News
I Will Miss You
Posted Oct 10, 10:39 by Kevin Finlayson
the last time an adorable, charismatic and brilliantly voiced frontperson left a band i loved whose instrumentalists were ridiculously tight, funky and explosive, it was rage against the machine. lets hope that the controller.controller dudes dont turn into a wack MOR outfit a la audioslave and lets hope nirmala doesnt disappear off the face of the planet a la zack de la rocha. peace 2 you all.
#3. jamie
Oct 10, 15:19
#3. jamieOct 10, 15:19
i saw you guys at carleton university this year, it was a great live show and its too bad you guys wont be playing all together again. nirmala, hope your future non-show-biz plans work out fantastically!!! and that controller.controller still makes music (though it will never be as hip)
-your front-row-fan ben
#4. ben
Oct 10, 17:16
-your front-row-fan ben
#4. benOct 10, 17:16
I am shocked and sad after hearing of Nirmala leaving the band. One of the best shows I have seen in the past 5 years was Controller Controller w/ You say Party….but in the end you must do what you need to do.
The band remains as one of the musical bright spots of my life and I thank you for the music and your presence Nirmala.
#5. David
Oct 10, 17:22
The band remains as one of the musical bright spots of my life and I thank you for the music and your presence Nirmala.
#5. DavidOct 10, 17:22
we’ll miss you too, nirmala.
best of luck to you in the future.
best of luck to colwyn, scott, ronnie and jeff also.
#6. Laura
Oct 10, 18:09
best of luck to you in the future.
best of luck to colwyn, scott, ronnie and jeff also.
#6. LauraOct 10, 18:09
Wow. All of you are amazing. I really will miss you.
Peter – take a look at that person in the photo above! I’m sure you can imagine HER working a day job. ha ha But thank you so much for your kind words. You’re a friend, not simply a fan. Glad you were at our Toronto show last month – the Horseshoe nights were a total blast.
Jeremy – thank you. It wasn’t difficult to be so open with the friends we met at shows. I still believe that the people who come out to see bands are just as important as the band itself. Without the people who support us, where would we be? That’s why your photos are on this web site. You’re stars.
Jamie – ha! If I had an iota of the political sense and activist drive of Zack de la Rocha…well, I’d be M.I.A. har har All kidding aside, however, thank you. The comparison is flattering, but we can agree that Chris Cornell has a great voice, no? If c.c continues with someone of that stature, they’ll explode (in a good way).
Ben – thank you. I’ll miss playing shows with the guys, but I’m looking forward to laying low and coming home every night.
David – one of the best tours I feel we’ve ever played was the most recent one with You Say Party! We Say Die! I’m proud to go out on such a high note. Thank you for coming out to see us and supporting us. Your actions and words really mean a lot to me.
and Laura – thank you. Hugs all around, no doubt.
Until we meet again…
xoxoN.
#7. Nirmala
Oct 10, 18:40
Peter – take a look at that person in the photo above! I’m sure you can imagine HER working a day job. ha ha But thank you so much for your kind words. You’re a friend, not simply a fan. Glad you were at our Toronto show last month – the Horseshoe nights were a total blast.
Jeremy – thank you. It wasn’t difficult to be so open with the friends we met at shows. I still believe that the people who come out to see bands are just as important as the band itself. Without the people who support us, where would we be? That’s why your photos are on this web site. You’re stars.
Jamie – ha! If I had an iota of the political sense and activist drive of Zack de la Rocha…well, I’d be M.I.A. har har All kidding aside, however, thank you. The comparison is flattering, but we can agree that Chris Cornell has a great voice, no? If c.c continues with someone of that stature, they’ll explode (in a good way).
Ben – thank you. I’ll miss playing shows with the guys, but I’m looking forward to laying low and coming home every night.
David – one of the best tours I feel we’ve ever played was the most recent one with You Say Party! We Say Die! I’m proud to go out on such a high note. Thank you for coming out to see us and supporting us. Your actions and words really mean a lot to me.
and Laura – thank you. Hugs all around, no doubt.
Until we meet again…
xoxoN.
#7. NirmalaOct 10, 18:40
best of luck in the future! thanks for all the great shows. would’ve liked to see you guys one last time – didn’t know your Horseshoe shows would be the last in Toronto..
#8. teresa
Oct 10, 20:09
#8. teresaOct 10, 20:09
i met nirmala at a rehearsal space where the foundations of controller.controller were laid. She had never wasted any time in a band, which i honestly found fascinating. She seemed kind of shy and at first, i couldn’t even really hear her over the cacophony of us boys, trying to “find our sound”.
but then, i quickly discovered that not only was she a great lyricist but
also a unique and powerful singer and performer. I still remember listening back to the demo we made of silent seven and getting chills. (Chills that she would continue to give me over the course of our four
years together.)
It’s funny, the crazy life you can have in a band. You get forced together and you spend an unhealty amount of time together. You see people at their absolute best and their absolute worst. You’re forced to see it. The thing is, I don’t ever recall seeing nirmala “at her worst”. I had the unfortunate pleasure of seeing her cry once after we experienced a particulary bad moment on the road but mostly i saw a considerate, thoughtful, generous spirit dedicated to the band and to the people that took the time to come out and see us.
She truly is “one of a kind” and i will miss HER.
#9. Scott
Oct 10, 23:14
but then, i quickly discovered that not only was she a great lyricist but
also a unique and powerful singer and performer. I still remember listening back to the demo we made of silent seven and getting chills. (Chills that she would continue to give me over the course of our four
years together.)
It’s funny, the crazy life you can have in a band. You get forced together and you spend an unhealty amount of time together. You see people at their absolute best and their absolute worst. You’re forced to see it. The thing is, I don’t ever recall seeing nirmala “at her worst”. I had the unfortunate pleasure of seeing her cry once after we experienced a particulary bad moment on the road but mostly i saw a considerate, thoughtful, generous spirit dedicated to the band and to the people that took the time to come out and see us.
