Pleased To Meet Me: Wasting Time
Wasting Time is a four piece melodic punk band from Toronto, Canada, influenced by genre greats like Alkaline Trio, No Use For a Name, MxPx, Blink-182, and Green Day.
introduce yourself… (Where are you from, what band do you play in etc.)
I’m Vlad from Toronto, and I play in Wasting Time. We’re a melodic punk band with roots in 90s/2000s skate punk, big hooks, and a lot of miles on the road. We’ve toured Japan twice, Korea once, and did a few Canadian tours. We’re signed to People of Punk Rock.
Why do you play music?
Because nothing hits the same way. Music has always been how I process things the highs, the lows, the weird in between moments. Playing keeps me grounded, and it’s the one thing that’s always felt right.
What was a major influence on you as an Artist/Band?
A mix of classic melodic punk, skate videos, and long drives listening to records front to back. Growing up, bands like Green Day, Strung Out, Alkaline Trio, No Use for a Name, MXPX, and Blink opened the door. Touring overseas and seeing how universal punk is really shaped us too.
What’s a favourite book or film?
Favourite movie I’d say True Romance. Favourite book … Billy Summers , The Catcher In The Rye or Devil In The White City.
Do you prefer the recording process or performing live?
I’d say both recording is really fun going through the creative process , live is amazing to see what hits and what doesn’t sometimes you’re surprised with the reaction.
What would be a dream collaboration?
Working with someone like Matt Skiba , Billie Joe, Jason Cruz song writing wise producer Kyle Black, Bill Stevenson really love the sound of there production.
Describe a favourite album.
Dookie It’s one of those records that feels timeless catchy, emotional, clean, and honest. A perfect example of melodic punk done right.
The album that started it all.
What’s your favourite local haunt?
Bovine Sex Club . It’s got history, great energy, and it’s basically become a second home for us with all the shows and hangs.
What’s your strangest experience while performing live?
Once during a show someone in the crowd took there fist and shoved the whole thing in there mouth while making eye contact with me . Lol
If I were pursuing anything other than music it would be…
Probably something in the world of sales mixed with creative work I’ve always had that bug for building things, connecting people, and running projects.
What are some of your favourite aspects of being a musician in Toronto?
The community. Toronto has pockets of scenes everywhere, and when you find your people it’s awesome . Plus the amount of venues, bands, and bigger acts rolling through keeps you inspired.
If you weren’t playing music in Toronto where would you be?
I would wanna be in California catching the rays, laying on the beach.
Going out for fish tacos.
Any sage advice for young musicians?
Write constantly, release often, tour whenever you can, and don’t wait for “perfect.” Say yes to opportunities, stay humble, stay curious, and treat every show like someone in the room is seeing you for the first time and always be nice .
The band is currently working on a new album, with their next single, “Ripped Blue Jeans,” dropping December 12. Catch them live as they join Econoline Crush on November 20.