What is courage? When you’re a young rock ‘n’ roll band—courage is throwing yourself into your music fully and completely. It’s stepping onto a stage and just given it your all. It’s touring new places far from home, and opening up, scars and all, to your fans. Courage is saying what you really think. It’s being unafraid of change, of becoming who you really are.  Courage My Love is all of these things.
The Kitchener, Canada band, consisting of twin sisters Mercedes Arn-Horn, Phoenix Arn-Horn and Brandon Lockwood, are at once a power trio, pop punk, and alternative metal.  The approach has earned them heavy rotation on Much Music, and a spot on Alternative Press Magazine’s 100 Bands to Know list.  With the attention building, and a fanbase growing, these days the band spends more time than ever exploring the world and bringing their uplifting sound to new locations and fans.
Ghettoblaster caught up with bassist/vocalist Brandon Lockwood recently to discuss one of their favorite places on Earth, Kitchener, Canada.  This is what he had to say about his home.
What’s your town’s nickname?
K-town.
What’s your nickname for your town?
Township of Kitch.
Why do you live there?
Been here so long it’s considered home. And the band lives here. 
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
It used to be our music scene. Now probably the nice long strip of bars. 
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Koi Fest… hands down.
What is the best time of year to be there?
 During the summer it’s nice to walk downtown to uptown, but in winter Victoria Park is beautiful. 
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
That’s easy.. My twins Mercedes and Phoenix.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Phil’s Grandsons will always hold a place in my heart. $2.50 drinks every night. The band also likes to bond at Chainsaw because it’s right behind our hall and they have a wicked patio.
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
I’m pretty sure Ethel’s has the only jukebox and they probably use an iPod like everywhere else. 
Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
Favourite place to play would have to be the Schwaben Club. Used to be the playground of the scene around here… wish they’d bring shows back there.
Does where you live influence your music?
Absolutely. It’s hard for it not to.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Favorite place for live music would be The Wax (when it happens). It’s a very intimate venue. My favorite show there would have to be Lifestory Monologue’s goodbye show. Way too emotional for everyone who was there. 
What is your favorite local band?
Favorite local band that is still together would have to be my bros in Gracefield.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Favorite diner is Ethel’s. They make a bomb pulled pork quesadilla. 
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
I personally like The Beat Goes On. You never know what gems you can find there. 
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Kyle Wappler’s Breakdown Magazine has done wonders for our local scene. 
What is your favorite local shop?
Favorite local shop is Berlin. That’s where I get my tattoos done.  I could spend all day in there. 
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?
I’ve taken a liking to Sarnia. There’s so much culture; it’s like a mini California in the summer.
(Visit the band at their website here: http://www.ilovecouragemylove.com.)