Be a “Copy Cat” and Watch No Frills’ Awesomely-Animated Music Video [Premiere]

There’s no beating around the bush; we live in what many would call a copycat society. Everyone copies everyone in everything, and in turn, it often skews our view of ourselves, and the world around us. Indie rockers No Frills have some thoughts on the issue with their brand new single “Copy Cat,” lifted from their soon-to-be-released debut record, Downward Dog.

It’s good to have role models or people that we can look towards to lead by example. But the way others do things is not always the right way, and it’s frequently not even what we actually want. The Toronto-based indie rockers want to give you a wake-up call with this new single that you have to keep your priorities straight and ensure that you are doing what you actually want to be doing.

Shedding more light on the song is keyboardist and singer Maddy Wild who tells us:

“On the surface, these lyrics tell the story of someone fixated on a specific way of being they think is embodied in someone they idolize. To copy them and absorb them is the plan. But it’s also about codependency; getting someone close to you to sort of shape and define who you are. Trusting every one of their opinions to the extent that you lose sight of what you actually want.”

With Downward Dog set for an April 1st release, the band has begun to share more details about the writing and recording process. The group has described it as a “pandemic record,” one born out of the realities and the constraints presented by repeated lockdowns. Upon the initial lockdown in the spring of 2020, principal songwriter Daniel Busheikin essentially surrounded himself with instruments and recording equipment in his basement, ready to pounce on any moment of musical inspiration that could potentially arrive.

About six months later, he emerged from his seclusion with 15 demos, but only a vague plan of how to record them with his bandmates. With full group recording sessions,not an option, Busheikin began to pull the album together piece by piece, with his bandmates periodically dropping by the studio to record small parts, or provide feedback.

It may not have been the most even process, but it all turned out just fine, with the band sounding more in sync than ever. The record is a collection of captivating lo-fi pop that tackles heavy themes like depression, gloom, and discouragement, all delivered with a sarcastic and charming wit that will reel you in.

Artwork for the album ‘Downward Dog’ by No Frills