She truly is “one of a kind” and i will miss HER.
#9. ScottOct 10, 23:14
Nirmala, when I heard that you had left the band, I was resoundingly sullen. Beyond that it is difficult to say exactly how I feel. Obviously I wish that the circumstances were different.
It was a privelege to meet you, as well the rest of the crew. It was a privelege to experience your live shows. Though I’ve only seen Controller perform 3 times (a lot by Saskatoon standards), it solidified the band as my favourite to see live. No lie.
Ronnie, Scott, Colwyn, Jeff:
I probably don’t need to say this, but as for the future of Controller, follow your heart. Obviously things are going to be different without Nirmala. Chances are it’s not going to feel right for a while. I’m behind you guys 100% and I’m sure all of the fans are too and I hope that there is still a future for this band. But if it is not to be, then I will accept that…on one condition. You must form a new band. You’re too talented to not make music (same to you Nirmala).
In any case, I wish everyone the best. Nirmala, I will miss you, and thank you for everything.
#10. Mike Horvath
Oct 11, 04:59
It was a privelege to meet you, as well the rest of the crew. It was a privelege to experience your live shows. Though I’ve only seen Controller perform 3 times (a lot by Saskatoon standards), it solidified the band as my favourite to see live. No lie.
Ronnie, Scott, Colwyn, Jeff:
I probably don’t need to say this, but as for the future of Controller, follow your heart. Obviously things are going to be different without Nirmala. Chances are it’s not going to feel right for a while. I’m behind you guys 100% and I’m sure all of the fans are too and I hope that there is still a future for this band. But if it is not to be, then I will accept that…on one condition. You must form a new band. You’re too talented to not make music (same to you Nirmala).
In any case, I wish everyone the best. Nirmala, I will miss you, and thank you for everything.
#10. Mike HorvathOct 11, 04:59
Awwww Nirmala…
Remember that fateful October evening about 2 years ago when you kids rolled into Chateau CJLO for the first time, skipping soundcheck for us to record an in-studio session? That’s love, yo.
I think the thing I’ll miss more than the music, your awesome stage presence and phenomenal voice, is the time talking with/teasing you at your shows. Yer good people, Nirmala, and the first thing that came into my head when hearing that you’re quitting was “Aw man, when am I ever gonna hi-five the Nirmala again?” I mean, nu-metal discussions in Laval? Burger King? Jupiter ROOM?? It don’t get any better than that, kiddo.
Anyhow, thanks for the great tunes and fun shows (that 3am show at Spectrum for the Festival des Lumieres was gooood times…I had to take a nap before and got up at midnight to head out for that…Pathetic? Yes) and best of luck to Scott, Ronnie, Jeff and Colwyn. I’m sure whatever those dudes do will be amazing, and I hope they CONTINUE to do something…like Mike said above, there’s way too much talent there to leave by the wayside.
But I guess in the end, everyone’s gotta move on with life, and it’s almost fitting how the last time we spoke (with Mobster, who RULES btw, that is one rad dude) the topic was about family . Good luck in whatever you’re gonna do…
And I hope you have to wear a tie at your day job like I have to, hahaha…* weeps *
#12. O from CJLO
Oct 11, 16:21
Remember that fateful October evening about 2 years ago when you kids rolled into Chateau CJLO for the first time, skipping soundcheck for us to record an in-studio session? That’s love, yo.
I think the thing I’ll miss more than the music, your awesome stage presence and phenomenal voice, is the time talking with/teasing you at your shows. Yer good people, Nirmala, and the first thing that came into my head when hearing that you’re quitting was “Aw man, when am I ever gonna hi-five the Nirmala again?” I mean, nu-metal discussions in Laval? Burger King? Jupiter ROOM?? It don’t get any better than that, kiddo.
Anyhow, thanks for the great tunes and fun shows (that 3am show at Spectrum for the Festival des Lumieres was gooood times…I had to take a nap before and got up at midnight to head out for that…Pathetic? Yes) and best of luck to Scott, Ronnie, Jeff and Colwyn. I’m sure whatever those dudes do will be amazing, and I hope they CONTINUE to do something…like Mike said above, there’s way too much talent there to leave by the wayside.
But I guess in the end, everyone’s gotta move on with life, and it’s almost fitting how the last time we spoke (with Mobster, who RULES btw, that is one rad dude) the topic was about family . Good luck in whatever you’re gonna do…
And I hope you have to wear a tie at your day job like I have to, hahaha…* weeps *
#12. O from CJLOOct 11, 16:21
Teresa – thank YOU for coming out to see us. I do hope we have a proper farewell show at some point in the future, but that’s not entirely up to me, and if I never play with Colwyn, Jeff, Ronnie or Scott again, I’ll still feel like my four years in the band were worth it.
Mike – it was really great meeting you! I always enjoyed our conversations, which were supposed to be interviews but never felt that way. I can’t believe we were your favourite live band, but we always had a great time in Saskatoon (including that 30th birthday show – one of my most favourite memories, ever). Thank you.
Phil – I, too, would love to see c.c continue with a new singer (or no singer, as suggested by a message board poster in our earliest days). I agree with you: there’s no reason for the band to stop now, but that’s not my decision to make. Encouragement like yours helps, I’m sure. Thank you!
And O…dear O – I do remember that lovely CJLO session. It was worth being late for soundcheck at Petit Campus and having the sound guy basically hate our guts forever. You’ve said some wonderful, flattering things – thank you. I hope to see you and Alex in the future, baggy jeans and all, though who knows where or when. Until we meet again, I’ll really miss you. Who’s going to ridicule my attempts to speak French while in la belle province? Who’s going to pose like a deer in headlights for my photos? Who’s going to talk shit about the Magenta Janes behind their back? (Magnetas – if you read that – total jokes. Swear.) Who’s going to remind me that we played a 3am show once at the Spectrum, ‘cause I only vaguely remember?
