Hi! How does it feel to be back on the road touring North America with Big Wreck after the pandemic?
A: It’s been amazing. The pandemic gave us a chance to write/record new music and further hone our craft. Now we can finally bring new music to a live audience. Touring is always the most gratifying part of the process for us. There’s just something extra special about seeing people connect with the songs and sing the words back at you.
Can you share some of the highlights or memorable moments from your previous tours?
A: A few years ago we had the chance to play an outdoor show in Banff Alberta. The venue was set up like a colosseum and the views of the mountains and nature were breathtaking. I remember being on stage during that show thinking to myself “I can’t believe we’re playing here”. It was something we won’t forget.
Your EP, Capsize, tells stories of reckoning, redemption, nostalgia, and hope. Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind these themes?
A: I think it’s just all the stuff we as humans go through in life… It’s not all sunny days. Sometimes there are storms that come up in life and you have to get through the worst part of the storm before you see the rainbow. The hope in writing these songs is that if there’s anyone out there going through their own storm, that they may find some shred of hope to hang on for their rainbow.
Your hit single “Whatever You Break” peaked at #4 on the Active Rock chart. How did it feel to achieve this milestone and what do you think resonated with listeners about this song?
A: It was a little surreal. At the time we were in the middle of a logistically challenging headlining tour and I think the song doing as well as it did helped to keep us motivated. The shows on that tour were also some of our best attended and I’m sure the push from rock radio had a hand in that.
You’ve put 250,000 miles into your van over the past decade. What are some of the challenges and rewards of touring extensively?
A: Being away for extended periods of time can be tough on relationships and families back home. It often comes at the expense of missing important occasions or milestones. That being said, touring is something we do really enjoy. Getting to visit new places or go back to some old favourites is always exciting. There’s something very gratifying in playing in a city and seeing more people at the show than the last time we were there.
You’ve performed at various festivals, including Vancouver’s Ambleside Festival, Ontario’s ParkJam and Hillside Festivals, and Québec’s Festival D’été. How do these experiences compare to your current tour with Big Wreck?
A: This tour is taking us into some great rooms around North America. Beautiful theatres, legendary clubs etc. Shows like this have a bit of a different vibe when compared to playing outdoors. A festival audience is usually pretty eclectic because of the variety of the line-up. On this tour we are mostly playing for Big Wreck fans. But ultimately our job in both situations is the same – to put on the best show possible and try to win over anyone who is seeing us for the first time.
Can you share some insights into your songwriting process, especially for the songs in your most recent EP, Capsize?
A: The songs for Capsize came together relatively quickly. Often Jordan will kick things off with an idea or we’ll reference little voice notes we’ve recorded during soundchecks. Most of these songs started with the 3 of us in a jam room recording our ideas as demos which Jordan would then go home and write lyrics too.
The band was formed at Fanshawe’s Music Industry Arts college. How has your education influenced your music career?
A: School definitely gave us a solid background in audio production and some basics of the business which have proved helpful. Though there is something to be said for really doing it and figuring things out as you go. We’ve still had to pay our dues, make mistakes, and learn from those experiences (both good and bad).
You’ve been touring all over North America alongside acts including Last Dinosaurs, and The Glorious Sons. How have these experiences shaped your music and performances?
A: Anytime we’ve toured supporting larger acts I feel it makes us better in some way. Whether it’s directly from seeing their live show every night or simply from observing their operation from behind the scenes. There’s almost always something valuable to take away.
What can fans expect from your upcoming shows on this tour, and do you have any special preparations or rituals before you hit the stage?
A: Expect a high energy show for 40 mins packed with catchy rock songs. We try to throw something special in each night. Maybe a cover or a sneak peek at a brand new song. In terms of pre-show rituals, we don’t have too many. Some of us stretch or go through basic warm ups. When we’re touring for weeks or months at a time self-preservation is key so we typically lay low before the set so we can deliver the same show night after night.