Premiere: “Stories” by Crasher Featuring Slash Need
Crasher. Photo credit: Zoé Jacole.
Montreal electro-punk trio Crasher thrive on chaos. Born out of a jam space called Odditi Populaire—a warehouse that became a hub for artists before being demolished—the band’s music channels the grit of underground raves and the intimacy of DIY shows. Ahead of their sophomore album Odditi Populaire (out November 7 via Mothland), Crasher are sharing their pulsing new single “Stories” featuring Dusty of Slash Need, a restless, psychedelic collision of punk’s finest. We caught up with frontperson Airick Asher Woodhead (ex-Doldrums) to talk about the band’s beginnings, the energy of Montreal’s late-night scene, and why peeling a potato on mushrooms feels about right for their sound.
REVERIE: Can you tell us a bit about how the band first came together?
Airick Asher Woodhead: I met Tyrin and Kai when I was still playing in my last project Doldrums, and was looking for people to share the jam space with and they had their own sick project together. Then when COVID hit everyone was 'bubbling' so we were like well we're already sharing a space lets jam together!!! Our first shows were just in the jam space for a few people, then as soon as the curfew was lifted (in Montreal there was even a ban on dancing during COVID) we started doing shows opening for Holy Fuck! and playing festivals like Hollowfest and DISTORSION fest.
REVERIE: What inspired the name 'Odditi Populaire' and what does it represent for the band?
Airick Asher Woodhead: Soooo, Odditi Populaire is like the name of that aforementioned jam space. It was in this labyrinthian warehouse - one of the last cheap spaces artists could rent and do whatever they want in - I met many of my good friends there, visual artists and other musicians. We had bands come play parties there like Belly Hatcher, Slash Need, Lee Paradise, Laura Krieg and Moon King DJing. Last year we all got kicked out so that they could demolish the space and build a condo. boo! So naming the album that is like a tribute to the space and the freedom, creativity and community it offered.
REVERIE: You’ve been compared to artists like TR/ST and The KVB, but who do you feel like kindred spirits with musically or aesthetically?
Airick Asher Woodhead: Honestly I don't know the KVB? TR/ST makes sense… I used to do shows opening for them and Crystal Castles in my old project which was amazing, lots of really young people and well, lots of drugs, but honestly I think there is something not as 'cool' about my songs. They are a bit more earnest, heart on sleeve. The idea for Crasher is to take some of my sad songs and crank up the tempo and volume so that they are these melodic floating melodies over really fast beats.
REVERIE: “Stories” has such a pulsing, restless energy. If the song were paired with an experience, like a setting, a drink, or a time of night, what would it be?
Airick Asher Woodhead: Peeling a potato with your fingernails on mushrooms. Looking in the mirror and being like, why the fuck am I me? Laughing and accepting yourself, too.
Dusty of Slash Need. Photo credit: Maya Fuhr.
REVERIE: What’s the story behind teaming up with Dusty from Slash Need on this track?
Airick Asher Woodhead: Yeah Dusty came to the space around 2023 to work on a track together. I had 'Stories' mostly figured out - it was actually one of our first songs. But it had this like totally different energy before, kind of a samba beat. Dusty brought the song back to life and we re-wrote the verses and recorded it all in one session. They brought a lot of energy and creativity and Slash Need is such a sick band.
REVERIE: Crasher is known for your live shows. How do you want people to feel walking out of a Crasher gig?
Yeah people have been really positive about our shows which is so nice! Idk, you can feel whatever you want. If there is some release of anger or sadness underneath the fun that helps you out in some way I guess maybe that's the point for me, personally. If you just need a work-out and to dance a little that's great too. Idk, come find out!
