The Dave Howard Singers is a seminal Canadian alternative rock group formed in Toronto in 1982, comprising of Dave Howard (Ace Tone organ and vocals) and Max (drum machine). With inspirations ranging from Burt Bacharach to Suicide, their sound has produced everything from cheesy lounge to distorted wall of sound.

After relocating to London, England in October, 1984, the band gained and lost a series of different members, and released a number of recordings including Whoishe? (produced by Dave Formula of Magazine and Visage fame); Goonight Karl Malden, a 4-song live EP recorded in Holland; an energized rendition of the David Essex classic Rock On (produced by The Stranglers’ Jean Jacques Burnel; and the infectious limerick hip-hop Top 3 UK indie hit single Yon Yonson. An album entitled It’s About Time was released in Germany in 1991, and later reissued in Canada under the band name Devoured and the title 13.

After a decade of performing and recording, The Dave Howard Singers disbanded, retired and moved back to Canada in 1992. In early 2007, all of the original members of the band reformed and have since performed several shows. In advance of their next performance, we tracked down the human half of the band to ask him a few questions.

You’ve got $10 to buy lunch - where do you go?

I’m not big on lunch. Most often it’s a banana or sometimes a tuna and egg salad wrap sandwich. When I have the time to go out, I enjoy exploring to see what little shops offer. If I’m not fussy (which is often), hell, I’ll go into a Subway or a Tim Hortons. I’m hungry, not picky.

The budget’s unlimited, someone else is paying and the choice is yours - where do you pick for dinner?

Via Allegro (1750 The Queensway) for their high-end Italian cuisine. Their lamb is to die for, but everything has that fresh and vibrant flavour. If I could afford it, I’d go once a month.

Tell us some of the food shops you frequent when buying groceries to cook for yourself.

Nowhere exciting - usually Dominion or Longo’s, and sometimes Bruno’s.

When ordering in for a quiet night at home, what’s your favourite place for take-out or delivery?

These days it’s pizza from Pizzaville. I’m out in the burbs, not downtown. I’ve tried a dozen local pizzerias and they primarily suck. Pizzaville is consistently good, at least around here.

Oh, no, relatives are coming to Toronto from out of town - where do you take them?

If I’m in the black, I’ll take them to Via Allegro. Otherwise, they’re eating here - I like to cook.

Your favourite place to grab a couple of drinks and hang out where everybody knows your name?

I don’t really have a favourite local, but last time I dropped by the Cameron House (408 Queen Street West), there seemed to be a number of folks who knew me.

What’s coming up?

I’m playing two headlining sets at Mitzi’s Sister (1554 Queen Street West) on Friday, August 24th, with friends Windeyer opening up the evening.