If you've been a fan of Toronto's The Balconies from the beginning, then you've probably noticed a significant change in the band. Where they were once fresh-faced indie-rock kids, they've now morphed into a hard-rock machine.
For bassist Steve Neville, the decision to beef up the band's sound grew out of a dissatisfaction with their approach to songwriting and a lack of interactivity in the studio.
"We all had very particular ideas of how the band should sound. We would often bring a song to the group, play it exactly as it was written initially and perform it that way," he says. "Now we'll write a song and say 'Let's collaborate more. Let's be critical.'"
This transformation is not just limited to The Balconies' records. In recent press photos and music videos, the band is draped in leather and seemingly has the rock 'n' roll air of cool down pat. Neville says that moving away from the group's previous "indie" image is integral to its future success. "We've always been interested in indie bands, but now I'm kind of just bored of that. I find indie bands kind of tiring now," he says. "We're trying to be seen as a bigger band than we are, because we think this next album will be a big push for us. It's important to precede that with how we look and dress."
That next album will be called Fast Motions and it's slated for an early January release. Neville hopes that this record will push the band's popularity to new levels and render the need for day jobs unnecessary.
"A career in music historically means wearing many different hats--- composing music, performing music, teaching music. We're prepared to wear these hats," he says. "Living comfortably and doing what we love is what we've always wanted."
The Balconies w/Like A Motorcycle, North Lakes
Friday, October 11 at 9pm
The Seahorse Tavern, 1665 Argyle Street
$10
