Bedouin Soundclash speaks with Ben Mulroney backstage at the 2006 Juno Awards. Massari chats with eTalk Daily's Tanya Kin backstage at the 2006 Juno Awards. Simple Plan backstage with eTalk Daily at the 2006 Juno Awards. Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas poses with Jully Black backstage at the 2006 Juno Awards.

Stars open up to eTalk backstage

Updated Sun. Apr. 2 2006 9:59 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

Fans should not rule out a collaborative effort between Kardinal Offishall and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, the hip hop legend opined backstage at the Junos.

eTalk's Ben Mulroney and Tanya Kim were the first to talk to the hottest Canadian artists after they appeared on-stage at the Juno Awards in Halifax.

When asked by Mulroney if the Junos were an opportunity for musicians to network, Kardinal was quick to dispel the myth.

The inspiration, he said, might come from the libations consumed at the Juno after-party, rather than from a musical source.

"It comes from the rum," he said at eTalk's backstage Pantene Red Room after presenting the artist of the year award to Michael Buble.

"So, if somehow from the dark rum that we are going to drink tonight, there is a Chad Kroeger and Kardinal combination, you'll know that it came from the rum," he said.

Bedouin Soundclash, after picking up the new group of the year honours, squeezed together on the red couches and toasted their victory.

Vocalist/guitarist Jay Malinowski said the band always believed in their music, but whether they could make a living was "up for grabs."

"We just wanted to make something that fit with our lifestyle and our friends and that's always been the driving force."

Ottawa singer Massari played coy backstage after a six pack-baring performance with the dancers he called "Massari's Angels."

"When you walk into a room, everyone turns and looks at you," Kim told the R&B singer.

"Really?" the 25-year-old asked, before breaking into a big grin and admitting he loved that reaction.

"Of course I do," Massari said, adding that it was essential for an artist to be walk into a room and "demand that attention."

Montreal-based punk-pop group Simple Plan celebrated their Juno Fan Choice Award.

"To us, it's the most important one because those fans ... really do care. That's why it matters the most," said bassist David Desrosiers.

Lead guitarist Jeff Stinco piped in, adding that the voting process can be hard to understand.

"At least we know with this award that people actually went out of their way and voted," said lead guitarist Jeff Stinco.

While Simple Plan rejoiced in their win, soulful R&B singer Jully Black celebrated her one-year anniversary as an eTalk correspondent.

"It's been amazing. I bought a house, a Lamborghini," said Black, who introduced the Black Eyed Peas. "Just joking, I'm poor."

Meanwhile, the Black Eyed Peas chalked up their success in Canada to their relationship with their fans.

"I think it's the fact that we are no different from the people who listen to our music or who go to our shows ... We've been coming to Canada since 1998. We're still the same guys," said will.i.am.

"We thank all those people that supported us since 1998 but we're still the same dudes. And I think that exudes, what the people that listen to our grooves ... And we put 'em in a cool mood," he said.

More than 1,000 industry members congregated in Halifax for a weekend of celebration that saw Buble dominate the award ceremonies.

The festivities included a charity hockey game Friday night that featured Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and TV stars the Trailer Park Boys.

Nickelback, Jully Black and local favourites Matt Mays and El Torpedo were among the artists who spent nearly five hours signing autographs for several thousand fans at Juno Fan Fare on Saturday.

Next year's Juno Awards will be hosted by Saskatoon.

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