I’m moving on, and though I might have to wear uncomfortable, corporate-style heels each day, I hope to see you down the road.
xoxoN.
#13. Nirmala
Oct 11, 20:40
Mike – it was really great meeting you! I always enjoyed our conversations, which were supposed to be interviews but never felt that way. I can’t believe we were your favourite live band, but we always had a great time in Saskatoon (including that 30th birthday show – one of my most favourite memories, ever). Thank you.
Phil – I, too, would love to see c.c continue with a new singer (or no singer, as suggested by a message board poster in our earliest days). I agree with you: there’s no reason for the band to stop now, but that’s not my decision to make. Encouragement like yours helps, I’m sure. Thank you!
And O…dear O – I do remember that lovely CJLO session. It was worth being late for soundcheck at Petit Campus and having the sound guy basically hate our guts forever. You’ve said some wonderful, flattering things – thank you. I hope to see you and Alex in the future, baggy jeans and all, though who knows where or when. Until we meet again, I’ll really miss you. Who’s going to ridicule my attempts to speak French while in la belle province? Who’s going to pose like a deer in headlights for my photos? Who’s going to talk shit about the Magenta Janes behind their back? (Magnetas – if you read that – total jokes. Swear.) Who’s going to remind me that we played a 3am show once at the Spectrum, ‘cause I only vaguely remember?
I’m moving on, and though I might have to wear uncomfortable, corporate-style heels each day, I hope to see you down the road.
xoxoN.
#13. NirmalaOct 11, 20:40
Nirmala,
It was heartbreaking to hear the news, but I’m sure its for the best and I wish you all the best in the future. Whenever I look back on my “golden years” of being a teenager, controller was such a big part of that. The best sweet sixteen anyone could have asked for, and I want to thank you! You have charisma and grace- you just capture and sustain the attention of anyone gazing upon you. Once again, thanks for the good times, great music and energetic shows. You will go far in all your escapades, and my friends and I will never forget your wicked style. Merci
Ciao
#15. Arielle Goldschlager
Oct 11, 22:55
It was heartbreaking to hear the news, but I’m sure its for the best and I wish you all the best in the future. Whenever I look back on my “golden years” of being a teenager, controller was such a big part of that. The best sweet sixteen anyone could have asked for, and I want to thank you! You have charisma and grace- you just capture and sustain the attention of anyone gazing upon you. Once again, thanks for the good times, great music and energetic shows. You will go far in all your escapades, and my friends and I will never forget your wicked style. Merci
Ciao
#15. Arielle GoldschlagerOct 11, 22:55
I’ve been to four c.c shows over the past couple of years and you remain the best band I’ve ever seen live. Nirmala, I’ll miss your electrifying performance and dynamic voice. Lucky for me, your last show was in my town, so I caught you one last time. I was looking forward to hearing some new controller music but I’m hopeful Scotty, Jeff, Colwyn and Ronnie will stick with the plan to perform.
Boys: Keep at it! We need you in London, ON and god knows your the best band to rock Call The Office and your last tour with YSP! WSD! was the best one yet.
Nirmala: Best of luck!...and please don’t completely fall of the radar. Keep entertaining us, whatever band you’re with.
#16. raychel
Oct 11, 23:04
Boys: Keep at it! We need you in London, ON and god knows your the best band to rock Call The Office and your last tour with YSP! WSD! was the best one yet.
Nirmala: Best of luck!...and please don’t completely fall of the radar. Keep entertaining us, whatever band you’re with.
#16. raychelOct 11, 23:04
ow it hurts! I wish you had a stupid reason to leave so that I could just be mad….but I get it, and I still love ya. Thanks for…....everything, you gave us great memories, so many that I can’t even mention them all (although you did give me the BEST birthday ever) Why does the best stuff have the shortest shelf life? Nirmala – I wish you all the happiness that you brought to us (that’s like a lot!). And Boys – hang in there. Lost for words now, so here are some of yours.
-if we allow it, do you think we’l get some sleep tonight?
#17. Robin (Controller.Controller DeadHead)
Oct 11, 23:55
-if we allow it, do you think we’l get some sleep tonight?
#17. Robin (Controller.Controller DeadHead)Oct 11, 23:55
Nirmala, I wish you the very best in your future journeys. Your voice and lyrics have stuck with me and will continue to do so. When you played at Broken City in Calgary it was the best show I have ever been to and I am glad I was able to experience it in a very cozzy and intimate setting. I will always be a c.c. fan and but it won’t quite be the same without you.
Take care.
#18. Keith
Oct 12, 00:24
Take care.
#18. KeithOct 12, 00:24
Nirmala, I wish you the best in your future endeavours. I’m really happy that I got to see you live for the last time at zaphod’s in Ottawa. Seeing you guys live 5 times was unforgettable, from the beginning of the History EP to the full length X-Amounts LP both albums have seen lengthy playtime and will continue to receive so. While you might have left the band, I’ll still have the recordings of your powerful lyrics and accompaniements, take care, and whatever you end up doing try not to have any regrets, wishing the best…Alex
#19. Alex
Oct 12, 01:20
#19. AlexOct 12, 01:20
Hi Nirmala,
I heard the news at the end of last week and I was dismayed but at the same time I also realize that all good things must come to an end.
Controller.Controller remains one of my favourite Toronto bands and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say you will be missed.
I also wanted to thank you for speaking to me before your show at Spin Gallery last November. I can honestly say that you’re one of nicest musicians I’ve ever interviewed and chatting with you was a pleasure.
Oh yeah, thank you for letting me use that picture you took of me as MySpace image. I’ve been too lazy to take a new one. ;-)
I just wanted to wish you nothing but the best in the future.
#20. Andrew
Oct 12, 14:47
I heard the news at the end of last week and I was dismayed but at the same time I also realize that all good things must come to an end.
Controller.Controller remains one of my favourite Toronto bands and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say you will be missed.
