Turn Up The Volume, Dial Up is Playing
Photo credit: Screengrab Media
In a city where artistic boundaries are meant to be pushed, Dial Up has emerged as one of Calgary’s most intriguing musical experiments. What began as founder Tys Burger’s pre-pandemic Montréal project has evolved into a captivating collective of multidisciplinary artists, each bringing their own creative voltage to this distinctive egg punk outfit.
And speaking of eggs - the band has fully embraced the “egg punk” label with characteristic wit. “Every day we eat 36 eggs each,” drummer Matthew Springer deadpans. “That is absolutely necessary to the concept of the sound and the ideas. Everything else is secondary.” This playful self-mythologizing extends to their mascot, Dial Up Donnie, a charming telephone character created by local artist Flora Bews, inspired partly by the cult horror film Skinamarink.
The band’s origin story for their mascot is equally whimsical: “He found us,” they joke, trading lines like a well-rehearsed comedy troupe. “You just heard a ringing outside...When I opened the door, he was swaddled in a little blanket on the front step. We didn’t know he would be the one controlling us.”
Their self-titled EP, released in 2023, serves as both introduction and manifesto - a collection that seamlessly blends early internet aesthetics with raw punk energy. The release quickly became a community radio favorite, its songs carrying the influence of each member’s artistic background.
Photo credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)
From Matthew Springer’s rhythmic intensity behind the drum kit to EZ HD’s transformative approach to bass guitar, Brett Bonk’s innovative synth work to Burger’s character-driven narratives, Dial Up creates something entirely their own in Calgary’s evolving punk scene.
”Killer Flowers,” a unanimous favorite among band members, exemplifies their collaborative spirit. The track showcases Burger’s lyrical prowess while allowing each member’s distinctive musical voice to shine through. This democratic approach to songwriting has become central to their creative process, with new material often emerging organically from extended jam sessions. “The chemistry between us is really good right now,” Burger reflects. “Most of our songs have been completely written in one or two sessions.”
“We all have an approach to art beyond music,” EZ HD reflects, surrounded by the vintage recording equipment that fills their jam space. “We’re constantly teaching each other because we all have these different lived artistic experiences.” This cross-pollination of creative practices - from tattooing to videography, from content creation to experimental sound design - infuses their music with an authenticity that transcends genre conventions.
The band’s recording process mirrors their collective ethos. EZ HD’s basement serves as a laboratory for experimentation, filled with what the band describes as a “museum of weird music gear.” Before beginning their latest album, each member selected two or three of the strangest items they could find, incorporating these unique instruments throughout the recording (with an omnichord being a personal favourite). “There’s guitar pedal nerds that are like, ‘I need to find a perfect distortion tone’ and then there’s guitar pedal nerds that are like, ‘I don’t want my guitar to sound like a guitar anymore,’” Burger explains. “We definitely fall into the latter category.”
Photo credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)
Since their formation in June 2023, Dial Up has become a catalyst for Calgary’s DIY scene, helping transform unconventional spaces into vibrant venues. Their approach to booking shows reflects a deep understanding of community-building. Rather than waiting for traditional opportunities, they actively seek out kindred spirits in other cities through Bandcamp, searching for artists who share not just musical similarities but a commitment to fostering genuine connections. “We’d reach out to lots of bands and be like, ‘Are you interested in playing? Can you think of any other bands in your area?’” Bonk explains. This grassroots approach has led to unexpected discoveries and meaningful collaborations, particularly in smaller cities where the underground scenes often remain hidden from casual view.
Their strategy for navigating smaller markets reveals both practical wisdom and community mindfulness. “In the smaller cities, play with a band that has members in university,” Burger advises, recounting packed venues of enthusiastic students ready to dance and mosh. “But it’s really nice if you’re coming into a smaller city to be able to learn what that scene is instead of just bringing it all in from somewhere else.”
Their new single “The Sugar People on Planet Gold” promises to push their sound into even more adventurous territory. The track introduces listeners to a whimsical yet pointed allegory: a planet inhabited by two species - the resourceful, magical Sugar People and the wealth-obsessed Gold People. This playful narrative serves as a vehicle for broader commentary, on capitalism and materialism, demonstrating the band’s ability to wrap social critique in layers of imaginative storytelling.
Their commitment to authentic connection extends to their hometown as well. Burger notes that Calgary’s supportive artistic environment provides fertile ground for emerging artists. “Calgary is quite a supportive city artistically,” they reflect. “There’s not as much of a competitive mindset here... people are really excited when you’re doing something new. You can build so quickly here.”
Photo credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder)
Dial Up will be releasing their new album Ball Pitt on Splitter Records, Thursday, June 5, 2025. They’re currently on tour hitting stops in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, and will be playing Sled Island Music Festival. Follow here for more information.