16mm

June 19, 2008

By John Lucas

When 16mm singer Matthew Moldowan announces, in “Darling Democrat”, “We’re taking romance back for fallen comrades” and follows that up with “I saw fire on the dance floor”, it seems a bit crass. It’s all well and good to use warfare as a metaphor for the mating game, but no one gets killed over a misunderstood I Saw You ad. Well, not usually. Still, the song’s musical strengths are considerable. A steady rhythmic pulse topped with gritty guitars and Moldowan’s delightfully affected vocals (imagine Jarvis Cocker channelling Bryan Ferry), the song sounds like something the Editors might come up with if they gave up their earnest pose long enough to embrace disco.

There’s not much else on this Dave “Rave” Ogilvie–produced EP, which is a taster for a forthcoming full-length—just a horn-augmented funk number (“Dropped”), a grandiose power ballad (“Weep”), and a seriously cheesy ’80s-style dance remix of “Darling Democrat”—but it’s an intriguing introduction.
- Georgia Straight

Written by Lia Karidas

Vancouver based band 16mm, seem to be on track towards a new face of pop music. The band came together to answer our interview questions. Read on to find out a little bit more about this great neo-pop ensemble.

The controlled, yet rebellious younger sibling of popular music, comes to us in the form of a 21st century alternative pop band named of 16mm.

This Vancouver ensemble is following in the footsteps of alternative pop artists of the past, creating a sound that works beyond the sugary melisma that is often associated with the genre.

The debut single, "Darling Democrat", is now available for purchase on iTunes. This song's unusual, almost eerie feel creates an infectious vibe, which legitimizes this new brand of pop. The follow-up, "Dropped" is heavily rhythmic and intoxicating.

While the sound itself connotes more of a reformation than a revolt from traditional pop sound, 16MM aims to re-create the effortlessly subversive sound of 80's pop reformers.

The band itself is comprised of Matthew Moldowan (vocals, keys), Jefferey Josiah Powell (bass, vocals), Louise Burns (keys, vocals), Paul Japanese (guitar, vocals), and Dominic Coletta (drums).

The group graciously got together to answer some questions for theMOVEMENTZ.com. Read on to get a sense of the band's inspirational waves, and also of their humorous and tongue-in-cheek outlook on the music industry.



What do you think separates 16MM from the crowd?

The security.


What types of themes/central ideas were you working with to create the album?

The upcoming album arose out of a demo we recorded in 2006, which included early versions of So Cliché and Darling Democrat. The latter song was mixed by Dave "Rave" Ogilvie, who we had been put in touch with by our manager, Jonathan. Working with Rave went so well, that when we were OK'd the funding from Universal to begin recording the upcoming album, it was only natural that we sought his services once more.

In 2007, we headed into the studio with him and began the process of writing and demoing new material. Out of these sessions came "Dropped", "SOS" and "Said So", as well as fleshed-out versions of "Libertine" and "Weep" (both of which we had been playing live). While numerous influences came into play over the recording, we wanted to keep things short and hooky.

Natural delays came into place regarding the release of the CD, and over that time we ended up writing and recording a new three and a half minute pop epic entitled, "Lula". In fact, we're writing to you from a studio in Vancouver where we are currently finishing up the final mix.

The plan now is to release the record as soon as possible.


The music video for "Darling Democrat" seems to attribute a political interpretation to the song. Could you talk a little bit about the song Darling Democrat and what you were trying to say with it?


The video was a ploy - there was no overt political message intended when the song was originally written. If anything, you might say the lyrics lean on Cold War imagery. Matthew, however, will tell you that the song is merely a string of convenient phonetics.



How do you feel about the music scene in Canada (opportunity/support wise), and the music scene on the west coast specifically?

I imagine it probably has a hard time keeping up with us. You probably should be asking the Canadian music scene what they think about us.


What is the best thing about making music?

Getting paid for it.



What do you hope people will gain from listening to your music?

The finer things in life - spiritual insight, clarity of mind, enlightenment, a newfound love and respect for all mankind.



Any advice for those trying to make it in the music industry?

Find out as quickly as possible whether you "got it". If you don't "got it" become an entertainment lawyer and get it all.


Any news/upcoming events we should know about?

Every Sunday, 3 of us break into an undisclosed elementary school playground and shoot hoops. If anyone is interested in joining us, please send an email to info@16mmband.com.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it We prefer playing with an even number of players.


Where would people go to purchase your album and/or listen to your songs?

Darling Democrat will be available on iTunes beginning the week of July 15th. The rest of the songs to follow shortly, TBA. - TheMovementz.com

Their style has been described as Brit Pop-Rock and with just the right amounts of wittiness and toe-tapping melodies, Vancouver’s 16mm sure produce some catchy tunes.iTunes, was released through Universal Music and they also recently played JunoFest.VIDEOfact and with such connections already, I was wondering what these two were still doing with day jobs.

The group was formed years ago and although they’ve had several line-up changes, Matthew Moldowan (vocals, keys) and Jefferey Josiah Powell (bass, vocals) are the mainstays. “It’s kind of like dating, you know within the first five minutes,” said Jeffrey about choosing their recent band mates.

Their self-titled album, that is currently available on

They produced a music video for the song SOS with the assistance of

“Once you disclose that you’re part of a serious endeavor outside of work you have to make sure you continue to be on top of your tasks,” said Jeffrey. “You don’t want to compromise people’s view of how you go about your business.”

Their humour is never lost on or off stage and I was delighted to hear a piece of “16mm trivia” that attributes all of their current ambition to an autographed photo of Henry Winkler as “The Fonz” that Matthew received when he was young.

“My most prized possession is an autograph from Fonzie that says: To Matt, the world is yours, stay as cool as you are.” Both Jeffrey and Matt joke that any success they make encounter can be directly attributed to Winkler who also told Matthew on the side, “you can be anything that you want to be”.

They’ve been playing shows and promoting the album though they hope to re-energize in the near future, working on fresh content and moving forward with their musical style. “We’ve been writing new material that’s a little bit of a departure, it’s a little more focused,” said Matthew.

16mm will also be playing with The Manvils at Richards on Richards May 29th. When I asked Jeffrey what to expect, he said (and I quote), “good energy and requests for piggy backs.”
- E! Online

16 MM is a local Vancouver band who most recently took party in the Juno Fest festivities with a gig at the Biltmore. Vancity Buzz was sent an invite but we were unable to attend. However, they were kind enough to send us a copy of their EP titled 16MM and let me tell you I couldn’t put it down. Urban Dweller you would like this stuff.

16 MM echoes the sound of the early 80’s and for me at least certain elements and songs reminded me of The Clash (one of my all time favourite bands, Magnificent 7 anyone?). It’s a surprise to me that they haven’t blown up as of yet. It’s just a matter of time before they start to invade your airwaves, they might be ahead of the times.

They are a confident bunch that want to write the perfect song every time. Judging by what I’ve listened to thus far, they are pretty damn close. Their best songs would be (they are all awesome but these 3 songs I can’t get out of my head) Lula, So Cliche, S.O.S. - Vancity Buzz

CITY'S BRIGHTEST LIGHTS SET TO SHINE AT JUNOFEST (March 26, 2009)

“If they didn’t call this godforsaken backwater home, singer Matthew Moldowan and his cohorts might already be stars thanks to their brand of Brit-powered pop-rock.”

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16MM ALBUM REVIEW (March 26, 2009)

“This debut is glorious Roxy Music to my ears—those tortured vocals, that heart-tugging string section, those languid bass grooves. So captivating, and yet so clichéd”
- The Georgia Straight