I also wanted to thank you for speaking to me before your show at Spin Gallery last November. I can honestly say that you’re one of nicest musicians I’ve ever interviewed and chatting with you was a pleasure.
Oh yeah, thank you for letting me use that picture you took of me as MySpace image. I’ve been too lazy to take a new one. ;-)
I just wanted to wish you nothing but the best in the future.
#20. AndrewOct 12, 14:47
I really enjoyed the show at Zaphods – pure energy pushed out into the audience. I was understandably looking forward to another album as Nirmala stretching her voice even further. However, fate works in mysterious ways and everyone has to grow and change and choose the best path they see fit.
Colwyn, Scott, Ronnie and Jeff… keep the good stuff coming. If Seb isn’t busy forming a new band since DFA79 pooched it – why not start something up with him? Just a thought. Keep rockin’... Dara
#21. Dara
Oct 12, 16:32
Colwyn, Scott, Ronnie and Jeff… keep the good stuff coming. If Seb isn’t busy forming a new band since DFA79 pooched it – why not start something up with him? Just a thought. Keep rockin’... Dara
#21. DaraOct 12, 16:32
Arielle – thank you so much. I’m really proud that we were a part of your “golden years” – I remember every band that I loved during my teens…many of whom I still love today. I hope c.c stays with you as an adult, too. (And have I told you that you have a wicked name?)
Raychel – I’m glad you saw us that one last time. I don’t think I’ll ever be part of another band, but that’s fine with me, because the one band I was part of was more than I could have asked for (in a good way). Thank you!
Robin – you know I’ll miss you. (I hope Jess doesn’t hate me!) You’re a truly good person and you’ve raised a really cool kid. (Yes, Jess isn’t a kid anymore, but you know.) It was great to meet you and I don’t know that I would have if I wasn’t in c.c. Thank you for all your support (and the cupcakes). Keep creating your beautiful art!
Keith – that Broken City show was amazing…one of my all-time favourites. It was perfect, being pressed up against the dancing crowd. I’m glad you were there. Thank you so much.
Alex – we loved that Zaphod show! It was Becky from YSP’s first time singing back-up with us so I’ll always remember it. Plus Ottawa’s my hometown! I’m thrilled that my last show there was so much fun. Thanks for coming out all those times and for treating our records so well. Let’s none of us have any regrets. Promise?
Andrew – it was great to meet you. That was a wonderful conversation we had, wedged into the Spin Gallery storeroom, sitting on beer cases. I’m glad we had that time. Thank you for your kind words and feel free to use that photo I took of you for as long as you like. It’s my pleasure.
Dara – thank you. I’m glad you and Susan were at that Zaphod show (and now I’m worried that I got her name wrong). It was great to meet and talk with the two of you on so many occasions. By the way, nice suggestion – having Sebastien front c.c – can you imagine that? Minds would be blown! Keep up the good work.
xoxoN.
#22. Nirmala
Oct 12, 21:52
Raychel – I’m glad you saw us that one last time. I don’t think I’ll ever be part of another band, but that’s fine with me, because the one band I was part of was more than I could have asked for (in a good way). Thank you!
Robin – you know I’ll miss you. (I hope Jess doesn’t hate me!) You’re a truly good person and you’ve raised a really cool kid. (Yes, Jess isn’t a kid anymore, but you know.) It was great to meet you and I don’t know that I would have if I wasn’t in c.c. Thank you for all your support (and the cupcakes). Keep creating your beautiful art!
Keith – that Broken City show was amazing…one of my all-time favourites. It was perfect, being pressed up against the dancing crowd. I’m glad you were there. Thank you so much.
Alex – we loved that Zaphod show! It was Becky from YSP’s first time singing back-up with us so I’ll always remember it. Plus Ottawa’s my hometown! I’m thrilled that my last show there was so much fun. Thanks for coming out all those times and for treating our records so well. Let’s none of us have any regrets. Promise?
Andrew – it was great to meet you. That was a wonderful conversation we had, wedged into the Spin Gallery storeroom, sitting on beer cases. I’m glad we had that time. Thank you for your kind words and feel free to use that photo I took of you for as long as you like. It’s my pleasure.
Dara – thank you. I’m glad you and Susan were at that Zaphod show (and now I’m worried that I got her name wrong). It was great to meet and talk with the two of you on so many occasions. By the way, nice suggestion – having Sebastien front c.c – can you imagine that? Minds would be blown! Keep up the good work.
xoxoN.
#22. NirmalaOct 12, 21:52
Heard you were leaving on the CBC Radio 3 podcast. Sorry to hear. Life moves on, best wishes in whatever you do next.
#24. Kyle Sharpe
Oct 17, 09:46
#24. Kyle SharpeOct 17, 09:46
I can’t believe there will be no more Nirmala in Controller.Controller…by far the best act to play the small yet mighty stage at the Downbeat Lounge in Sault Ste. Marie.
And I just bought a new fancy camera all the better to photograph you with, my dear…
I am deeply saddened.
#25. slackhopper
Oct 17, 19:03
And I just bought a new fancy camera all the better to photograph you with, my dear…
I am deeply saddened.
#25. slackhopperOct 17, 19:03
I am so sad.
Nirmala was the nicest, most talented, coolest cat, smartest, funnest performer ever.
Look at her..she makes sure every one of us gets a comment back from her. Wow, im just shocked! i wish you good luck in the future..i know you’ll do the best in whatever you choose because you are so talented and special, me and cristina are really going to miss you, espcially tina since she missed the last show! but i hope to see you soon, i was waiting for you to come to toronto so i could finally give you this stupid little thing ive been meaning to give you for a while, so until then!
PS. i hope i can still write to you, pen pals foreverrrrr. we both love you nirmala:)
cheers to the cute former lead singer of controller.controller who everyone will miss.
#26. MOJO!!!:(!!!
