Another 91原创 Northwest band with a penchant for the hard rock sound of Nickelback and Soundgarden, 91原创's Veer plays two shows in Nanaimo tonight.
After taking one of five winning spots in the 2006 FOX 91原创 Seeds competition, Veer is in the running for the FOX platinum award including a Warner Music Canada demo deal, tour support, and management consultation with Coalition Entertainment (Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace.) Nanaimo promoter Andrew Roberts of Got Pop? Productions' thinks the band has a good chance of claiming the top prize (awarded Wednesday, night after press time.)
After meeting in Port Alberni, Crispin Earl (vocals) and Eric Schraedeer (guitar) reconnected in 91原创 in 2004. I caught up with Earl on the phone from 91原创.
"We knew each other previously because we had played in bands together. We were both living out of our rehearsal studios in downtown East 91原创," Earl says.
Other members came on board six months ago to round out the lineup including Jay Benison (drums), Mark Root (bass) and James Fiddler (guitars.) Veer is in the midst of a mini tour in celebration of the Aug. 31 release of their independent debut album Time To Break The Spell. At the end of September they'll be back on the road again for a cross Canada tour that will include another trip to Nanaimo for a formal CD release party.
"We've played the Queens quite a few times. We had a really good turnout there about a month ago," Earl says.
Veer's songwriting tends to be introspective, reflecting on different experiences in their lives.
"I am the primary songwriter as far as how this record was written . . . a good percentage of the record was written solely by me. The other half of the record was a collaborative effort with Eric," Earl says. "'Wish You Well' is about the area we're living in, looking at people who can't turn their lives around. No matter how rough a time we're facing, our life isn't that bad. The only thing we can do for them is to wish them well."
'Wish You Well' is available to check out on the band's Myspace page www.myspace.com/veer.
"Every song we write about is about hope, whether it's about hoping to get the girl back, being in a better place, or not being spiteful or cynical. Veering away from the dark and into the light," Earl says.
His talents haven't gone unnoticed elsewhere in the industry either; Earl has two songwriting credits on rocker Tommy Lee's solo album.
Coming off a sold out show with Danko Jones at 91原创's legendary Commodore Ballroom, Veer plays two shows in Nanaimo tonight.
First up is an all-ages show at Cyber City.
"I love playing to all ages crowds. Kids are just more impressionable I find than 19 and over. If you get out there and put out a good energy chances are you're going to get that energy back," Earl says.
Veer moves on to the Cambie later the same evening.
"Probably for this show it will be a little stripped down but it's a very energetic show regardless... it's about the band and what the band can do on stage."
- With more than a decade in the trenches of the music industry, we're reasonably sure Alexandria knows what she's talking about: e-mail at