Getting to Know: RM & The Honest Heart Collective
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet folk-infused rock n’ rollers, RM & The Honest Heart Collective, a band that would like to be famous enough to have a hot tub backstage. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: RM & The Honest Heart Collective
Band Members: Nic MacDonald (bass, vocals), Jay Savage (drums), Kevin Heerema (lead guitar), and Ryan MacDonald (vocals, guitar).
Years Active: 2013 – Present
City of Origin: Thunder Bay, ON.
Latest Release: “Honest Hearts” single.
Who are you and what do you do?
“My name’s Ryan. I sing and play guitar in RM & the Honest Heart Collective.”
In 20 words or less, how would you describe your band?
“Folk-infused rock n’ roll with a punk mentality.”
Why should people care about your band?
“People gravitate to great, hardworking bands. Bands who’ll put on an amazing live show at your favourite venue, but afterwards are just friendly, relatable people. I know I care about bands that care about me. We strive to be one of those bands.”
What is the most hilarious, frightening, or weird thing you have seen from the stage or while on the road?
“We played some dive bar in Saint John, NB, on our fall tour last year. Six people showed up and the bar owner got super hammered. During the local band’s set, the bar owner went on stage and started screwing with the settings on the bass amp. The bassist then proceeded to hoof the bar owner in the nuts. It was hilarious.”
If you become a band that eventually fills stadiums or arenas, what would be the most ridiculous thing you’d require backstage?
“A hot tub.”
Which band could your band defeat in a street fight? What methods would you use to ensure victory?
“5 Seconds of Summer, by force-feeding them American apparel underwear until they die.”
What is the most pretentious thing you’ve seen or heard from another musician/band? Did you love it or hate it?
“One time we opened up for a washed up rock star in our hometown. He wouldn’t come out of his bus because only 200 people showed up. He eventually slithered his way on stage and put on the worst show I’ve ever seen.”
How do you feel about smartphones lighting up concert venues instead of lighters?
“It’s fine by me as long as they’re not watching the entire show through it! I wish more concertgoers would live in the moment instead of trying to capture every second.”
If you had to be a tribute act for just one band, who would it be and why?
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. My brother and I saw them play in Ottawa and we were absolutely floored. They played for four hours; it was truly inspiring watching ‘The Boss’ have an audience of 18,000 people hanging on his every word. That’s the kind of artist I aspire to be.”
Is it better to burnout than to fade away? Please explain your answer.
“Burnout. People still talk about artists who’ve crashed & burned. Nobody talks about anyone who just slips out of existence.”
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