Backline Revival is a heavy rock and roll band from around London, Ontario. Though fairly new on the local music scene, the band has already become notorious for working up the crowd in to a party at each performance. Self-run and promoted, this DIY machine has successfully booked over 15 local shows including several competitive Supernova events.
This Fall, Backline Revival took to the HYSTERIA stage to pit their music against other local London talent. Thanks to distinctive vocals and a polished performance, the fans awarded Backline Revival with the Wildcard and a half-day in studio! More recently the band competed for a spot at CMW 2012 in the Road to CMW London, with another rousing set that had the audience going wild.
We grabbed an interview with the 5 members of the band after their Wildcard win; more than just a catchy band, these DIY pros had some great insights to share about their music and the music industry.
Hailing from many different hometowns, [Backline Revival] met in London, Ontario - the home of bassist Rickie-Lee Stevenson. Both from Northern Ontario, rhythm guitarist, Chuck Kitt of Dryden and drummer, A.J. Marsh of Kenora made their way south to London where they attended O.I.A.R.T. with lead guitarist and friend of Rickie, Nick Houle of St. Thomas. Not quite complete, the band began auditioning for a front woman and recording tracks for their debut album tentatively named ‘For the Love of it…’ However before recording was complete a star was found in the fresh new energetic front woman Nikki Fairbanks of St.Thomas, Ontario.
How would you describe your sound?
We are a Rock band in every sense of the word. With a variety of sounds all based in the rock genre, there's sure to be a little something for everyone. We are influenced by a broad spectrum of classic to modern Rock, Pop and Blues which helps us achieve an almost timeless quality to our songs while maintaining a fresh modern feel with catchy sensibly written songs.
Is there any other Artist who you’d consider a ‘mentor’?
We agree it would have to be each other :) ...As cheesy as that sounds, we are all so different musically and come from such different musical backgrounds that we never have to look far for added inspirations. Not only that but we all have very different focuses and strength aside from the music that we all add our own little bit of guidance when we come across different situations or circumstances.
What is the most rewarding thing about playing in a band?
Playing live shows and rocking faces!!! As much as we enjoy every aspect of this career, live shows are where it is at!!!! There is nothing more rewarding then seeing a crowd of people singing along while they shake their asses to your tunes. \m/
So far, what is your best memory together?
This whole past year has been one giant memorable experience so it’s so hard to choose just one. From playing our first festival gig at London’s 2011 Fall Fest to starting the long process of recording our debut album ourselves, not to mention all the great alternative venues we managed to tap into. There are just too many to name, and we hope to keep making more!!!
What is the biggest challenge facing ‘new’ artists, in your opinion?
There are a number of challenges for new artist and they can range and vary depending on your hometown. For us here in London, our biggest challenge has been marketing, with so many different ways to market your band and your shows, the challenge becomes finding which avenues actually produce people in the crowds and chatter in the streets.
How did your band find Supernova.com?
Originally we had heard advertisements for Supernova.com on FM96, but we were truly introduced to Supernova when we received an invite to compete in one of their Battle shows (Hysteria). We would tell other bands/acts that working with Supernova is a great learning opportunity that allows for many networking opportunities with other local acts/artists in your area.
What advice would you give to fellow 'indie' artists?
Good advice for ‘indie’ artists would be to get used to doing things yourself. Not only does it keep you involved and aware of what is going on but the more you do yourself the lower your operating costs.
Also be sure to build a scene whenever possible. As musicians we are each others’ best resources and need to help each other as much as possible. From bringing fellow acts onto highly desired bills or creating a network of local acts it all helps the local music community, making it easier for all of us to branch out.
What's more important: original music or original performance?
If you are an original artist, this must be a trick question as these 2 things are one in the same! If you are performing original music you better be ready to provide a high-energy original performance! So often bands just stand on stage and play their songs, and as good as those songs may be, people want to be entertained. However if you are a cover artist, (which we are not) you still need to ensure you are providing an enthusiastic and realistic adaptation of the songs you choose to perform.
Do you believe in 'bad' music?
While we’re sure there ‘is such thing’ as bad music just as there is good music. It’s all a mater of taste.
What else should new listeners know about your band?
We would like listeners, new and old, to know how much of this is home grown. We did all the engineering and recording. We sat through hours of mixing and editing. We are the ones calling our own shots. We’re even hands on when it comes to any promo work.
You also put on a GREAT show. Lastly, any pre-show rituals?
As far as any rituals, we only have one. If we are playing in our home town, we always go to the ‘High Lunch’ after load out. It’s a little old-style diner with the little red swivel stools. There is nothing more motivating that knowing that after lugging all that gear in and out of vehicles and up and down stairs, you’ll be able to sink your teeth into a delicious homemade hamburger or gooey poutine :) (Shout out to “Mom” – You make the best food ever and we love you for it! See you soon!)
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We're hoping to hear from Backline Revival about more gigs in the near future; in the meantime, send them some feedback here on Supernova and let them know what you think of their music!
What is the most rewarding thing about playing in a band?