Oct 18, 19:00
Nirmala was the nicest, most talented, coolest cat, smartest, funnest performer ever.
Look at her..she makes sure every one of us gets a comment back from her. Wow, im just shocked! i wish you good luck in the future..i know you’ll do the best in whatever you choose because you are so talented and special, me and cristina are really going to miss you, espcially tina since she missed the last show! but i hope to see you soon, i was waiting for you to come to toronto so i could finally give you this stupid little thing ive been meaning to give you for a while, so until then!
PS. i hope i can still write to you, pen pals foreverrrrr. we both love you nirmala:)
cheers to the cute former lead singer of controller.controller who everyone will miss.
#26. MOJO!!!:(!!!Oct 18, 19:00
Lankan – I wish I could write in Sinhalese! Thank you, though. The sentiments are much appreciated. (Translation of Lankan’s comment, for those who don’t speak the language: “Oh, Nirmala, don’t go!”)
Kyle – thank you.
Slackhopper – thanks for all the photos! (We’re still using some of them in the front page slideshow.) The next time I’m in the Soo I’ll look for you at the lovely Lounge.
MOJO – thank you so much. I hope I see you and Cristina again soon. Anyway, you better keep in touch ‘cause I want to be there when Greensplat blows up!
xoxoN.
#27. Nirmala
Oct 18, 21:19
Kyle – thank you.
Slackhopper – thanks for all the photos! (We’re still using some of them in the front page slideshow.) The next time I’m in the Soo I’ll look for you at the lovely Lounge.
MOJO – thank you so much. I hope I see you and Cristina again soon. Anyway, you better keep in touch ‘cause I want to be there when Greensplat blows up!
xoxoN.
#27. NirmalaOct 18, 21:19
Nirmala I wish you the best ! CC is part of my life now and forever.
J xoxox
#28. Julien
Oct 19, 02:15
J xoxox
#28. JulienOct 19, 02:15
Aww, I was so sad to hear you’re leaving Nirmala.
In all honesty you’re one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. You have this way of making everyone feel comfortable, as if you were just visiting an old friend.
I hope to hear something of you in the future. I wish you luck, and the guys as well.
#29. danielle
Oct 22, 11:35
In all honesty you’re one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. You have this way of making everyone feel comfortable, as if you were just visiting an old friend.
I hope to hear something of you in the future. I wish you luck, and the guys as well.
#29. danielleOct 22, 11:35
Wow! Best of luck in your future endeavours! I feel blessed having gotten the chance to see C.C. this past year. You guys played to a crowd of maybe 30 people @ the apollo in Thunder Bay. It was an amazing show, and one i’ll never forgot! Thanks for everything.
#30. Andrew
Oct 25, 22:18
#30. AndrewOct 25, 22:18
I’m one of the unfortunate ones who discovered this amazing band too late, I haven’t been able to make it out to a live show yet. Best of luck in the future Nirmala, I’m sure you will succeed in whatever you set your heart to. As for me, I will continue to play c.c records loud and proud!!
#31. Nele
Oct 26, 17:19
#31. NeleOct 26, 17:19
Ah, Julien – merci! Je ne vous oublierai…jamais.
Danielle – it really wasn’t difficult for me to relax around you guys. The people who came and talked to me before and after shows just made me feel at ease. Thank you for that.
Andrew – I remember that show! Thanks to all thirty people who showed up (even the ones who were only there to see Magneta Lane) and thank you so much for your kind words.
Nele – thank you. It doesn’t matter how late in the game you found us. I’m just glad you did.
xoxoN.
#32. Nirmala
Oct 26, 19:14
Danielle – it really wasn’t difficult for me to relax around you guys. The people who came and talked to me before and after shows just made me feel at ease. Thank you for that.
Andrew – I remember that show! Thanks to all thirty people who showed up (even the ones who were only there to see Magneta Lane) and thank you so much for your kind words.
Nele – thank you. It doesn’t matter how late in the game you found us. I’m just glad you did.
xoxoN.
#32. NirmalaOct 26, 19:14
I just read the news today and am very sorry to see you leave the band :(
I saw controller controller perform at Sugar Night Club in Victoria and to say the least I was blown away.
You are a very sexy singer when up on stage…the entire band jelled so well I don’t think I’ve danced so much at a rock show.
I spoke with Ronnie briefly just before he took the stage. I’ll never forget the sounds you produced that night and I was really hoping I could hear them again…maybe.
Anyways, best of luck with wherever you go and whatever you do…
where are you going?
#33. Benjamin
Oct 28, 20:43
I saw controller controller perform at Sugar Night Club in Victoria and to say the least I was blown away.
You are a very sexy singer when up on stage…the entire band jelled so well I don’t think I’ve danced so much at a rock show.
I spoke with Ronnie briefly just before he took the stage. I’ll never forget the sounds you produced that night and I was really hoping I could hear them again…maybe.
Anyways, best of luck with wherever you go and whatever you do…
where are you going?
#33. BenjaminOct 28, 20:43
this news makes me sad, perhaps for selfish reasons, u guys have been a bright spot in a dismal music world over the last couple years, and i wish i had seen you live before nirmala left. i wish her well in anything she chooses to do and hope the band can somehow find someone to fill the void. love and peace to you all
dayv
#34. dayv
Nov 2, 23:08
dayv
#34. dayvNov 2, 23:08
Hey, Nirmala
I’ve been avoiding this for the past few weeks because I can’t believe it is happening! Everyone has said some nice things, and have pretty much summed up a lot of what I would say. But, there’s one more thing I’d like to add, and that is: Thank you SO much for being so incredibly nice to me! You really made me feel like I was part of the controller.controller community. You always remembered me (I have no clue how) and treated me like a friend—it meant so much to me!
I hope the rest of your life is fun and amazing!!
Hopefully I’ll see you again someday.
