WATCH: A Candid Conversation with Canadian Synth-Rock Pioneer Chibi of The Birthday Massacre

Just before taking the stage for a sold-out show at the historic Granada Theater in Dallas, TX, Chibi, the enigmatic frontwoman of The Birthday Massacre, sat down with Music Fiends for an intimate backstage interview. With their new album Pathways freshly released in April, the conversation delved into the inspirations behind the record, upcoming UK tour plans, the band’s quirky pre-show rituals and on-the-road pranks, and the secrets behind their signature gothic-glam makeup.

Emerging from the misty underground of London, Ontario in 1999, The Birthday Massacre has spent over two decades weaving shadowy tales through shimmering synths and distorted guitars. Blending gothic aesthetics with a nostalgic wave of 80s-inspired synthpop and industrial rock, the band, fronted by the hauntingly charismatic Chibi, has carved a niche that’s equal parts eerie and enchanting.

Originally called Imagica (a nod to Clive Barker’s surreal fantasy), the band soon adopted the name The Birthday Massacre, perfectly capturing their signature contrast of innocence and menace. Their music feels like a neon-lit nightmare: dreamy melodies collide with dark themes, wrapped in a theatrical, cinematic soundscape.

With albums like Violet, Pins and Needles, and the brand new Pathways (released in April 2025), TBM continues to evolve while staying true to their gothic-pop roots. Whether they’re summoning ghostly ballads or unleashing pulsing anthems, The Birthday Massacre invites listeners into a world where beauty and darkness walk hand-in-hand, and maybe throw a little glitter while they’re at it.