connections/disconnections with casey mecija

Back in 2006 I was still attempting to assimilate. I had no concept of identity politics except to mean that conversations about race made me uncomfortable because it was a sort of acknowledgement that I wasn’t white or privileged. It’s funny to think that as a fat brown woman, I would be able to hide that I was, in fact, not white—still, I tried. I spent most of my time with other graphic designers who were also super into music; I read a lot of Pitchfork and went to a lot of “indie rock shows”. One such outing including seeing Destroyer in Edmonton. Ohbijou opened the show and despite all I repressed, the impact of seeing a woman of colour lead a group of musicians was a big deal.

The person up front was Casey Mecija. Ohbijou wrapped up 8 years of making music together this past September. Prior to their farewell show, Casey posted a note on Ohbijou’s tumblr to discuss the hiatus and express some of the frustration around Canada’s multicultural ideals.

Lucky for us, Casey continues to make music with Warm Myth and has recently released a short film, My Father, Francis. I was able to catch the film during the Reel Asian Festival where Casey won the Women in Film and Television Award. The film is a beautiful tribute to the often ignored creativity of immigrant parents and how their acceptance can look different than what we are typically shown. Make sure you keep an eye out for screenings.

I got to spend a lovely afternoon with Casey and handsome Appleby. She also took the time to answer some questions for us. Thank you, Casey!

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In the letter posted on tumblr regarding the Ohbijou hiatus, you mentioned getting labeled a multicultural band at times based on the fact that the band wasn’t all white dudes and included women of colour. I’m curious though if there are Filipino influences in the music you make.

My Fillipino-ness has undoubtedly influenced my music practice. The ways in which my parents raised me: how they narratavized their lives growing up in the Philippines, the food we eat, the joyous and expressiveness in my mother’s voice when speaking tagalong…all of these experiences have created an archive of psychic materials from which my artistic practice flows.

My parents are immigrants too and through that experience, I didn’t allow myself to follow creative paths directly for a long time. My mother never asked for any of that but I watched her work so hard that I wasn’t able to justify anything that wouldn’t guarantee a job/mainstream profession. How did your parents react to your music career?

Music always been a part of my life. My parents enrolled my sisters and I in piano lessons and voice lessons.

I think it was their way of introducing us to a creative outlet that required a regimen of practice; we were only as good as the amount of work we put into it. My mother really enjoyed watching us perform in music recitals. She always knew we were more artistically inclined and I don’t think my pursuit of music was surprising. They moved to Canada with the hopes of creating opportunities for their children and I have been incredibly lucky to have their support in anything I choose to pursue.

From the same letter you mention not giving up just yet on making music in Canada as a “racialized person”. Your current film project addresses race and heritage directly. Can you tell us about your film and how it came to be?

My Father, Francis is a film about my father and who works at a beer-brewing factory as a mechanical engineer. In his spare time at work he has been designing and building household items from discarded materials that he’s found in the factory. These objects have always been a part of my life. For me, these objects have come to symbolize my father’s abiding devotion to his family. I have always wanted to collaborate artistically with him and this project offered me the opportunity to do that. I also wanted to create space for us to spend time together. I wanted us to become closer and I wanted him to know how much he has inspired me.

Thematically, I wanted the video to be a comment on labour, diaspora (specifically, Filipino), art that is not defined as such, the connections/disconnections that fathers have with their queer daughters.

I was super into girls in bands in the 90s. Nothing too hardcore though, just what they played on Muchmusic (Hole, Veruca Salt). I even convinced my family to buy me a guitar when I was 15. Although I can’t blame growing up in Edmonton for never doing anything musically, I rarely saw women play music, let alone women of colour. I saw Ohbijou play some 10 years later and it was a pleasant surprise to see you up there. Was there anyone that inspired you and motivated you to take on these roles so rarely occupied by people of colour? 

I grew up in Brantford, Ontario. The city is predominantly white and I was influenced musically by mostly white artists. When I began playing music I didn’t think much of what it meant to be a racialized performer in a largely white industry. When I moved to Toronto, when I began to tour across Canada and internationally I grew into an understanding of the importance of my role as a musician.

As a front person, I was often greeted by so many warm words from racialized audience members about how meaningful it was to see me on stage.

To some it was relieving to experience a band different from the usual configuration (white/male) of Canadian “indie” bands.

Did you have memorable style phases as a kid or teen?

If by memorable you mean embarrassing then yes…for a time I went with a rather “bohemian” wardrobe. That’s all that I will really describe from that time in my life. I don’t know what I was thinking.

Who are your style influences these days?

My biggest style influence would have to be my girlfriend Hannah. She is always introducing me to new designers and aesthetics. I consider her to be incredibly stylish in what she chooses to wear.

We got to meet your handsome pup. What are your favourite things about him/dog ownership?

Appleby is one of my truest loves; my north star. He is a trusted companion who is gentle and loving. He is quiet and clumsy. I love taking him for walks around the city.

Casey will be performing at #PROJECTLIFTPH : A #Haiyan #YolandaPH Relief Fundraiser on December 4th. Visit the Kapisanan Centre site for more details on tickets and other ways to donate. 

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Words and pictures by Karen Campos Castillo