An Interview with Mock Media

Written by Caden Forrester & Maddie Wage

Photography by Caden Forrester

Mock Media is a four-piece DIY-spirited “jungle rock” band from a small town in Vernon, British Columbia. Composed of childhood friends Evan Aasen (guitar), Garnet Aronyk (bass, keys), Austin Boylan (guitar, vocals), and Ben Smith (drums), the four of them reconnected to form Mock Media after gaining experience from their previous bands. Mock Media’s sound is characterized as a visceral fusion of rock, punk, and global influences.

In October 2024, Mock Media signed with Mac’s Record Label (MRL) and re-released their sophomore album, Mock Media II. Recently, Mock Media has been on the road with Mac DeMarco opening for his ‘Guitar’ tour. In an interview with Mock Media, the band discusses Vernon, BC, the songwriting process, their unique sound, Mac DeMarco, and the future of Mock Media.

Growing up in a small farming town in British Columbia, Mock Media was shaped by their surroundings of lakes and mountains, which affected their approach to making music. “We had the freedom to jam in basements as teenagers and forge our craft,” the band said, additionally mentioning, “We could take a dip in the lake or climb a mountain if we were bored of playing music.”

Mock Media walks us through their writing process, saying, “they normally start with someone writing on an acoustic and then introducing it to the group. Or we come up with something when we’re messing around.” In the process of recording Mock Media II, the band focused on capturing urgency by recording live in their rehearsal space. “We recorded it ourselves in our friend’s basement studio live off the floor on two different tape machines […] These recording sessions were the first time we had played together in this lineup in years.”

On the topic of Mock Media II, Mock Media tells us how they achieved their eclectic sound and how they have evolved since the band’s formation. “We liked experimenting with different rhythms and sounds. It evolved into a more full sound, we recorded most of the album with only 3 members available. Our upcoming record is a more complete version of the band.” Also, when asked about where they see themselves fitting into today’s indie music landscape, Mock Media answers, “I don’t think we fit in with the other bands so well. I think we could rock with anyone though. Mac DeMarco and Daryl Johns have been good compatriots for us making a diversity of styles.”

Mentioning Mac DeMarco, Mock Media reveals how they got brought onto Mac’s label. “He heard our record and thought it was sick. We are all Western Canadians as well.” Being on tour with Mac DeMarco and Daryl Johns, who is also signed with MRL, Mock Media says the most exciting part is “trying to win over his supporters.” By trying to win over Mac’s fans and keeping the audience engaged, Mock Media rocks as hard as they can on tour every night.

Discussing the future of Mock Media, the band revealed a new album is coming out, which they are “trying to make it really cool!” With the new album in the works and the gain of new listeners, Mock Media says, “[Fans] should never expect anything from us.” Closing off, when asked about dream collabs, Mock Media says they would want to collaborate with Kanye West, Arm Diab, or Rammstein.

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