What do you make of a band that sings about (gulp!) Satan "in the form of a woman"? Who quibble about almost everything about music? Who adopt a menacingly moody, no smiles image? Well, keep an open mind and you’ll be amazed at what Canadian duo Sky are about!

The latest musical exports from the land of The Moffatts to hit Asia, Sky are something of an oddity back home. You see, Canada is known for it’s rock/folk-rock acts, but R&B? ‘It was really tough starting out as an R&B group", recalls the heavily tattooed Antoine. "None of the record labels or clubs had R&B or hip-hop bands!" James: "Unlike other bands, we didn’t begin our career playing at dingy nightclubs, because the clubs won’t hire us!"

Not the sort to wallow in self pity, the gung-ho twenty-something fellas decide to produce a five-track promotional demo under their own Phat Royale label in 1997, which was distributed to radio stations, clubs and record companies. Their DIY effort (they played all instruments and sang their own backup vocals) earned them a recording contract complete with collaborations with renowned producers who had worked with the likes of Michael Jackson and Hanson. Their debut single "Some Kinda Wonderful", a deceptively cheery pop number about a man who marries Satan disguised as a beautiful woman, has zoomed up Canada’s Top 40 Charts! It’s only a matter of time before their single (and their debut album, Piece of Paradise) makes its presence felt in Asia!

This is your first trip to the Far East. How do you like it so far?

James: It’s great but it’s so hot! Back home at this time, it’s freezing!

Antoine: We notice that in Malaysia, there are little motorcycles everywhere. I’ve never seen so many motorcycles in my life!

Tell us something about your hometown.

Antoine: (Proudly) We’re from Montreal in Quebec, the most beautiful city in Canada. Folks there speak very good French. In fact, both James and I have some French blood! Montreal is very cosmopolitan so we get lots of different cultures, food and religions. Everyone is really friendly and there is hardly any violence.

What was life like before Sky?

Antoine: Before we singed our record deal in 1997, I used to play music in the afternoon with James and work as a bartender at night.

James: I worked at a K-Mart warehouse loading TV sets onto a truck!

Antoine: (Jabs at James’ biceps) That’s how he got those big arms!

James: We met at a music engineering school back in 1992. I thought Antoine was a rock start who was there as a guest lecturer! He had on these leather pants and a really loud red velvet shirt.

Antoine: (embarrassed) Well, James had a beard back then!

James: He was selling his computer and I was looking for one, so we struck up a conversation.

Antoine: We worked on school projects together and eventually started Sky! We’ve also been housemates for the last 5 years.

Is there a story behind the name Sky?

James: No. Antoine: On there is too! James is a skydiving freak and he’s always doing these crazy jumps so he came up with the name Sky! He doesn’t like to tell anybody, but here you go! Hoho!

Your first single "Some Kinda Wonderful" is about falling for a beautiful woman who is Satan in disguise. Are women more wicked than men?

James: I think both can be as cruel, depending on when they want to be wicked! This song is inspired by a dream I had. A lot of people thing it’s a metaphor for married life (rolls his eyes), but nah, it’s really a humorous song about a sexy devil.

So many pop stars are getting married these days…are you guys hitched?

Antoine: I came this close to getting married. I was engaged and time sort of split us apart. It’s pretty hard to hang on to a relationship when you’re in this business.

James: We’re totally single now!

Antoine: (Dramatically) Still looking for the pearl!

We hear you two disagree about everything except music. What do you argue about?

Antoine: I’m the sociable sort and I love going out while James is quieter. Sometimes, I try to force him to come along to a party and he’ll be like "no, man, I don’t wanna go!" and of course, there’s the household chores. Before, we used to split the work but now, we hire a maid.

James: (nods sagely) It’s better for everybody.

Who are your fave R&B heroes?

Antoine: Mary J Blige. She’s got a really special voice and a good R&B sound. If we’re talking about old R&B, then Stevie Wonder is my favorite.

James: Mine’s Stevie Wonder. And I like Usher, Brandy and Monica.

Which Canadian act would you pay to watch in concert: The Moffatts, Celine Dion or Alanis Morissette?

Antoine: I’ve already seen Celine Dion’s show, so it’ll definitely be Alanis Morissette.

James: Same here. Do we like the Moffatts? Well, not enough to go see them in a show! We’ve never met them but we’ve heard their music. We like the ballady one…

Antoine: (Sings off key) " I miss you like crazeeeeee…

What’s the worst Sky gig so far?

Antoine: (groans) It was a festival we did in Canada. We thought we were gonna perform in a big stage. We ended up on this tiny platform and there was a children’s show going on and they played some horrible kiddy music!

James: It was a nightmare!

Tell us a shocking secret about each other.

Antoine: James studies astro-physics! He’s totally into it.

James: I do not study astro-physics, I’m just interested in it! As for Antoine, he doesn’t have any secrets…because he can’t keep anything to himself!

© 1999-2001