These guys are awesome. Straight up. Their new E.P. comes out on Canada Day. Awesome-er.
Together since 2008, Treelines released their first full length (Self-titled "Treelines") in 2009, a 10 track album that rocks front to back. Distinctly Canadian, lyrically awesome, it's an album you can play skip-free. "Canadian Airlines" one of two songs available free to download from that first album (www.treelinesmusic.com), leaves you wanting more immediately. The song reads almost like a story-book, piano, drums, and guitars colouring in the pages. After purchasing the rest of the album, it's 9 more entirely different story books. July 1st is already a great day to party. Now we have one more reason. "Young Man" the bands newest release, a 6 track E.P. is available Canada Day. If it's anything like the first full length, you can play it directly after the National Anthem. The band was kind of enough to answer some questions for The SoapBox. You're Welcome.
The SoapBox:
Your first album was so good, the listener can really relate with the music quickly, and north of the border, can take heavy Canadian Pride in the music. How do you follow that up?
Treelines:
The intention of the first record was never to come across as 'Canadian' or anything, it just sort of turned out that way, which I suppose makes sense considering all of us have grown up here. Matt's lyrics are something we can definitely all relate to, but he definitely didn't make any specific effort to give the songs a wintry Canadian feel. However, we`re definitely humbled that it comes across that way, and we're happy that our 'Canadian' imagery is something that people seem to identify us with.
Similarly, this EP wasn`t written with an aim to turn out any certain way; we just tried to write what we think are good songs. As a result of having a solid lineup through this whole writing process, it's also more of a cohesive album, rather than just a collection of songs.
SB:
How will it compare to your first album?
TL:
Musically it's definitely a little more upbeat overall, but lyrically it's pretty similar in style. The title track 'Young Man' (which can be downloaded for free on our website) is a pretty good indicator of what to expect.
SB:
How does the band feel about music sharing, and the availabilty of music online these days? From the outside looking in, with free downloads and $2 CDs, it would appear that Treelines has embraced this culture. Do you think it results in more fans, both at home and at shows?
TL:
I definitely think that it does. These days, as an artist I think you pretty much have to accept that people will be getting your music for free no matter what, and I think that if artists stopped fighting it, it could work in everyone's favour. I've always felt that anyone who wants to buy an album, either to support the artist or just to add to their collection, is going to buy it regardless of whether they downloaded it or not, so I don't see the 'risk' of offering it inexpensively or for free. Although I believe that recorded music is a valuable form of art, I'm such a huge fan of live music that I see a recording as more of a vessel for getting people out to live shows to connect with them that way. It's cyclical, especially for newer artists. If no one has heard your music, who will come see you play, if no one sees you play, who will support your next album, etc.
SB:
Canada Day seems like a great day to release a record, how did you guys choose to do that?
TL:
Well, originally we were talking about a June release, but as I'm sure any artist can relate to, production of the record kept getting pushed back. We really had no specific date in mind, and more than anything didn't want to rush into it for no good reason, so we just figured that July 1st was a logical choice. That being said, we also just thought releasing it on Canada day would be pretty sweet.
SB:
I’ve noticed a few shows posted after the album drops, can Treelines fans expect more tour dates to follow?
TL:
Absolutely. Right now we're just finalizing the details of CD release shows all over BC, but they will be posted on our website within the next couple of weeks.
SB:
Not everyone could sit in a van for months on end with the same dudes, how do you guys manage to do it?
TL:
Matt and Steve are brothers, so they've pretty much got it figured out. Those two and I all live together, and Ryan is just the most easy-going dude ever, so it's really not hard. We've all been friends for years so getting along just comes naturally.
SB:
What is the food of choice on the road?
TL:
It depends who's behind the wheel. Ryan likes candy, Matt likes McDonlads, Steve's pretty much down for anything, and I like vegetables and am not huge on fast food, and I get mocked for it at every opportunity.
SB:
How do you find touring BC and Canada?
TL:
We always have fun, we've been fortunate to play with some great artists and great friends and to have met many great people so far. That being said, Canada can be pretty cold in the winter... Matt had to get the inspiration for the song 'Canadian Airlines' from somewhere.
SB:
Best/Worst part of being on the road?
TL:
The best part of being on the road is first and foremost just having the opportunity to play music. Being able to share your music with others is definitely something very special. I personally have always found it funny when artists have much to complain about when it comes to being on the road. The second I step into our van knowing I get to drive somewhere, spend time with the best group of dudes ever, meet new people, and play music, I just feel overwhelmingly fortunate. I suppose if I had to pick one thing to complain about, it would be the occasional lack of an opportunity to shower in the morning.
SB:
If you could open for any 2 acts right now, who would they be?
TL:
There are countless artists that we'd love to play with, but The Weakerthans or Sloan would be unreal.
SB:
What does the band like to listen to on the road? Some of your fav artists?
TL:
We all have somewhat different taste in music as far as what we listen to while driving, to name a few of our favourites:
Matt L: Spoon, The National, Joel Plaskett, The Hold Steady etc
Matt K: Attack In Black, Gaslight Anthem, The Weakerthans (the other dudes aren't around to answer but I can definitely say that Ryan loves Mew, and Steve loves Strung Out)
SB:
Who would the band consider influences?
TL:
The Weakerthans, Sloan, Attack In Black.. again, we all sort of come from different musical backgrounds, so it's difficult to pinpoint one specific sound that we draw influence from.
SB:
What are you looking forward to most this summer that is non-music related?
TL:
Cliff jumping, camping, boating, no socks, cut offs, barbecues, pilsner, hammocks, hanging out at our house.
SB:
My girlfriend and I only just moved to BC last summer, where is the 1 spot we absolutely have to check out?
TL:
If you're in Victoria, grab swim shorts and drive out to the Sooke pot-holes. You won't be disappointed.
SB:
What do the Canucks have to do? :)
TL:
Hire Matt Lockhart as their GM and try again next year.
You can stay up to date on Treelines very easily, they update their www.twitter.com/treelines often, as well as their website www.treelinesmusic.com where you can find all their merchandise and music (currently their are 3 free tracks available). You can listen to their entire first album on the website as well. If you do, make sure you have a couple bucks available, you will want to buy it. So on July 1st, in between back bacon breakfast and moose meat poutine for dinner, I suggest cracking your beer in one hand, and "Young Man" in the other. Raise the beer to your friends "Happy Treelines Day".
