Jen from the Simple Plan Space magazine recently had the opportunity to interview Phil Jolicoeur from Reset about the recent Reset reunion with its original band members – including Chuck Comeau, Pierre Bouvier and David Desrosiers. The interview is featured in the August issue of the fan webzine but thanks to Jen’s permission, you can also check it out below and read more about Reset’s beginnings and some funny stories that Phil shared in the interview:
What made you decide to become a musician?
When I was a young boy, I always wanted to be either a musician or a pro athlete. Music and sports have always been very important in my life. I bought my first electric guitar at Steve’s Music Store in Montreal when I was twelve years old. I knew from that moment that this instrument would change my life forever. Now that I’m also a martial arts teacher, I’m happy with both worlds.You were part of the original Roach band, and in the Simple Plan book named as a childhood friend of Chuck’s.
Yes, I was part of ROACH with Chuck, Pierre and J-S. We changed our name to RESET because another canadian band also named Roach asked us to do so.The first time you were asked to join Roach for their performance supporting Face To Face is this correct?
That is correct ! My first show with Roach was in 1995, when we opened for Face to face. The show was scheduled at the Foufounes Électrique but it was moved to the Montreal Spectrum, an even bigger place.Any funny memories that you can share with us?
There’s always a million funny situations that happens especially when on tour. One funny moment on tour that I can share with you was with MXPX in Calgary (1997). In our hotel room, Chuck was coming out of the shower wearing only a towel around his waist. Our friend and ¨roadie¨ Chris Beaulne grabed the towel, spanked him with it and locked him outside the hotel room. Chuck was running around naked in the lobby and corridors for a good 15 minutes!Did you have a feeling that your successful music career had began way back then or did you just do it for fun?
I believe every serious artist wants to be recognized, that is why discipline is important but fun is also a very important part of the equation. When we first started playing music together as a band, yes it was important to have fun but we still had to be serious enough to record quality albums and play good live shows. It still is today. It’s important to have fun & I think it’s especialy important to be able to laught at yourself once in a while! Just like any professional athlete, if you’re not having fun in your specialty, you won’t perform at your best. Same with musicians.What was the original name of Reset, some people say Roach and some say Stone Garden, what is the true story behind the name?
Stone Garden was a musical project Chuck & Pierre did before ROACH. It was also a different style of music. ROACH was punk oriented and directly influenced the sound of RESET.You have done a few reunions now with the original band members of Reset, how does this feel for you as the head of the band in its current form?
The Rockfest is the second RESET reunion with the original members. The first reunion was in 2009 at the Metropolis in Montréal. It’s always fun to play with the guys that started with me this band twenty years ago now.How do the current members of Reset feel about the reunion show?
The actual members of RESET share the same feeling. Everyone would love to be on stage everynight and play every possible show. But they understand that twenty years ago, when RESET was formed, they were not part of this historical moment. One thing you can’t change is history. But you can always work on the future.JS has not continued with music as his career, were you in contact with him with the possibility of playing or attending the festival?
Yes, J-S Boileau confirmed to me that he would play the reunion show at the Rockfest. He unfortunately had to cancel because his wife was expecting the couple’s first child during the same period of time. David Desrosiers filled in and did a wonderful job.How much time goes into rehearsing for a reunion show such as this? Any difficulties with schedules clashing?
For both RESET reunion shows we had only two practices. Of course, I still play most of these songs on a regular basis. Everyone still had to listened to the previous albums and practice musical parts before coming in to rehearsal. We scheduled two practices, two days right before the reunion because some of the musicians lives in the US.What was your fav song to perform live at this festival?
I love to play United we stand tall or Concern both because of the strong political content but also because these are fast and technical songs to play on the guitar and they’re fun to sing.What was the highlight of the festival for you?
Many highlights for me during the Rockfest.
José Theodore being there and saying very flattering compliments about my guitar playing is one of them. There was Megadeth and legendary Dave Mustaine who was technically opening for RESET. Also I have to mention the reaction of our fans bodysurfing and singing during our performance. That was magical.Did you catch many of the other great acts that performed?
Oh yeah ! I stayed the whole weekend in Montebello to see all these amazing bands perform. Billy Talent, Weezer, Lagwagon, NOFX, Strungout and the list goes on…What does the future hold for the current line up of Reset? You have a new single coming out? Any tours?
RESET released in Febuary our 5th studio album THE ANTIDOTE. My Favorite Enemy is the first single. Shows will be announced on www.resetmusic.ca our fans can also purchase our new album directly on our website.