A Canadian Exchange: An Interview with The Trews' Colin MacDonald
The Trews (L-R) Jack Syperek (bass), John-Angus MacDonald (lead guitar), Sean Dalton (drums), Colin MacDonald (lead vocals,guitar) Photo by David Bastedo
The Plan seems to be working.
- Form a band with family and friends. Check.
- Win a radio station battle of the bands. Check.
- Release an album, have it certified gold. Check.
- Watch a single reach #1. Check.
- Do it again. Check.
The Trews have done all of the above… and much more. Originally from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, brothers Colin and John-Angus MacDonald, cousin Sean Dalton and long-time friend Jack Syperek, have moved up the ranks from a small town band to a must-see act north of the border... as well as Australia and Europe. Along with non-stop touring in their own country, The Trews are now working their way through the United States in support of their 2011 release Hope and Ruin. Slowly but surely, they are building a loyal fan base by delivering high energy performances and lots of media work.
With 12 singles in the Canadian Top 10, including two #1 songs, The Trews have enjoyed a successful career, spanning four studio and two live albums. Over the years, The Trews have shared the stage with Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Cheap Trick, The Tragically Hip, Kid Rock, Southside Johnny, Robert Plant and oh yes, The Rolling Stones.
Awards? They’ve had a few. Canadian honors include being five time nominees of the Juno Award, and being four time winners of the East Coast Music Award. The Trews are also two-time winners of the U.S. Independent Music Award.
At the tail end of their latest trek through the lower forty-eight, Trews lead vocalist Colin MacDonald graciously spent some time answering a few questions about music, influences and life on the road.
Kat’s Theory (KT): The Trews have made inroads in Europe and Australia, and are now stepping into the American music scene. Given the present state of commercial radio in the States, do you feel college radio or classic rock stations offer the greatest opportunity to get airplay?
Colin MacDonald (CM): Radio is still important but there are many ways for bands to break these days. We like getting radio play but we also connect to our fans through social media and an INSANE amount of touring.
Continued on the next page
Follow Technorati