Lenny
Lenny, host of the Wednesday morning Canadian independent music show Wild Works at CKCU, lives in Bells Corners but manages to make it to nearly every good show in Ottawa. He’s interviewed some incredible Canadian artists, and is very plugged in to the local music scene. He’s also a member of Ottawa’s local Success Dragon Chinese Lion Dance Troupe, and performs regularly with them at cultural events around the city.
Lenny was kind enough to let me photograph him in the CKCU studio while doing his show. Despite the small space and low light, I think this was one of my favourite locations yet!
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Sure, I can try. I was born and raised in Ottawa. I’m Chinese. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe myself. I read a lot of comics, I do Chinese Lion Dance here and there, whenever there are events in Ottawa. I’m really into the music scene in Ottawa – I see a lot of local acts, go to a lot of concerts. I also host a radio show every Wednesday morning on CKCU. I’ve been doing that for almost a year now – I started after I graduated from Carleton. I’ve been volunteering for the radio station since 2008, although there was a bit of a gap in there because of the bus strike. I couldn’t get to the station, so I missed out. I listen to a lot of music. I like any form, kind of. Indie rock, pop rock. Not a lot of hip hop, it’s not that big here. Hmm, what else. Sometimes I play video games. My favourites are fighting games – Street Fighter and stuff like that. I’ve been an Apple product addict since 2004. Sometimes I like to bike, but I haven’t done that in a while.
How long have you lived in Ottawa?
All my life.
Do you like it here?
It’s not too bad. It can be interesting. I live with my parents in Bells Corners, it’s a quiet neighbourhood. It’s fine for now. I was over at a friend’s house a few weeks ago, and there was fighting and shouting in the neighbourhood. There’s none of that here. Bells Corners is pretty safe. There are a lot of older people, it’s quiet. I wish Ottawa was a little more vibrant. A little more fast-paced. The downtown core is more vibrant than here in the suburbs, but it would be nice if Ottawa would catch up with cities like Toronto and Montreal. I think it could do that if it were a little more cosmopolitan.
Do you think you could describe Ottawa’s personality?
It’s a government city. It’s kind of artsy and so on, and it’s kind of a foodie town too. But whenever I interview bands and ask where they like to eat they always say Shwarma. Shwarma and Pho, there is a lot of that here. There are lots of restaurants – I like Chinatown, I spend a lot of time there.
You’re pretty involved in the music scene in Ottawa, what do you think of that? How does it rate?
All the shows are in the downtown, which can be a pain. It seems like there is a lot that goes on, though. I’m at Zaphod’s a lot – well, I guess I haven’t been there much lately. Their shows always end at 11, so. Right now I’m at Raw Sugar Café a lot, they hold some good shows. I seem to go to Carleton a lot too.
Do you follow municipal politics at all? Any issues on your radar?
Just a little bit. I don’t follow much of local politics. Just here or there, if I come across it on the web. As for issues… just better transportation. OC Transpo ends routes at 1:00AM and I always get stuck downtown. I wish there was better bus service to Kanata, since I don’t drive.
Do you see yourself staying here long-term?
I have a love/hate relationship with Ottawa. So, whatever. We’ll see what happens. I’ll probably stay here. I’m kind of scared of living abroad or moving away.
Thanks, Lenny! You can listen to Lenny’s show, which counts down the best Canadian independent music, on CKCU from 10:00AM – 12:00PM on Wednesdays. You can also hear past episodes at his blog. Lenny is on Twitter at @wildworks.
CKCU, one of the longest-running public radio stations in Canada, is celebrating their 35th anniversary this November. Support them at their website, where you can also listen live.
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