The Trews Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 9th 2010 12:30PM by Paula Whitworth
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This foursome from Antigonish, Nova Scotia are ready to rock the SXSW festival. They're taking a break from the studio to bring their acoustic show to Texas. Their recent DVD, 'Friends and Total Strangers,' has been nominated for a Juno for 2009 best DVD of the year. With ten top 10 singles in Canada, they hope to gain the attention of U.S. listeners. Spinner recently caught up with frontman, Colin MacDonald and he let us in on as to what to expect from their upcoming performance in Austin.

You guys have been in writing sessions this week. How have they been going?

They are going good. We've been using this rehearsal space in Toronto. We're working on rough lyrical sketches. We should head into the studio next week to throw down some demos. We're trying to not overthink; we're just trying to get ideas out there.

Who does most of the writing?

It changes but it is mostly collaborative between the four of us. We are always trying new things and new approaches. In the beginning it was about us just jamming in the basement. With the last record it was me coming in with the lion's share of material, but now we're all working together.

What emotions motivate your writing?

Every different kind of emotion, love or lack thereof. We try to stick with whatever emotion we're trying to go with -- like anger or love or no love. We try to go all the way, try to make the song ultimately make you feel something.

How did the band form?

Well, it is my brother, John-Angus, our cousin, Sean, and our friend, Jack. We've all known each other since childhood. Growing up, we wanted to play covers at high school functions. After high school, we decided to make a go of it and we've done well in Canada.

Have you played in the U.S before?

We've toured America quite a bit before. We've been to Austin a couple of times and I think the last time was in 2006. We mostly hit the northeast and Midwest. We're going to do something different for the show in Austin this time. We've never played an acoustic show in Austin, but since our last album was acoustic, we've decided to bring that to Austin.

Do you have issues like the Gallagher brothers of Oasis?

We aren't super famous or super rich so I think a lot of that comes with ego. By nature, we're humble guys. We aren't that melodramatic...yet.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Melodic, rock, pop rock, harmony, vocal driven -- not a lot of pretense, welcoming.

What are you musical influences?

The '60's and '70's staples like the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen. I like Elvis Costello and Neil Young. We have a friend, Gordie Johnson that is currently in the band, Grady but before that he was in Big Sugar. I was a big fan of Big Sugar.

How did you come up with the band name?

It's kind of a long story. When we started in high school, we were using the name One I'd Trouser and before long we changed it to just Trouser. There was another band with that name and they said we couldn't use it. We were trying to come up with another name when Jack's mom said trews was a Scottish term for trouser and that kind of stuck. It isn't the most meaningful name but when you think about it, what band name is?

What is your biggest vice?

That's a hard one. My biggest vice? I guess alcohol.

What's the craziest thing that has happened to you during a concert or while touring?

We've been writing and recording for the past two months, so I'll have to think back. I know there have been some crazy things that happened but I can't think of anything right now. But something that was crazy about being on the road just happened recently. We flew to Dubai to perform for the Canadian Military and after the performance we were back on a plane for 19 hours headed to Vancouver for the Olympics. I was exhausted and I think I slept for 30 hours afterward.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Lady GaGa, well no, because I really do like her. I don't really think I have one.

What are your thoughts about your Juno and Indie nominations?

We have been nominated before, but haven't won yet. It is an honor to be nominated. Especially since this one was for our acoustic DVD we released. It's nice to be included.

Anything else you'd like for us to know about you and the band?

We're good, come check us out. We've been in a band for a while. I know there are thousands of guys in skinny jeans walking the streets of Austin, but come check us out. We really are good.

Paula Whitworth is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.