Man/Woman/Chainsaw: Inside Their Debut Album ‘Cannonball’

Last Updated on 2026-08-07 by a-indie

The Story of How Man/Woman/Chainsaw Formed

-Yuuki Takita: Next, please tell us how you all met. Originally, the band was formed around Billy Ward and Vera Leppänen, who attended the same school, right? How did the current six members meet, and how did Man/Woman/Chainsaw come to be?
A: Five of us met at school, then Billy Ward met Clio at a garden drinks and recruited her for her charming violin chops. Billy Doyle joined us later when Vera broke her finger and had to sub in for her on bass so thank god for that.

-Yuuki Takita: Why did you decide to go by the band name “Man/Woman/Chainsaw”? Also, could you explain the meaning behind the name “Man/Woman/Chainsaw”?
A: We were inspired by the book Men Women and Chainsaws by Carol J. Clover, which is a collection of feminist essays on women in horror movies – we added the slashes.

Everyday Life in a Tightly Bonded Band

-Yuuki Takita: I looked at some of your social media posts. What caught my attention the most were the photos on Instagram. There are many photos showing the members getting along very well, which I think symbolizes your good rapport. What’s the dynamic like within the band? Is there anything you’re particularly mindful of when working together as a band? I can sense a wide range of musical backgrounds in your music, but since each of those elements harmonizes without becoming chaotic, I get the impression that the band has a strong sense of unity.
A: Ohhhhh yeah for sure we are a good bunch of buddies! Spending this much time together would be impossible if we weren’t such good friends. We like listening to pop bangers in our tour van.

-Yuuki Takita: When I listened to your music, the first thing that came to mind was Black Country, New Road. However, in the details, I can also hear grunge elements reminiscent of Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins, as well as a baroque pop approach like that of Fiona Apple and the Lemon Twigs. If you had to name three albums that have influenced your music, which ones would they be? Also, for each one, please tell us what aspects influenced you, or share any related stories.
A: Our influences span far and wide, which lends itself to our music and how we sound.

Clio: My violin playing is rooted in classical music. When I was 14 I was in this quartet, we played Schubert’s Death and the Maiden and until M/W/C it was my most fulfilling musical experience yet. I believe the themes and melodies within those 4 movements are exhibited in the way I now write violin parts for the band. It taught me how to build and resolve a phrase. It slaps and you should go listen to it !

Emmie: An album I feel has definitely influenced my style of playing in a group is Lahai by Sampha, it has a really cool style of piano playing that’s often used in a percussive way or blends beautifully in amongst several other rich textures. The man really knows how to cook up the sweetest ear candy of a hook.

Vera: This is kind of an impossible question I think, but if I have to pick one album to shoutout that is personally influential, I have to go with Lana Del Rey’s Norman Fucking Rockwell. I find the toplines, particularly the lyrics, really compelling. It feels really modern and classic simultaneously. I had the privilege of seeing her live last summer, cried my eyes out.