INTERVIEW: CONNOR LOVAT-FRASER OF BOYS NIGHT OUT

BNO BRING THEIR TRAIN WRECK ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO KINGSTON, ONT NOVEMBER 13TH

Connor Lovat-Fraser of Boys Night Out

10/16/2025 #fannablog #boysnightout

Written by Ben Rispin

I've known Connor Lovat-Fraser now for most of my life. I can't remember exactly when we met, but I can remember being jealous of his bands since the mid 90s. We were about the same age and both active in Ontario's 905 scene. 

The 905 Scene was what we called the indie, punk, and hardcore area music community based out of Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, and Mississuaga. Basically everything west of Toronto and East of Hamilton. The first band of his I can remember was a band called Gym Class Joke (GCJ). They had a cassette that had art work spoofing GI JOE and I remember hating them for how much I wanted that to be my band.  

GCJ just stormed onto the scene like a force. Everyone in the 905 seemed to love this guy and I wanted that shit so bad I could taste it. 

GYM CLASS JOKE 

I later met Connor in person and understood why everyone loved and supported everything he did. My jealousy shifted to admiration and I found his presence intoxicating. He was smart, cool, funny, an amazing musician, a multi instrumentalist, and thoughtful. I was shocked to learn he knew about my bands too. There was no doubt, he was different. Special. 

A few years and bands later, Connor and a few other dudes from the 905 scene started something called Boys Night Out. It took our city by storm. It was the next generation of "screamo", which if you don't know, was born out of the 905 scene with bands like Grade and New Day Rising. 

At first, Boys Night Out simultaneously presented with bravado and sensitivity. Their lyrics drew from horror, comedy and indie films similar to the Misfits, if the Misfits were film and art nerds not B-horror fanatics. The way they chose to reference art, and manipulate it into deep expression was something new. In a time when it was hard to talk about feelings, they figured out a loop hole, and it almost seemed like they resented themselves for figuring it out. 

Boys Night Out grew to become the stuff of legend. Many turbulent ups and downs came BNO's way, but on the surface, they never seemed to lose their sense of self, or sense of humour. Many line up and life changes resulted in the band going on hiatus in 2008. 

A few years ago, after a devastating family tragedy, that I don't feel comfortable discussing here, in true Connor fashion, Connor turned a nightmare into something positive and decided that life was too short not to do what loved. Thus, revitalizing Boys Night Out. 

TICKETS FOR BNO IN KINGSTON AVAILABLE HERE OR BY CLICKING THE POSTER BELOW

BIO: BOYS NIGHT OUT

Boys Night Out formed in 2001 in Burlington, Ontario as a collaborative effort between guitarist Jeff Davis and vocalist Connor Lovat-Fraser. Known for their powerful mix of raw emotion and dynamic musicianship, they rose to prominence with their energetic live performances and landmark releases like Make Yourself Sick (2003) and the critically acclaimed concept album Trainwreck (2005), earning a JUNO Award nomination for “New Group of the Year” in 2005.

Following a decade-long hiatus beginning in 2008, the band reunited in 2024 for a celebrated performance at Furnace Fest in Birmingham, Alabama, reigniting their bond with longtime fans while attracting a new generation of listeners. Now revitalized with a fresh lineup – Connor Lovat-Fraser (vocals), Scott Komer (bass/production), Matt McCausland (drums), Joe Baldasio (guitar), and Andrew Falcao (guitar) – Boys Night Out are embracing both their legacy and their future with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. 

LISTEN TO BOYS NIGHT OUT

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH CONNOR LOVAT-FRASER OF BOYS NIGHT OUT

WHEN AND WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF MUSIC FORM? 

Music felt like a constant presence when I was growing up. My folks would have music playing in the house, and it would play in the car on every drive. Grandparents and extended family owned acoustic guitars, pianos, organs and other instruments which would fascinate me and occupy my time and attention during visits. 

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO? 

I went to local shows at church basements and community centres in Southern Ontario (Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton) in the mid/late 90s. I think the first show was at St. Mary’s in Burlington. Goo Hammer likely played, possibly Helen’s Basement, Sister Sloth. Maybe Trunk mixed in there? It’s all a blur!

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

My first full-blown concert experience was seeing Beastie Boys with Hurricane at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1995. Bad Brains was supposed to play, but there was an issue crossing the border into Canada. 

WHAT WAS YOUR WORST SHOW OR FUNNIEST SHOW MEMORY? 

Worst show memories or funniest show memories are tough to quantify. Having a promoter scam you, or nobody show up always sucks…but it’s manageable. For me, some of my favourite show memories come from when I was playing drums for Gym Class Joke. We would do things simply to make ourselves laugh…with no regard for how disgusted or annoyed anyone else would be. One such incident involved us forcing ourselves to vomit as soon as we finished our set. When the last note was hit we ran to the front of the stage, threw down some cardboard and jammed our fingers down our own throats until the bile and bits spewed forth. Hilarious, right? Oh…no??? Not hilarious? Your reaction matches that of the audience at that particular time.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BAND? 

Having Boys Night Out back in my life over the past year has been incredible. I had missed it so much. I owe Scotty Komer, Matt McCausland, Joe Baldasio and Andrew Falcao unlimited love and respect for life. Once we finish up the Trainwreck 20th Anniversary Tour in Toronto on November 15th (also Scotty’s birthday!) we will focus on finishing up the new album. Releasing 100% Ghosts - BNOs first new music in almost 9 years - was a remarkable feeling, but a full collection of new music wil be absolutely wild!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

BEN RISPIN

Ben Rispin is a critically acclaimed musician, producer, writer, podcast host and co-founder of Fannatickets.  Ben has been featured in several publications including High Times, Forbes, Exclaim Mag and many more. He has been nominated for several fancy awards but rarely wins. Visit him on instagram @benrispin