INTERVIEW at CFCR Radio on January 10, 2003 (64 kbps MP3) PONDERING POP Ponderisaac gets their groove on in Saskatoon On January 18 [2002], one of Saskatoon's youngest bands will take the stage at Amigos Cantina. Ponderisaac has only been around since May of 2001, but they have been playing extensively in local bars, at a rate of about a show per month. Drummer Jason Peakman says Ponderisaac brings a new sound to Saskatoon, where he says, "everything is either punk or funk." Peakman describes their sound as a sometimes mellow, sometimes-peppy pop rock. But Peakman wants it to be made clear that they are not pop ala N*sync or The Backstreet Boys. He describes their sound as reminiscent of big name rockers like the Matthew Good Band (err umm Dave Matthews Band). The band as a whole cites a wide range of musical influences, many from the eighties, including such classica as New Order and the Police. More recent influences include bands such as Radiohead and the above-mentioned Matthew Good Band (Dave Matthews Band). One thing that sets Ponderisaac apart from many of these bands are their vocals, Ponderisaac's lead singer Christine Merkosky, born in Edam, Saskatchewan. Peakman says having a female singer is an advantage, because it gives them a more unique sound. But it can create some surprises for audience members. "A lot of audiences think that because our singer is a girl, we must be a folk, or really mellow rock," he says. Ponderisaac's sound really defies expectations. Peakman described them as sounding like U2 with a girl. Peakman added when they are playing, they really like to feel out the audience, and play according to that. As he words it, Ponderisaac "likes[s] to get a groove going with the audience." Although sometimes getting a groove requires a little bribing. Jason brought a big bag of Rockets candy to their Halloween show to distribute to the more eager fans between songs. Ponderisaac released a promotional six-song (five-song) cd for potential gigs and publicity purposes, but unfortunately it is not yet available for sale. The band has assembled some recording equipment and plans to have a better, air-play ready album available soon. Other future plans include a tour of the western provinces to help build a bigger fan base. As far as the upcoming show is concerned, Peakman says the show should be a "really fun, rocking night." And with the potential for free candy, what more could anyone ask for? Andrew Schwab The Sheaf  jan.17, 2001 vol.93 issue 22 PONDERWHO? Ponderisaac one of Saskatoon's newest bands, played to a small crowd at Amigos on Friday, November 9. Ponderisaac is quartet fronted by U of S student Christine Merkosky on vocals, with Andy Barrett on bass and backing vocals, Joel Deshaye playing guitar and also helping out on vocals, and last but certainly not least Jason Peakman on drums. They describe their music as mellow with lively undertones. Ponderisaac put on a very solid show for their first official live performance. Local guitarist Gene McCrea opened the show. The Sheaf  nov.22, 2001 vol.93 issue 17 "Newwer local band Ponder Isaac are a female fronted quartet who are at times extremely mellow, with splashes of lively arty sonic youth type noise explosions." amigoscantina.com