Multi-instrumentalist co-founded the sexually charged band Rough Trade

In 1981, the provocative Canadian rock band Rough Trade appeared on the sketch comedy series SCTV. In a segment called Pre-Teen World, the musicians were asked, “In the underground pop world, which is better, bondage or humiliation?” Singer Carole Pope quickly said humiliation. Guitarist and keyboardist Kevan Staples was of a different mind.“Truthfully,” he ventured, joking about sadomasochism, “I prefer discipline.” In fact, Mr. Staples was the musical leader of a group known for its frontwoman’s visual raunch and lyrical audacity. If not discipline, he lent direction, in the form of funky rhythmic ideas and spikier New Wave vamps that carried Ms. Pope’s satirical wit, winks and electric erotica.