advantage of coming from a small city is the familiarity among the people living there; most members of Immaculate Machine have been playing together since they were members of their school's rhythm and blues band, performing covers of Motown songs at hotel lobbies and tourist festivals.
'Our band teacher took it very seriously, to the point where he would get on stage and shout at you during a concert if you made a mistake. Kids cried during practice,' Gallupe says. 'It was a gruelling experience but I think everyone came out of it with a lot of musical discipline.
'When we started Immaculate Machine, we wanted to play every style we could, without regard for style or rules. I was also studying jazz guitar during high school. I started jamming with a few close friends from the rhythm and blues band and after a few years that eventually became Immaculate Machine.'