Lots of love,
Danena
#35. Danena
Nov 3, 09:29
I’ve been avoiding this for the past few weeks because I can’t believe it is happening! Everyone has said some nice things, and have pretty much summed up a lot of what I would say. But, there’s one more thing I’d like to add, and that is: Thank you SO much for being so incredibly nice to me! You really made me feel like I was part of the controller.controller community. You always remembered me (I have no clue how) and treated me like a friend—it meant so much to me!
I hope the rest of your life is fun and amazing!!
Hopefully I’ll see you again someday.
Lots of love,
Danena
#35. DanenaNov 3, 09:29
Benjamin – wow! Thank you. All I do on stage is everything I can do, so I’m glad it came off well. I do believe that the five of us, the original c.c line-up, had incredible chemistry. I always felt very lucky for that. And I always felt like we had good shows at Sugar – that was where Nelly Furtado first caught us, by the way, which was the first time we ever played Victoria. That tour with Death From Above 1979 was amazing.
Dayv – thank you so much. I’m sorry you never got to see us live, but I hope you continue to enjoy our music. I’m very happy we could be a bright spot for you. Love and peace: exactly.
Danena – Danena! How could I not be nice to you? You were always wonderful and friendly to me, which is precisely why I remembered you (and still remember you. Your great fashion sense helped my memory, too)! I’m going to miss you and the Halifax kids. (I asked Simon to say hi to you for me the next time he sees you, but I suppose I’m sort of doing that myself right now.) I know this may sound overly sweet, but it’s true: I treat you like a friend because I consider you a friend. If I ever make it back out east, I hope to see you there.
xoxoN.
#36. Nirmala
Nov 8, 22:48
Dayv – thank you so much. I’m sorry you never got to see us live, but I hope you continue to enjoy our music. I’m very happy we could be a bright spot for you. Love and peace: exactly.
Danena – Danena! How could I not be nice to you? You were always wonderful and friendly to me, which is precisely why I remembered you (and still remember you. Your great fashion sense helped my memory, too)! I’m going to miss you and the Halifax kids. (I asked Simon to say hi to you for me the next time he sees you, but I suppose I’m sort of doing that myself right now.) I know this may sound overly sweet, but it’s true: I treat you like a friend because I consider you a friend. If I ever make it back out east, I hope to see you there.
xoxoN.
#36. NirmalaNov 8, 22:48
dear controller controller
it is with great sadness i recently read the news that nirmala was leaving the band.
i live in the uk and only discovered you recently since getting into dfa1979 and you say party.
it took a while to find your ep and album on vinyl, but i got them and was quite frankly blown away!
truly amazing and my next mission was to see you live.
there was a vague glimmer of hope when i heard yspwsd were coming over to the uk, that you may hop on the plane with them!
so i can only hope that nirmala changes her mind or comes out saying ‘only joking’
but i can see from the constant posts and replies on your website that no matter how sad she may be about it there’s no turning back. such a real shame!
i can’t even imagine how sad you are all about it having spent the last few years playing together; and here i am just some bloke in england and even i am affected.
i hope that whatever you all decide to do with this situation it is for the best and that you will all be happy. as i said though my greatest hope would be for you all to announce that you were coming to the uk on tour together or that you’d decided to work on a new album.
i sincerely hope that this is not the end for controller controller and that you sort things out for the best.
thanks for everything
mark
#37. mark leeds
Nov 10, 07:57
it is with great sadness i recently read the news that nirmala was leaving the band.
i live in the uk and only discovered you recently since getting into dfa1979 and you say party.
it took a while to find your ep and album on vinyl, but i got them and was quite frankly blown away!
truly amazing and my next mission was to see you live.
there was a vague glimmer of hope when i heard yspwsd were coming over to the uk, that you may hop on the plane with them!
so i can only hope that nirmala changes her mind or comes out saying ‘only joking’
but i can see from the constant posts and replies on your website that no matter how sad she may be about it there’s no turning back. such a real shame!
i can’t even imagine how sad you are all about it having spent the last few years playing together; and here i am just some bloke in england and even i am affected.
i hope that whatever you all decide to do with this situation it is for the best and that you will all be happy. as i said though my greatest hope would be for you all to announce that you were coming to the uk on tour together or that you’d decided to work on a new album.
i sincerely hope that this is not the end for controller controller and that you sort things out for the best.
thanks for everything
mark
#37. mark leedsNov 10, 07:57
By far the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen on stage. Confident, direct and electric all at once.
#38. Veronica
Nov 10, 22:59
#38. VeronicaNov 10, 22:59
my friend and i went out to every controller.controller show in hamilton the past two years – we love them all but missed the last one and damn, karma slapped us in the face. needless to say, nirmala, you will be missed, your performances were always awesome and i never left a show the least bit unsatisfied. nonetheless, i wish you the best of luck…but im keeping my fingers crossed that you decide to return.
#39. dana
Nov 15, 00:57
#39. danaNov 15, 00:57
Dear Mark – wow. Thank you for this letter. I am indeed happy but I’m sorry our paths didn’t cross earlier. I really do appreciate your support.
Veronica – yikes! That’s incredibly high praise…it’s actually making me blush. It’s funny because there were so many times, especially during the early years of c.c, that I felt shy and terrified and mousy. Thank you so much!
Dana – I can’t believe you made it to every Hamilton show we played! That’s amazing (‘cause there were quite a few Hamilton shows, after all). I also can’t believe you enjoyed every set we performed…haha. Thank you for being there for us. If we ever play a farewell show in Toronto, I hope we see you again.
I hope to see you all again sometime!
xoxoN.
#40. Nirmala
Nov 15, 11:28
Veronica – yikes! That’s incredibly high praise…it’s actually making me blush. It’s funny because there were so many times, especially during the early years of c.c, that I felt shy and terrified and mousy. Thank you so much!
Dana – I can’t believe you made it to every Hamilton show we played! That’s amazing (‘cause there were quite a few Hamilton shows, after all). I also can’t believe you enjoyed every set we performed…haha. Thank you for being there for us. If we ever play a farewell show in Toronto, I hope we see you again.
