Steve Bays

Today’s new song courtesy of this punk… what a nightmare working with @benthewhale ps: note his guitar pick holding technique mid-wave. #protip 76! https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj9Z73_rGoG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Some deeper digging on @hothotheat #makeupthebreakdown courtesy of @exclaimdotca and @chippedhip. 🥂stoked! Link to the full piece is on my site /link in bio. #subpop #hothotheat #20thanniversary (at Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjmWiuwuiH6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Pro tip #58: ALWAYS have a cloud backup https://www.instagram.com/p/CilO9XCP5KW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The cool factor of cool kids is context specific. #independentkids #endofsummer #lakeboss #unicorn https://www.instagram.com/p/CiWTau6rD87/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Have you checked out the @dwitunes video yet? Directed by Andy from @bigkillfuture / #wearethecity shot mainly on DVcam - with help from a talented AF crew (waddup cayne and crew) - and shot primarily in my home and @_spacelab (aka the best/freakiest interior design store in Vancouver)! But mainly I just dig Dwight’s songs in general… so much so that we are making a Christmas song for @lightorgan together this weekend… https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch79dxhvFsU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Brea insisted I take this cuz i almost never do the me with the band shots. But a) I don’t mind cuz they’re such sweet fellas, and b) watching them slay Rogers arena..i can’t believe @thekillers were ever once just openers for @hothotheat - in Las Vegas of all places ha. 😳 It’s been good for the ol ego tho, to learn early on that I had to just let go of the randomness of the music biz and accept that there’s a million variables that affect you but are outside of your control. I decided to just be proud for my pals who have shot to the top, (and left me in the dust ha) - but also more importantly I can honestly say I’m much more proud of my pals who haven’t necessarily wound up achieving their initial dream, but have managed to find their happiness in the creative process, more than they do from the reward at the end of the rainbow. It’s much more reliable and plentiful on demand. Also proud of my pals who find the fun of the creativity in lesser praised thangs… like I dunno.. raising a kid, training a pet, problem solving with co workers, laying tile, plumbing, being a good listener to friends, being tidy, badminton, refinishing teak, etc etc… it’s all creativity if u learn to see it that way. And it’s an art if you find joy in the pursuit of quietly mastering something that for whatever reason seems to get you outta bed, even when no one’s watching. Call this post name dropping selfie-posting guilt compensation if you must haha.. but this sentiment is essentially my religion the last 20 years! https://www.instagram.com/p/ChqlohWrGE5-RT5fKowePxi1rQjQJFSuLtKU000/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Dog-sitting Constance (aka “Constants Craving”). We took her to her first Pride event and turns out she’s actually quite progressive. https://www.instagram.com/p/ChXsU2FJQWX9XF4zGVv3N7DBVpgcTwHvWm7Ukk0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

MC’ing a wedding this evening… anybody got any good bits/ jokes? https://www.instagram.com/p/CgqAJfmJMUn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Almost 15 years ago, @hothotheat opened for @nineinchnails and @toolmusic … but @billytalentband went on first, and although I’ve always thought they were killer, I never would have predicted I’d see them headlining arenas and killing it the way I did the other night (see photo 2). They were just as talented in 2007 but their recent success (@rivers_cuomo on their new song.. wtf!) just goes to show how much the world rewards consistency and hard work. No ego, just hours invested.. that’s the move.. play the long game. (Assuming there are early signs that you are on the right path to begin with.. eg. I’d never be a successful ballerina even if I never quit). So yeah .. new bands: make sure to value mutual respect and band morale above else so you never have to break up… cuz 20 years later you might be headlining the PNE forum. 🧨 https://www.instagram.com/p/CgPowrfvHCT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Major talent Cole George, or Coke George as autocorrect insists. Slaying the driest drum attic in Canada. @hotelmiramusic https://www.instagram.com/p/CgKyz9kPfJ_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Rock n’ Shoe 📸 @hurricanebrea https://www.instagram.com/p/CgIwpOer0S2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Charlie told me this producers POV photo was too “sensual” to post. I’m here to prove him wrong. https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEevTNO1DA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Having a cutie dog feels like living with a roommate who’s a local celebrity. Until you catch them dropping a massive dook on your neighbors lawn. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf7GNwKPa6_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Not sure where this researched list is from but thx for sending it to me Paul. The wild thing is it doesn’t even cover all of our pre hhh bands ha! Those were magical years. Much love to anyone who came to see any of our old bands. Every person there meant the world to us. (at Hot Heat - Disco Delirium) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfw6UvlvzJs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The sun was rising and brea had spent an hour cooking a meal for a mutual friend and I, only to drop hers on the floor. We had finished ours so she brought the wine to the crash site and enjoyed her meal just fine. Pro. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfsOmaIpWfi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Food good 🎷 https://www.instagram.com/p/CfqNjXCu_B5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Polite and uncomfortably accommodating to new festival /camping buddies. #laketownshakedown (at Laketown Ranch) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfnGdEGseMu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=