In this bonus episode I talk separately with Rachel Melas and Conny Nowe, who played bass and drums in the all-female, post punk band the Moral Lepers, in the early 1980s. Rachel was also in the art punk band animal slaves among many others and Conny played in Tin Twist, and Junco Run. They now live together in Toronto where they play music in genres like cajun zydeco, swing, ragtime, folk and klesmer. This conversation took place on a video call, so you’ll notice a different quality of sound and ambiance compared to the usual episodes!

These conversations took place on November 11 & December 13, 2024.

In Vancouver, Rachel Melas was in The Vistors, the Moral Lepers, Animals Slaves and the Might Club.

Conny Nowe started in the Moral Lepers, and also played in Tin Twist, Junco Run and The Work Party while in Vancouver.

Venues discussed: City Space (343 Railway Street), the Smilin’ Buddha, the Balmoral, Odd Fellows Hall, O’Hara’s, The Windmill, the Town Pump, the Lotus, the Archimedes Club, the Japanese Hall, the Railway Club, the Arts Club Backstage Lounge, Luv-a-fair, the Egress.

Bands discussed: Private School, the Zellots, K-Tels, Young Canadians, the Modernettes, Oh Susanna, DOA, Melodic Energy Commission, Images in Vogue, 54-40, Art Bergman, the Dishrags. 

This episode features the following music:

The Moral Lepers:  Suicide from Turn to Stone (Mo-Da-Mu 1982)

Animal Slaves: Save Me From Ruin from Dog Eat Dog (Mo-Da-Mu 1985)

Tin Twist: Stupid Cars (Mo-Da-Mu 1980)