I hope to see you all again sometime!
xoxoN.
#40. NirmalaNov 15, 11:28
I am sorry to hear you are leaving just when I finally get the chance to have possibly heard C.C live. Out of all the interviews I have conducted, you would have to be the most genuine and fun interviewee I have had the pleasure of talking to. I wish you all the very best for the future and hope we may be able to catch up when I am over from Aussie in March.
#41. Marc
Nov 23, 21:29
#41. MarcNov 23, 21:29
Hi Nirmala,
I was on navigating on internet when I decided to see your website…it was very sad for me to see that you’re leaving the band (don’t know why by the way…)
I’m from Portugal and far far away from Canada…
Controller.Controller it was the best thing that I’ve discovered in recent times, I discovered Controller.Controller on myspace and I remember that when I was listening your music I’ve said “Jesus Cristo pá!Que som do caralho e q voz fantastica”…in English this means: “Jesus Christ man!What a sound, and what a fantastic voice”
I was amazed by thinking that there was a group like Controller.Controller and nobody in Europe knew about…
I read what people write and I realize that Controller.Controller are really a rare group, because you are differente in the way you interact with the fans, I see that there is really a chemistry and love between fans and groups and I think that there is really fantastic…
Feist, Emily Haines, Juliette Lewis, Alison Mosshart, Kim Gordon, PJ Harvey…this are great artist and singers that I like very much…but I just want to say that Nirmala Basnayake is so good or even better then them…you have all the talent and energy to be just like them…never forget that…
I just wanted to wish you nothing but the best in the future, but really really really really…I hope to see you someday on a concert here in Portugal!:)
As for me, it will be very difficult to know things about you because I’m to far…but like someone said before “I will always hear your sound loud and proud”…:)
Kiss from Portugal…
PS: Sorry by the errors but I don’t usually write in English…:)
#42. Samuel
Nov 25, 08:32
I was on navigating on internet when I decided to see your website…it was very sad for me to see that you’re leaving the band (don’t know why by the way…)
I’m from Portugal and far far away from Canada…
Controller.Controller it was the best thing that I’ve discovered in recent times, I discovered Controller.Controller on myspace and I remember that when I was listening your music I’ve said “Jesus Cristo pá!Que som do caralho e q voz fantastica”…in English this means: “Jesus Christ man!What a sound, and what a fantastic voice”
I was amazed by thinking that there was a group like Controller.Controller and nobody in Europe knew about…
I read what people write and I realize that Controller.Controller are really a rare group, because you are differente in the way you interact with the fans, I see that there is really a chemistry and love between fans and groups and I think that there is really fantastic…
Feist, Emily Haines, Juliette Lewis, Alison Mosshart, Kim Gordon, PJ Harvey…this are great artist and singers that I like very much…but I just want to say that Nirmala Basnayake is so good or even better then them…you have all the talent and energy to be just like them…never forget that…
I just wanted to wish you nothing but the best in the future, but really really really really…I hope to see you someday on a concert here in Portugal!:)
As for me, it will be very difficult to know things about you because I’m to far…but like someone said before “I will always hear your sound loud and proud”…:)
Kiss from Portugal…
PS: Sorry by the errors but I don’t usually write in English…:)
#42. SamuelNov 25, 08:32
Hi Nirmala,
I was lucky enough to catch C.C. this summer in Edmonton. Great show, great sound! A very talented group of artists that mesh well together. Sorry to hear you go though. So what’s this I hear about a day job?? It’s not everyday you get to see a Lankan sing her heart out in a R&R band! You should be proud. You kicked ass. I hope you had a blast and best of luck in the future.
#43. Mayooran
Nov 30, 02:16
I was lucky enough to catch C.C. this summer in Edmonton. Great show, great sound! A very talented group of artists that mesh well together. Sorry to hear you go though. So what’s this I hear about a day job?? It’s not everyday you get to see a Lankan sing her heart out in a R&R band! You should be proud. You kicked ass. I hope you had a blast and best of luck in the future.
#43. MayooranNov 30, 02:16
Marc—thank you so much! It was my pleasure to chat with you. Please do let me know when you’re in town from down under. I can’t believe I was your most fun interviewee. Now if you’d written that I was the one who babbled the most, I wouldn’t doubt it. Long live Rockus!
Samuel—WOW. Your letter is amazing and you have no reason to apologize for how you write. I don’t really know what to say…I’m a little stunned and totally flattered to be included among the group of women you’ve named. Thank you for your wishes and for continuing to play us “loud and proud”—that’s wonderful. It’s honestly not difficult to interact with you—or the people that come to the shows, or those who “talk” with us through this site—because you’re all so good and generous. You make me feel like we’ve done something to make ourselves proud, too. Here’s a kiss to you from Canada.
Mayooran—I definitely had a blast with c.c and am really proud of what we accomplished. Hopefully we’ll see more brown girls in rock bands but I’m glad you came out to see us at EdFest. Thank you so much. I hope the future holds great things for you, too.
xoxoN.
#44. Nirmala
Nov 30, 12:38
Samuel—WOW. Your letter is amazing and you have no reason to apologize for how you write. I don’t really know what to say…I’m a little stunned and totally flattered to be included among the group of women you’ve named. Thank you for your wishes and for continuing to play us “loud and proud”—that’s wonderful. It’s honestly not difficult to interact with you—or the people that come to the shows, or those who “talk” with us through this site—because you’re all so good and generous. You make me feel like we’ve done something to make ourselves proud, too. Here’s a kiss to you from Canada.
Mayooran—I definitely had a blast with c.c and am really proud of what we accomplished. Hopefully we’ll see more brown girls in rock bands but I’m glad you came out to see us at EdFest. Thank you so much. I hope the future holds great things for you, too.
xoxoN.
