Spotlight: Chinese Medicine

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Spotlight: Chinese Medicine

Spotlight: Chinese Medicine shines a light on one of the most intriguing new bands making waves in the indie scene. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the musical journey of Chinese Medicine—exploring their sonic influences, creative process, and the stories behind their genre-blending sound. With raw honesty and a passion for pushing boundaries, the band opens up about their evolution, from the first jam session to their latest release.

How did you get started in music?

I started playing guitar when I was 8 after hearing dookie/american idiot by Green Day. I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember. Despite it being my passion, music became a hobby at best. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I started writing what would become, Die Aspora. It was a means to process coming to terms with my trans identity & process the feelings around it. It kind of took off from there.

– Juno

Who are some of the out of the box influences that helped shape your sound?

Biggest influences for us are bands like AFI, Idles, Sisters of Mercy and Against Me! Outside of that, we all have different backgrounds in music and art that have shaped our individual styles and thus created an overall that’s unique to us. Juno is a musical theatre kid to her core, and pulls a lot from that sort of over the top theatricality (especially live). It influences the narrative aspect of her writing, and how she approaches things sonically. Jack and Stefan have a background in Jazz which adds a unique flavour to our brand of punk.

Do you remember the first album or performance that gave you that WOW moment?

The concert that changed things for me was Alexisonfire at BC Place Stadium, on their farewell tour. I was 16, it was my first time in a mosh pit and the energy of everything was intoxicating. I remember getting absolutely beat to shit. My glasses broke and I got a black eye, but I fell in love with mosh pits and punk shows after that.

– Juno

We have the new EP drop on May 16th. Can you give readers a little insight into how this one came together?

Juno was writing to process all her feelings around transitioning and existing as a trans person. This album is the first time we got to record and collaborate as a band. We’ve been playing all of these songs for years and through performing them in all their iterations, we found our sound and identity. It’s a deeply personal and a special album for all of us.

Do you have any unique things you incorporate into your process when putting together music?

We definitely keep things light when we’re in the practice room or recording studio which makes for a low stress environment. I think this is important because the subject matter is often trans rights, which is heavy because trans folks are under direct attack from many governments around the world. That being said, we’re not afraid to see ANY idea through even if it was originally meant as a joke and that’s a liberating situation. We’ve been spending more and more time in a room as a full band which is only making the music better and deepening our connection. I’m really excited about where the process is taking us! – Stefan

How do you think your work has evolved over the years if you look back at early work?

The first EP was written and recorded entirely by Juno. Since forming the band, we’ve learned a lot from each other and we have all continued to improve and grow as songwriters and musicians.

Personally I’ve become way more confident in my abilities as a writer. Or at least I don’t judge myself as much. I’ve been able to find the joy in writing and creating without the mindset of making something thats marketable or will sell. – Juno

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourselves during your career?

Juno is an anxious little diva. Andrew is too nice. Jack is our mom. I keep getting older. JOKES ASIDE, I think what has been fun to learn is that we all have a shared interest in using this music to build community, make the world a better place and a have a really fucking good time doing it. It’s also interesting to see how different our needs are (especially on the road) and figuring out how we can support each other. – Stefan

Who has been your most important mentor?

Our manager, Sarah Sleeth, has taught us so much about the industry, professionalism and what it means to champion an artist. We are forever grateful.

The music industry being as crazy as it is, what are some of the things that help you stay grounded outside of everything?

There’s something really interesting about playing a sold out show to hundreds of people and then waking up at 9am to go to your day job. That’ll keep ya grounded.

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isnt asked enough?

I think that the media needs to do a better job of highlighting how unsustainable it is being an artist in 2025. Industry practices are extremely exploitative (streaming services, venue monopolies, merch cuts) and it means that it is economically impossible to do music full time unless you come from substantial wealth or have secondary employment. – Stefan

If you had to introduce your music to a new fan for the first time, which song and why?

Probably Acetone. It’s a song that we all sing on, Andrew and Juno share the vocals, it’s catchy and fun and hopefully appealing to a large audience.

What are some of the important tips you could give to young people looking to get into music?

Don’t be a dick, it’s important to care about your work, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Be nice to the crew and venue staff, share your gear with other bands and introduce yourself to the people around you. Being a nice person and having a fun hang goes a long way.

Who plays you in the movie of your lives?

Tilda Swinton. She plays every role.

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Yes, all food is either sandwich or salad. More importantly, is God real?

What are some of the next milestones you hope to achieve?

We’re hoping to do our first shows in Europe this September! The prospect of continuing to grow and share our music and message with a wider audience keeps us PSYCHED!

Spotlight: Chinese Medicine is a wrap and I just want to say thanks to the band for taking the time to chat!

Check out some great tunes right now!

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