Canadian artist Ballsy (aka Isabelle Banos) has recently released her latest single, “Joe Millionaire.” It’s a gritty anthem about climate change, inspired by the sounds of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Runaways, and written, recorded, produced and mixed entirely by fem and queer musicians. We caught up with Ballsy to chat about the song, what made her want to become a musician, and her deserted island albums.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Joe Millionaire”.
Ballsy: I went away on a songwriting retreat with my band back in December. I packed up a mobile studio with some of my favourite instruments. After a couple days of writing sweet, nostalgic tracks, day 3 started with a bandmate (Corey Gulkin) suggesting we write something more aggressive – which they immediately followed with an improvised guitar riff blaring with crunchy distortion. The song almost turned into a full on rock opera until we reeled it back in to more of relatable pop structure. The vocal melodies we mumbled out felt urgent and anthemic. The most urgent thing I want to yell about on a daily basis is the climate emergency and suddenly it all clicked. I wanted this song to be a cheeky anthem for anyone who feels like all hope is lost, we’re fucked, and there’s no future. That just isn’t true! Amazing innovations and big wins are happening behind the terrifying click-bait headlines. We have to keep hope, we have to keep fighting, we have to keep showing up for our planet and the communities most affected by the actions of capitalist greed. We can do this!
From The Strait: What first made you want to be a musician? Was it a song, an artist, or just an undeniable pull to make music?
Ballsy: Since a very young age I’ve always felt an undeniable pull to make music. One day, when I was about 12 or so, I discovered my dad’s dusty old classical guitar in the basement. I was always kind of a loner and happy to entertain myself, and playing guitar quickly became the perfect tool. I taught myself how to play some melodies of some famous songs, which turned into figuring out some chords, which turned into my dad realizing this might be something worth it for me to explore seriously, and so enrolled me in private guitar lessons. As my skills evolved so did my taste in music. I started to lean away from pop radio and dive more into guitar driven music like punk, emo and indie rock. Over the years I was gifted an electric guitar, an amp, a microphone and stand, until I basically had a little performance setup in my teenage bedroom. I’d race home from school everyday to perform covers to my wall. I soon started experimenting writing my own chord progressions, vocal melodies and lyrics – and then I couldn’t do anything else, I loved it! I eventually found some community and fellow musicians after high school where I joined bands and performed with likeminded folks. I started going on small tours and connecting with people outside my local community. I became addicted, and I still am. Sometimes, when this industry gets hard, I think about shifting gears, like what other career path could I explore? But as much as I try there’s nothing else I can do and still feel like I’m living my own life. I don’t make music because I want to, I do it because I have to. …but I also want to, so bonus!
From The Strait: What’s one album (or artist) you can’t get enough of right now?
Ballsy: Fellow Montrealers NOBRO just released their new record “Set Your Pussy Free” and it’s such a good time. Highly recommend for a group scream along or solo rage fest.
From The Strait: What’s your favourite – and least favourite – thing about being a musician?
Ballsy: My favourite thing is definitely connecting with fans. Getting to meet new people from all over the world, either online or at shows, is so meaningful and the whole reason behind this project. If I can help anyone along the way heal from a painful experience, or celebrate a big win, or even just laugh for a second then all the struggle behind the scenes is so worth it. My least favourite part about being a musician is leaving my dog Bruce when I go away on tour. One day I’ll get a van (and budget) big enough for him to come along on the adventures!
From The Strait: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 albums would you hope to have with you?
Ballsy: Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours” (so I can feel the feelings)
My Chemical Romance – “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge”(so I can REALLY feel the feelings)
Alvvays – “Antisocialites” (‘cause it feels like home)
ABBA – “Gold” (for the solo dance parties)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever to Tell (just because)
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Check out “Joe Millionaire”, the latest single from Ballsy!
Follow Ballsy on Facebook & Instagram
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 has recently released her latest single, "Joe Millionaire." It's a gritty anthem about climate change, inspired by the sounds of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Runaways, and written, recorded, produced and mixed entirely by fem and queer musicians. We caught up with Ballsy to chat about the song, what made her want to become a musician, and her deserted island albums.){kind=link}