Positive vibes and optimism. Two things that I walked away with after chatting (virtually) with Trevor Mann, Murray Wood, and Shea Connor. With everything on pause in the world, including their professional lives, it would make total sense for these three members of Edmonton-based band Scenic Route to Alaska to feel down. But instead of wallowing, they spend their days trying out new recipes, playing video games, and binge-watching TV like the rest of us. The guys are taking the time to appreciate the season for what it can be; a time of rest, and maybe an "adventure we will look back upon one day."
"This may be the longest we have gone without hanging with each other," Trevor admits, citing that the band has known each other since they were 11. But a break from the grind is perhaps just what the doctor ordered.
Murray describes some tour fatigue they collectively experienced on their last couple of tours, and states that this Covid-19 forced break now has them hungry and ready to get back to what they love: playing shows, making noise, and giving the people what they want -- a live, tangible, and real emotional connection to music. Something that we can all agree is lost on streamed shows and online content.
Of course right now live shows aren't possible and the band laments that while they are cooking up some things to adapt to this quarantine lifestyle, they are itching to do what they were meant to do -- play live music.
"The touring game has been changing for a number of years," Shea comments. "Maybe things will change drastically because of this, but we hope not. We want to get back out there." After all, not everyone gets to pull off a Fortnite concert. But despite their self-admitted lack of tech savvy, Scenic Route to Alaska managed to pull off a pretty cool quarantine-style video for their new single, "Call Your Friends."
But for now, there's a lot of time to think -- about the upcoming new album, about what and who matters most, about the future, and how many more albums they might release if this quarantine lasts a while (Trevor suggests 4, and Shea and Murray immediately cringe).
Speaking of their upcoming new album, there are two tracks out right now which you should definitely check out. "Day Dreaming" and "Call your Friends" give us a taste of what the band describes as an album that represents the fullness of their journey so far. Taking everything they've learned over the last few years and pouring it into something they truly believe in.
This self-proclaimed confidence in their journey has me really excited for what's to come. I believe their willingness to constantly hone their craft, and a maturity in their journey, has them in their prime.. And while "It takes a lifetime to sound like yourself," as Murray coined, the way the trio talks about this album has me feeling like they are well on their way.
With the ability to create catchy hooks and big sounds, it would be easy for Scenic Route to Alaska to sell out and just aim for radio bangers. But the band is adamant about staying true to the music they want to put out into the world. One cool thing Trevor shared was that they go into writing their albums with the mindset and question, "would I like our music, or even listen to us?" A level of introspection you don't hear too often from bands trying to carve out their space in the music industry.
The journey from here on is an uphill battle. As someone who works in the hospitality industry, I feel as though our fates are tied together more than anyone would have ever thought. I understand that there is the fear of the unknown; how a new reality may be on the horizon, and right now we are left with only questions lingering in our heads. So for now, Trevor, Murray and Shea are focusing on what they have come to learn, or remember, that is most important -- that the people in our lives that matter.
So I eagerly await when we can get back to normal. Eating out in restaurants and experiencing music the way it was meant to be -- live. But for now, call your friends.
A big thanks to Trevor, Murray, and Shea from Scenic Route to Alaska for this "quarantine-era" interview.
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