What’s In Your Fridge is where the Straight asks interesting Vancouverites about their life-changing concerts, favourite albums, and, most importantly, what’s sitting beside the Heinz ketchup in their custom-made Big Chill Retropolitan 20.6-cubic-foot refrigerators.

On the grill

bbno$

Who are you

I am bbno$—my real name is Alexander Gumuchian. Born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, easily the best place in the world. When it’s sunny, that is. I make all types of music ranging from hip-hop to alternative—being independent, it’s basically anything I want to do, whenever I want to. I used to be a competitive swimmer, then I broke my back, fell into a little depression, and that led me to writing poetry. It gave me an outlet. Eight years later and after 30,000 hours of working on my craft, we are here. Here means, sitting in my parents’ house after three months of writing music in LA. It feels nice to be home right now. 

By the way: I am hosting a charity festival on May 26 at Malkin Bowl. All profits are going to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. I encourage everybody and anybody who would want to come have fun and do something for the city at the same time. I am more than ever connected with the city than I have ever been and I am passionate in trying to make a difference. It’ll be fun! Come on down—here is the ticket link!

First concert/life-changing concert: 

I had a friend at Magee Secondary and his name was Nathan Boston; I wonder how he’s doing right now. I am going to reach out to him after I do this interview and see (the train of thought…not enough coffee yet). About 14 years ago, he called me up and was like, “Hey, I have tickets to Rush.” Not knowing what a show would be like, let alone never having even listened to Rush, I agreed. Boy was I in for a treat; the lights, the production, the music. It was incredibly electric.  

I fell in love with Rush from that summer on. I vividly remember the performance basically putting me in a trance and from that moment onwards, I was hooked on live performances. Without question, this performance changed my life—I remember standing in the nosebleeds and saying to myself, “Damn, it would be so cool to be on stage and feel that rush.” (No pun intended—ha.)  

Something about Rogers Arena lighting up for this band was so infatuating. Being an insecure 14-year-old, for the first time in my life I felt super confident in the crowd, head-banging unnecessarily to Rush’s music. But it didn’t matter what I was doing—everybody in the audience was there for the sole purpose of enjoyment, entertainment, and the experience.  

Once I realized that was the leading factor of what live performances have to offer, I was hooked. Not necessarily to perform in front of people—I immediately grew a deeper appreciation for artistry.  

Cliche, yes, but hey: life is basically made out of cliches. If there is anybody who is reading this and has never been to a live show…please do yourself a solid and go to anything you may be currently listening to. Live music might be one of the best reasonably-priced things to do in life. 

Top three records

Joey Badass + Pro Era 1999  I don’t know what it is about this album. The music has catchy, melodic components thrown around with infectious hooks, but it’s generally more about when I first listened to this project. Right around Grade 11, everything makes impressions on your personality, am I right? Everybody in my friend group started smoking weed, and hip-hop wordplay was anointed to be the most interesting thing around. Alongside my back injury, I had plenty of time for my imagination to start flying. The unpolishedness of the project alongside Joey and his comrades’ enthusiasm to “JUST BE MAKING MUSIC” allows this to shine too bright. But this is just my opinion. I’m sure people hate it. 

Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city  I feel this album doesn’t need much explanation. If you haven’t heard it, please go listen to it, even if you aren’t a fan of hip-hop/rap. Kendrick’s storytelling ability in this album is unparalleled; everything seems so cohesive. Unbelievable work of art. 

Men I Trust Oncle Jazz  There is a song called “Show Me How” on this album that is probably my most listened to song of all time. The album is incredible, but from sheer amount of listens I can almost guarantee you that I have listened to this song more than most people in the world—ha ha—so by default, we would have our third runner-up here. I love Men I Trust, they are such a great band. Canadian as well!

All-time favourite video

Little Simz “Gorilla”  MUSIC VIDEOS ARE GETTING OUT OF CONTROL AND I CAN NOT KEEP UP AS AN ARTIST! There really are so many music videos I could talk about, but I am just going to talk about something that really caught my eye in the past year. The winner is Little Simz’ “Gorilla”. There is something so beautiful about this music video, when you think it’s going to start repeating footage, it just gets more and more beautiful. Do yourself a solid and just go watch it. You will understand what I mean. Also, Little Simz is incredible.  

What’s in your fridge 

I don’t even own a fridge. But my parents do, and I have a few things in there when I am home for the three out of 90 days. 

Athletic greens. I’m not sponsored—it’s just so difficult to focus on health while on the road, and honestly this is a quick fix. I majored in kinesiology at UBC but, golly, sometimes I do not practice the healthiest eating habits. This year is the year of change.  

Leftover Pho. Pho Tan’s 16 large is the best soup in town. Find it at 3281 Kingsway. GO GET A BOWL RIGHT NOW! NEED I SAY MORE? 

My mom’s canned tomatoes/pickles. I was homeschooled and have a fantastic relationship with my family. Growing up, I would help my mom can tomatoes and pickles. I am biased because they are the best pickles in the world—most of my friends would also agree. The tomatoes, on the other hand… My father put my brother and sister onto shakshuka when they were little babies and it has stuck harder than anything. Long story short. Love your parents.