#44. NirmalaNov 30, 12:38
Nirmala –
I just got Linda’s email about the wedding and found out the news. I want to wish you all the best and thank you so much for the rockin’, and I mean rockin’, c.c shows. In Toronto and NYC!! I will miss you. You were an inspiration in that band for sure. Hard shoes to fill my dear. Good luck and take care!!!
Catonia xx
#45. Catonia
Dec 5, 22:35
I just got Linda’s email about the wedding and found out the news. I want to wish you all the best and thank you so much for the rockin’, and I mean rockin’, c.c shows. In Toronto and NYC!! I will miss you. You were an inspiration in that band for sure. Hard shoes to fill my dear. Good luck and take care!!!
Catonia xx
#45. CatoniaDec 5, 22:35
Okay, I’m listening to X-Amounts right now, and I don’t know if I can deal with not being able to see Nirmala leading the Controller boys anymore. Seriously, I just keep thinking about the live shows I’ve been to, and how incredible they were. If Controller.Controller ceases to exist in this world, I will be forced to create a Controller cover band, or a band that is in some way the spiritual successor to Controller. It’s like losing your best friend. What will you do without them? Yes I have the memories. Yes I have this little plastic disc. And I suppose in that way, they are immortalized, but it’s just not the same, and anyone who’s been to a show will know that. Not to say that I’m not thankful for the memories, but….I just wish I could keep making new ones.
#46. Mike Horvath
Dec 7, 02:54
#46. Mike HorvathDec 7, 02:54
Nirmala….
I LOVE YOU! and want to wish you the best in whatever you do next…it was great meeting up in Edmonton in July, and i will never forget it…
Thanks for the picture you took with your camera, and hopefully you’ll do some more hosting on CBC radio 3???
Lucina
#47. Lucina
Dec 11, 18:03
I LOVE YOU! and want to wish you the best in whatever you do next…it was great meeting up in Edmonton in July, and i will never forget it…
Thanks for the picture you took with your camera, and hopefully you’ll do some more hosting on CBC radio 3???
Lucina
#47. LucinaDec 11, 18:03
Unfortunately, I never made it to a show. My friends travelled across the country to get to one, but I didn’t have the disposable cash to fork out at the time. How I regret that.
However, I’m hoping that if I and everyone I know, and everything they know, etc., can buy at least ten copies of X-Amounts each, perhaps it will inspire a reunion tour…
#48. Alana
Dec 11, 18:16
However, I’m hoping that if I and everyone I know, and everything they know, etc., can buy at least ten copies of X-Amounts each, perhaps it will inspire a reunion tour…
#48. AlanaDec 11, 18:16
Catonia—lovely Catonia! Thank you so much. I hope to see you outside of a darkened club at some point. After all, there are more cupcakes to be found!
Mike—you’re awesome. I always wanted to hear covers of our songs…then I’ll know we’ve truly made it! Thank you so much. I hope our music is part of some of the new memories you create.
Lucina—THANK YOU! That’s very sweet of you to say. I wish I could take more Edmonton photos! Hopefully I’ll do some more CBC sessions, too. (My third guest host spot just aired last Friday.)
Alana—don’t regret anything. You’re amazing to encourage people to continue buying our records (and hey, I recently saw X-Amounts in a 2-for sale at a major store…whooooo)...and I personally won’t rule out a reunion. Please thank your friends for travelling cross-country to see us (wow!), and hopefully we’ll see you in the future.
xoxoN.
#49. Nirmala
Dec 11, 20:39
Mike—you’re awesome. I always wanted to hear covers of our songs…then I’ll know we’ve truly made it! Thank you so much. I hope our music is part of some of the new memories you create.
Lucina—THANK YOU! That’s very sweet of you to say. I wish I could take more Edmonton photos! Hopefully I’ll do some more CBC sessions, too. (My third guest host spot just aired last Friday.)
Alana—don’t regret anything. You’re amazing to encourage people to continue buying our records (and hey, I recently saw X-Amounts in a 2-for sale at a major store…whooooo)...and I personally won’t rule out a reunion. Please thank your friends for travelling cross-country to see us (wow!), and hopefully we’ll see you in the future.
xoxoN.
#49. NirmalaDec 11, 20:39
Nirmala and c.c.
I may have seen your last show together (Sept. 23, Call the Office London). It was my second time seeing you and to be honest, I hadn’t loved the first show, but I did enjoy the albums. I was quite impressed with your show, however, and am now a convert, as your live show was truly a force of nature. The energy you brought on a shitty, rainy London night was amazing.
Good luck to all 5 of you in your future endevours, and remember, you’re not the first band to go their seperate ways (remember what happened to the Beatles? They did pretty ok for themselves) and certainly not the last.
#50. Andrew
Dec 14, 01:05
I may have seen your last show together (Sept. 23, Call the Office London). It was my second time seeing you and to be honest, I hadn’t loved the first show, but I did enjoy the albums. I was quite impressed with your show, however, and am now a convert, as your live show was truly a force of nature. The energy you brought on a shitty, rainy London night was amazing.
Good luck to all 5 of you in your future endevours, and remember, you’re not the first band to go their seperate ways (remember what happened to the Beatles? They did pretty ok for themselves) and certainly not the last.
#50. AndrewDec 14, 01:05
Hey Guys
I really loved seeing you guys play. A buddy of mine took me to one of your shows in Cambridge and I followed you ever since. Thanks for autographing my vinyl and for entertaining a grateful audience every single time you played. You will be greatly missed. Call The Office will never be rocked as hard. Best of luck.
Cheers,
Swarty
#53. chris Swarthout
Feb 22, 22:22
I really loved seeing you guys play. A buddy of mine took me to one of your shows in Cambridge and I followed you ever since. Thanks for autographing my vinyl and for entertaining a grateful audience every single time you played. You will be greatly missed. Call The Office will never be rocked as hard. Best of luck.
Cheers,
Swarty
#53. chris SwarthoutFeb 22, 22:22
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