When you're a writer, or any creative artist really, trying to rise above going from paycheck to paycheck, there's arguably always this sense of "maybe I should quit and do something that'll make me more money." But, reality soonafter sets in. You can't change the person you are. You can't not create. You have to live your dream until your dream becomes reality and feeds your family. I write this in the most depressing of days in New York: a rainy mess of a Monday. Thanks, Mondays suck on their own.
Anyway, here I am posting something to the masses, hoping -- no, dreaming -- that this story like so many before it will break from the pack, and put me/the brand on the map. Either way, I won't stop. It's what I do, and it's so joyous and feed a passion that I just can't quit. I lead in all about me, because our A-Sides guests today are resonating so much -- notably their song "Spirits."
The Strumbellas' breakthrough track is already massive on alt-rock radio, and their lyrics strike me like a Negan bat blow. When I hear lines like "I got guns in my head and they won't go...Spirits in my head and they wont" and especially the line "I'll be a dreamer 'til the day I die," I identify, get inspired, and feel free.
Fittingly, the Ontario band's album, which hits later this month, is titled Hope. It encapsulates everything I've been blabbering about and the band itself. The music is infectious but deep and haunting yet hopeful. It's no wonder they were given a 'Band To Watch' tag by CBC Music, and have already won six awards to date, including a JUNO Award, Sirius XM Indie Award plus a spot on Polaris Music Prize Long List. Good music still exists. Music is hope. Off one single, this band (Simon Ward, David Ritter, Jeremy Drury, Isabel Ritchie, Jon Hembrey and Darryl James) have already inspired so many from music listeners to the radio stations that play them...oh, and some blogger who lives paycheck to paycheck who will sing their praises to anyone who will listen. Fortunately enough for this guy, prior to a NYC show, the band performed for A-Sides and sat down for a chat. Watch on and take in the hope.
For another exclusive performance and to watch our A-Sides interview, click here.
A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.