FIVE QUESTIONS WITH THE 49TH PARALLEL'S VICTOR WIERCIOCH

Posted By Ben Rispin (@benrispin) 06/17/2024

Victor Wiercioch has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the most creative people in the 905 music scene. From fronting The 49th Parallel and Okayswimmer, to writing and producing award winning online skits, to directing some of the most creative music videos coming out of Ontario, its obvious why his bands and projects are gaining so much momentum. 

The 49th Parallel is a perfect example of a musical project that is firing on all cylinders. A heavy, tight assault on the senses that invokes the spirit of their influences, while maintaining a sound of their own. 

If you're in the Hamilton area on July 26th, don't miss their headlining set at Koi in Hess Village. 

BIO:

The 49th Parallel is a melodic hardcore / metalcore band formed in 2014 in Burlington, Ontario. They pride themselves in their ability to turn cartoons, memes, and stress into loud noises.

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC FORM? 

We all grew up in Burlington at a time when heavy music was taking shape right before our eyes. In our high school years we’d often get on our bikes, smoke some really shitty weed, and catch a local band tearing it up at an all ages venue. I think that’s when music became so much more than just pirated mislabeled songs to put on MP3 players. 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO? 

It’s hard to say what our first concerts were, but I’d probably double down on going to local shows around our hometown. Adding to that, we were lucky to grow up so close to a bunch of free music festivals. Sound Of Music and Youthfest hosted some absolute heavy hitters in the old days.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST “BIG SHOW”? OR YOUR FIRST SHOW EVER? 

Our first show was at a place called 24/7 in Burlington. The 49th Parallel was a mix of members from Glory Prevails and I Shot Captain Morgan, who would often play together at 24/7, so it was a fitting first show for us. The fact that this was 10+ years ago is leading me into an existential crisis. 

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST SHOW OR FUNNIEST SHOW MEMORY?  

We’ve never really had a “worst show”. Sure, there are times where we’re in our feels or we end up only playing to the other bands on the bill, but at the end of the day it’s crazy to expect anything more. We write breakdowns and yell about ghosts for our own enjoyment and are lucky to have a chance to play for anyone! 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BAND? 

We are in the process of releasing a new single called “Optimist” which is the musical companion to our recent single “Pessimist”. We’ve decided to ignore common sense and to keep making loud noises as well as ruining group chats with low grade memes. 

PHOTO CREDITS:  https://www.instagram.com/shot.by.demon/

BUY TICKETS FOR 49TH PARALLEL AT KOI BELOW

PLEASE SHARE THIS STORY

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE