They’re seen as Canadian folk royalty, so it’s only fitting we roll out the red carpet and welcome the band for their performance at Port Fairy Folk Festival early next year, and perhaps give a few lessons on surfing too…
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with us, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
We’re good! Been putting in some miles this year, touring around our new record Secret Victory. Day off today, might take in a rugby match this afternoon.
So we know you’re currently traipsing around the world doing some shows, where are you in the world at the moment and where would you rather be?
London, England at the moment. Always happy to be on the road! But of course looking forward to getting down to Australia, our next stop.
In between your shows we saw you took some time to hit the bowling lanes, is it important for you guys to take some time out from the rigorous schedule?
Yeah, it’s good to let loose once in a while for sure. Doesn’t get more rock and roll than bowling on a Friday night.
Do you think you’ll be up for any surfing when you come down to Australia in a few months?
Absolutely! Does anyone want to give us a lesson? Jake thinks it will be an easy transition from snowboarding, but we’re not so sure.
It was your first time (as a band) visiting the country earlier this year, did you get up to many antics and embrace the Aussie lifestyle while you were here?
We’re still getting used to the spiders, but had our eyes opened to the beauty of Aussie coffee, and developed a small addiction to Vegemite. Looking forward to taking more in on this next stretch.
You will be heading here for Port Fairy Folk Festival in March, have you heard much about the festival?
Yes, we’ve heard only good things. Many of our friends have played Port Fairy, and have had a blast. Can’t wait to take it all in.
Given it’s a festival that focuses on the folk genre, does that make you more inclined to perform at it? Do you use it as much of a discovery tool to find new bands who are doing great things in your genre?
It’s always great to connect with people in the same genre, but it’s just as fun meeting people from a completely different musical world. We’ve made some really good friends through folk festivals in the past.
Who do you think in the Australian scene do well at representing folk around the world?
We’ve seen the Mae Trio touring around the world. You couldn’t ask for better ambassadors of Australian Folk music, they’re lovely.
Are there any other Canadian folk bands we should be hitting up on Spotify/iTunes?
There are too many to name really, the Canadian folk scene is pretty strong these days, but Vishten and Catherine MacLellan have new albums out recently. They’re both from Prince Edward Island as well, and definitely worth checking out.
You’re known quite a lot for giving a new take on traditional folk songs, but you’ve just got a new full length out, what kind of mixture of tracks can Port Fairy goers expect from your set?
We’ve kept our set pretty upbeat these days, some new tunes from the record, and a few vocals thrown in the mix.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, do you have any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Our pleasure. Hope to see you folks at Port Fairy, and don’t be afraid to dance!
When & Where: Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy – March 11-14