Jay Ferguson

The Exclaim! Questionnaire

BY None NonePublished Nov 17, 2016

Halifax (now Toronto) quartet Sloan have built their rep on the distinct sound of four different songwriters. Now releasing their sixth full-length, Pretty Together, the fab foursome check in.

Current fixations: Poses by Rufus Wainwright, History Of Christianity, Judy Garland made-for-TV bio, James Honeyman-Scott, Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel, Juxtaposed With U by SFA, ginger tea, growing tomatoes, Raymond Pettibon, Blind Date TV show.

Mind-altering work of art: Whatever the ants are working on in my backyard.

Most memorable or inspirational gig and why? Deluxe Boys, April 1986, dance at Halifax Grammar School. First gig. Realising what I wanted to do.

What has been your career high and low?
Low: Sloan breaking up.
High: Sloan gets back together.

What should everyone shut up about? Jefferson Airplane.

I would drop everything to play a benefit for: Food bank.

What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself? Indecisiveness.

What would make you kick someone out of your band and/or bed, and have you? Bed? Sleeping in late.

When I think of Canada I think: The genius of Martin Short, Cape Breton.

What is your vital daily ritual? Cutting a little bit of my hair.

How do you spoil yourself? Expensive paper towel for the kitchen.

What was your most memorable day job? Manual labour for a summer on the waterfront in Halifax because it reminds me of what I don't want to do.

If I wasn't playing music I would be: Praying that someone would let me do my own radio show.


What is your greatest fear? Bad graphic design.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? The ability to lower metabolism.

What makes you want to take it off and get it on? Cute bangs.

Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why? I'll let you know.

Strangest brush with celebrity: I'm standing in a coat check line next to Big Daddy Kane while someone mistakens me for Beck as I'm watching John Cale sit alone at a table tapping his fingers.

Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them? My long gone grandmother. Serving: Mashed potatoes and tea.

What does your mom wish you were doing instead? Gaining weight.


Illustration by Elaine Hsu

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