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Experimental Toronto Pop/Rock Group, Parade, Share a Mental Health Distress Call on “Do You Know Where Your Friends Are Right Now?” from New LP

June 14, 2024
William Brookson
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Parade is an experimental pop-rock trio based out of Toronto, Ontario and featuring Stefan Hegerat (drums, compositions), Chris Pruden (synthesizers) and Laura Swankey (voice, electronics). Drawing on their diverse backgrounds in jazz, classical, and electronic music, the trio pushes the boundaries of genre and form by blurring the lines between improvisation and composition to create unique and immersive sonic landscapes.

“Do You Know Where Your Friends Are Right Now?” was inspired by the social media fueled mental health crisis. It has been extremely distressing, for Stefan’s work as a music educator, to see how badly young people are struggling with anxiety and depression and he feels that there is a responsibility as an artist to advocate for solutions.

Their LP, Lullabies After Storms and Floods, was largely inspired by Stefan’s work as a grassroots organizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The compositional content of the album provides both a critique of the institutions and systems which threaten our very existence, and utopian imaginings of a healing world. The hope behind Parade is that the music dwells on all we have to celebrate, while acknowledging all we have to mourn.

“I take a community based approach to music making and my focus with Parade is to exist in and create spaces that foster collaboration while working alongside other artists to drive positive social change,” explains Stefan. “I find it impossible to separate my music from my life as an activist and so a lot of Parade’s music directly confronts issues of climate and racial justice.”

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
A lot of the compositions have jumping off points for improvisation and it’s always the most exciting to try to weave those sections into the fabric of the song as a group. Jean Martin and I had a ton of fun in post choosing from those improvised moments and building vibes.
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Not to be too precious about the art. Make the music, release the music, move on to the next project. It’s easy to stifle your growth by building up expectations or trying to make something “perfect”.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
Prince! That seems unlikely though so….St.Vincent during her “Strange Mercy” tour!
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
When we’re masquerading as an indie rock outfit it’s definitely the improvising. This is especially true in our live shows when there are moments where we quite literally have no idea what’s going to happen next.
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
I’ve been having a tough go in my relationships,and I usually turn to the poppiest music in those moments, so I’ve been crushing “These Walls” by Dua Lipa on repeat….and crying.

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