The Set List - Interview With Great Lake Swimmers:

Welcome to our new feature 'The Set List'. To kick things off, Great Lake Swimmers front man Tony Dekker sits down with The Mix Tape to talk tiger suits, Leonard Cohen and the best place for breakfast in Toronto...

What have the past 12 months been like for you?
The last 12 months have been busy. Between recording an album and a constant pace of live shows it has been exhilarating.

Tell us about an album you’re in love with right now…
There's a band called Timber Timbre from Toronto that just released an album (self-titled) that is awe-inspiring.

Tell us about an album you’ve been in love with since forever…
Leonard Cohen's first album, "Songs Of Leonard Cohen."

Tell us about an artist that doesn’t get enough credit…
Sandro Perri.

Tell us about a song you wish you’d written…
"Worried Shoes" by Daniel Johnston.

What was the first record you ever bought?
Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The USA."

Who are the people/artists/bands that have had the biggest impact on your music?
I was influenced by punk rock music in my formative years and the DIY and independent ethic has stuck with me ever since.

Whose music leaves you cold?
Most music does not generally leave me cold. But I am more and more disappointed by what I hear on mainstream radio.

How do you feel about the illegal downloading of music?
I think it's better if someone gets music from a legitimate source, but I'm also o.k. with people spreading the word about a band they love through file sharing.

Have you/do you download music illegally?
No. If I download music, it is usually purchased through i-Tunes or Zunior.com.

What does the future look like for the music industry?
The future of music looks great. We are in a golden age. The music industry is going through big transformations.

What’s your greatest fear?
Fear itself.

Do you have any vices?
Good vegetarian food.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Leonard Cohen.

Which living person do you most despise, and why?
I don’t despise any living person.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
A tiger suit.

What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Worried Shoes” by Daniel Johnston. Sorry for the repeat but that’s the fact.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
It seems vain to me to answer that question.

Musically speaking, what would you like to achieve in the year ahead?
I would like to maintain a level of creativity in writing. I would like to write more songs.

And finally, tell us a secret…
Yasi’s has the best breakfast in Toronto.

Great Lake Swimmers' stunning LP Lost Channels is out now!