The Sled Island experience is one you never forget.
And it goes without saying, the first time is a big time, a memorable time. No matter how long you’ve been around.
That includes those performing at it.
Take Calgary’s Medusas, a teen trio who are part of the local nü riot grrrl movement, which also includes Toxic Fem and fellow Sledites Rebel Grrrlz. They’ve been haunting the all-ages scene for a dozen-plus months; enough to win an audience, produce the exceptional, almost Beachesian dude diss “Block Him!”, and get the Sled nod thanks to an impressive demo submission. They’ll be performing on June 20 at Loophole Coffee Bar for REVERIE‘s showcase.
(Frontwoman Grace Johnston spoke for the band, which also features bassist Zenith Nigg and, for Sled purposes, Marie Overwater on drums)
This is your first time playing Sled Island. What does that mean to you?
“I think it’s actually a really big deal because Sled Island is a music festival of all genres, and it brings the music scene together in Calgary, in Canada, in a lot of ways. And it’s just really cool to be a part of that.”
When you started, was it an aspiration for you to play Sled Island?
“It absolutely has been an aspiration of mine and Zenith’s. I’ve gone to shows for Sled Island in the past years and seen the bands for the All Ager Ragers, and it’s just been like, “Like, wow, that’s going to be me one day with my band.” … I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to play this.”
I think the fact that you’re playing the festival speaks to the fact that you guys mean business. Is there a certain validation in it?
“I totally do. I feel validated as an artist. We’re not a novelty, just teenage girls playing, we’re actual musicians playing music. And we’re working on more nuanced songs, so that’s going to be a big part of our set at Sled Island, because we take this seriously.”
Who inspired you musically on a local level?
“I have to say my dad, obviously. [Her father and band “dadager” Colin Johnston is a member of veteran Cowgary country punks Agriculture Club, along with Medusas’ temp drummer’s dad Rick Overwater.] And Marie Overwater’s band Toxic Fem, because they’re just a couple of years older than me, they’re like 20, and when I was 12 years old and I first started going to all-ages shows and I saw them play, it was so empowering to watch them play.”
So, in this incarnation, does that mean you’re a nepo band?
“Yeah, kind of. (She laughs). It’s kind of cool, you interviewed my dad before and now you’re interviewing me, so it’s multigenerational … Actually, we’re playing an Agriculture Club cover for Sled Island, Evil Man — it kind of goes with our vibe.”
Has your dad ever played Sled?
“No, he hasn’t, unfortunately.”
And are you holding it over him?
“I sure am!”
Sled Island rips up Calgary from June 18 to 22, 2025.
