Shiv and the Carvers Go Looking For Love

The Toronto skate-punks’ new EP Tell Me You Love Me Again finds the quartet in search of instant gratification across four riotous tracks.

by Ben Boddez

Photos by Julie Riemersma

Published on March 13, 2025

Promotional materials for Shiv and the Carvers’ latest set of tracks invite listeners to “unlock [their] inner reprobate,” and if fearless frontwoman Shiv Scott’s snarling lead vocals can’t inspire you to follow that advice in this political climate, it might be a bit of a lost cause. The Toronto punks’ latest set of four tracks is both their first since signing to Twin Fang Records and their first full project since inviting new bassist and former Dilly Dally member Annie Jane Marie into the band, and often features Scott singing about getting exactly what she wants when she wants it – whether it’s a romantic connection, divine comeuppance for a rival, or substances to numb the pain.

While the band’s usual brand of thrashy guitars, a drumset that never relents from Mike Wiznuk, and high-tempo rippers that you might overhear at the roller-derby rink continues to appear, the EP’s title, Tell Me You Love Me Again, actually comes from the (slightly) more meditative “Meltdown.” Instead of pure fun, Scott desires the dopamine hit of those words of affirmation to keep herself from falling apart completely.

We caught up with Scott below to talk about getting more collaborative, Ramona Flowers and playing the bad guy.

What have you been listening to lately?

I’ve been listening to a wide RANGE of stuff tee hee: Viagra Boys, Heatmiser, Kneecap, Burner’s new album — and Pitbull.

What are some of your favourite lyrical moments on the EP? What inspired these words and what do they mean to you?

It was really therapeutic to write “I Want It All.” I tried to take a hard look at the substances I use to cope and put myself on blast a little bit. Sometimes I have this urge to consume anything I can – food, weed, booze, romantic attention. I’m aware of these patterns but I still live in them sometimes. I’ve accepted my obsessive lil brain! It’s nice to yell those reflections out onstage.

What were the writing process and studio sessions like for this one?

We’re getting more collaborative as time goes on, which is really cool. With the first EP, I wrote the music and lyrics and then brought it to the band. This time around, I brought half-baked ideas in and the rest of the band would help write chords and riffs, and weigh in on the structure. We’re now working on some ideas that Mike, Android, and Annie brought in! It’s cool to lean into the trust of each other and try new things. We recorded with Jesse Turnbull (Klokwise), who also mixed the record, at Taurus Recording. He’s so good at what he does.

What was it like making your first full project with Annie Jane Marie now in the band?

Annie is so fucking talented, we are really lucky to have her in the band! That woman has an endless supply of riffs in her head. “Meltdown” absolutely wouldn’t be what it is without her! She came up with the breakdown riff and kind of directed how we would build the ending of the song out. She also layered some guitar riffs on the recording! She’s truly amazing.

The “Danger Girl” video draws reference to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – what was the vision for this music video and what about Scott Pilgrim resonates with you?

I’ve always LOVED the Scott Pilgrim movie. I rewatch it whenever I’m feeling nostalgic about Toronto (RIP Honest Ed’s). The director TeriLynne and I were brainstorming around the title “Danger Girl” and immediately thought of Ramona Flowers. The rest of the planning slid into place!

How did you get Bif Naked and all those other Toronto musicians in the video?

Bif and I are pals! She is such an icon and we thought she would play the manager perfectly. It’s crazy how she is so good at acting. She’s good at everything she does!! Grrrace (her doggo) also gave an excellent performance. Violet (from Roach) was our first choice for the love interest. She is everyone in the Toronto scene’s dream girl and we were lucky to have her. Everyone else we asked were super down to be onboard – Deshaun from Burner, Adam from Dermabrasion, and Camille Leon (who is also a huge Scott Pilgrim fan)!

Who are you thinking about when you’re belting out the lyrics to “Bully?”

Ooofff “Bully” was cathartic to write. It’s about one of my former best friends. We were very codependent and when I tried to create space, it caused major cracks and fights. I put a lot of emotional energy, time, and communication into our conflicts, but when the friendship ended, they told me I was a bully and texted all our mutual friends saying essentially the same thing. I was angry for a long time, but I realized that the version of me that exists in her head is not my responsibility. Writing “Bully” was me getting all my anger and sadness out about it – like if someone needs me to be the bad guy to make themselves feel better, whatever!! Not my problemo!!

The EP’s title appears on the track “Meltdown,” which slows the tempo down a little more than we’re used to getting from the Carvers. How did this more contemplative tune end up on the project?

After I wrote “Meltdown,” I wasn’t super stoked on it honestly. I had the words and guitar chords, but it felt too singer-songwritery to me. Mike came up with the verse bass part and then Annie came up with the chorus bass riff. The breakdown into the meltdown at the end came organically. We asked Annie to play what came to her, and gave her and Android space to play around and we built up the end from there. I’m really proud of it!!

What can people expect from the release show at the Baby G?

LOUD, ANGRY PUNK! We’re going to play the whole EP through, and then a mix of favourites and some brand new songs we’ve been working on! SO TIRED and Crocus rule and I’m so excited to watch both of their sets. I booked the bill I wanted to watch!

What’s next for Shiv and the Carvers? Anything else you’d like us to know?

Well we’re most of the way done writing our first albummm! We’ve got a bunch of Ontario shows planned from March to May and we’re playing Pouzza 13 in Montreal on May 17. We’re heading out west in the summer this year which we’re very excited about. Coming to a dusty skatepark near you very soon!! NEVER STOP ROCKIN N ROLLIN BABYYYY!