Wednesday, September 2nd/09, Black Pirate’s Pub, Thunder Bay ONT

I’ve noticed, especially on this tour, that the bands and artists we listen to in the van mostly consist of bands we favor together and have shared moments and stages with, our friends, our inspiration, you could call it, a pleasant mix of pop, punk, indie, hardcore, rock, folk, and other things. When we leave the island and drive through BC, it’s always something that reminds us of home. Same thing through Alberta and through the prairies, a band that makes it feel like home, in the van and whomever’s floor we happen to sleep on. Ontario and Quebec, we are still learning. Every time we go we meet so many new people and bands, and I am thankful for that, the good music that just keeps pumping out of those provinces, keeping it interesting. Of course, like any 4 dudes forced to hang out with each other, we have our favorites, but we don’t like to play it like that. It’s always something to suit the mood and the weather and the headspace, reminds us we have friends in alot of places we don’t live in, co-workers of sorts, working on the same things we are, different division, of course, but similar goals. It is so very comforting to know that they are out there and have our backs, our brothers and sisters, again, our inspiration. You do great work.

We left today, in a hurry. We played in Thunder Bay tonight and like always, we were late. Just so you are aware, we were the kids in high school and college that were consistently late, even to our jobs. It’s a trait we’re not proud of, but I’d like to think we make up for it in other ways and means, hard work, dedication, extra-curricular activities (if you get my drift “wink wink”) We realized as we arrived, that we were extremely early. The sound guy and the other bands were not even present yet, relieved. The show was sparsely populated, not quite the same as last time we were here, but equally as enjoyable. We played a good set to a bunch of locals who I think, in turn, were there to have a good time with us. As always, it was good to see our bro Tim, who is one of the best friends we’ve ever had besides Lucky Lager and the Fall’95 issue of PC Gamer. He also has an awesome project on the go that we fully endorse as a band, it’s called “Suspended In Time,” and you won’t be let down. Hell, you might even say it’s your favorite by the time you’re done listening.

To this day, I still stand by my “Top 5”: Jimmy Eat World’s “Clarity, Hot Water Music’s “A Flight and a Crash,” Refused “The Shape of Punk to Come,” Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers,” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run,” albums that made me feel something at a certain time, made me want to do what I do until I can’t do it anymore. Dan sticks by Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Gold and Platinum, Lewis with Lady Gaga’s “The Fame,” and Tyson, well, I’m sure if I were to ask him, he would say something to the extent of “ACDC’s a good’n, probly got some Creedance tapes kickin’ around somewheres in the back a my chevy.” Collectively, we agree with whatever’s new and exciting, inspiring, with the occasional flashback to some oldies… A Trophy Life‘s EP “Go On Tour” is pretty bad ass, if you were to ask us, we play the shit out of it.

ps

A Trophy Life is recording a new record and is The Zone 91.3‘s September featured “Band of the Month.” You should go check them out at Evolution in Victoria on September 24th, 2009… and then sleep, and then come tour our “Rifflandia” feature at Lucky Bar on September 25th. Good times.