Grunge-rock hit its peak in the 1990s with Nirvana, but one St. Albert youth band performing this style of angry, rebellious music garnered an impromptu dose of fame.
Mothra, one of four bands competing at Amplify’s The Show 8.0 for a $500 prize, was hell-bent on revitalizing the spirit of rock ’n' roll and it slayed the competition.
“We were like, screaming and jumping. It was so exciting. We were so close with another band, and we weren’t sure which way it would go,” said Jenna Molenaar, lead singer. The other musicians are guitarist Aiden LeBlanc, bass guitarist Parker Arcand, guitarist Jordane Allen and drummer Ethan Gilbert.
The band is named after Mothra, a colossal sentient larvae borrowed from Toho Studio’s library. Portrayed mainly as a heroic character, she battles Godzilla when he threatens her island culture, namely Japan. While Godzilla frequently menaces humanity, Mothra’s mission is to protect humanity from monsters that threaten it.
Mothra’s toughness definitely inspired the five-piece. Dedicated to their craft, the fivesome climbed an uphill battle, rehearsing since July to win this year’s battle of the bands at City Arts Space on Friday, Oct. 20.
The band spiced up the scene with a 25-minute set belting out seven songs that went through the roof. And while Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song, Aerosmith’s Dream On, and KISS’ Car Jam may have needed earplugs, the songs were a major hit.
Molenaar, a 2023 Paul Kane graduate now studying art design at University of Alberta, said the band came together last year after several members enrolled in the same general music courses. And as the band jelled, her soaring vocals helped propel the band to the top spot.
Sh explains capturing the music vibe prior to the 21st century was Mothra’s goal.
“Musicians back then got more creative to create different sounds without access to the technology we have today. Electronics gives music a different feel. It’s less grungy, harsh music. Modern music is cleaner, but when I perform it, I like it when it’s rougher,” Molenaar said.
The Show 8.0 has been a huge confidence boost and Mothra is currently working to book more gigs. Molenaar has endured a few stomach-churning moments during her career, but along the way she’s learned a thing or two.
“The only thing stopping you onstage and knowing what to do is you. As my singing teacher would say, ‘pretend you know what to do and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing.’ A lot is about confidence. You could be green, but if you look confident, you’ll do really well.”
The other three bands competing for recognition were 5 Down, Keira Maschmeyer, and Paperfrogs.
