MUSIC INTERVIEW: THE TREWS

Speed Date: Balancing Rock and Roll, Playing Live, and Keeping It Real

In a world that seems to spin faster by the day, where social networking allows us to make friends with one another at the click of the mouse, we may be able to see what people have tagged or who they’ve ‘poked,’ but it can sometimes be difficult to really get to know someone and what they’re about. Feeling friendly, cutting to the chase, and introducing a current artist who represents the best of what they do, Buzzine has set the table for today's musical Speed Date:

 

What is your name and where are you from?

 

John-Angus MacDonald from Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

 

Where are you right now?

 

Washington-Dulles airport.

 

Hey, do you have a cam on your phone? Can we have a pic to see what you’re up to?

 

Waiting to board a plane, answering e-mail interview questions.

 

If our moms were setting us up on a blind date, what 3 things would your mom tell my mom about you?

 

I would never have my mom set me up on a blind date.

 

Why are you answering these questions (what are you promoting)?

 

My band, The Trews, has a new album out called Hope and Ruin that we want you all to hear.

 

What 3 words best describe your musical style?

 

1. Rock  2. And  3. Roll.

 

What sentence best sums up your latest album?

 

It’s a record by a band being a band.

 

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

 

That we have a career making music and it’s how we make our living.

 

What other music (apart from your own) are you listening to right now?

 

Paul Simons’ new album, The Kinks re-issues that just came out, Mumford and Sons, Taj Mahal, Jesse Mailin, Califone, The Black Keys.

 

Who is your musical hero?

 

Joe Perry.

 

When are you the happiest: recording in the studio or playing live on stage? Why?

 

Both. I love the instant gratification/ feedback of a live show. I love that you only have one chance to get it right, but nothing feels better than creating something new in the studio.

 

What has been your greatest ‘rock star’ moment so far?

 

Probably when we opened for The Rolling Stones. Getting to meet them and hang out with them, then watch them play was pretty “rock star.”

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

Playing music.

 

What is your motto?

 

“Enjoy every sandwich.”

 

Where online can fans find out more about you?

 

Google “The Trews” or www.thetrewsmusic.com or facebook/thetrews.

 

So, giving a nod and tipping the wink, we thank John-Angus and move along to Trews bandmate:

 

What is your name and where are you from?

 

Sean Dalton, St. John's NFLD, Canada.

 

Where are you right now?

 

On my couch in Toronto, answering these questions.

 

Hey, do you have a cam on your phone? Can we have a pic to see what you’re up to?

 

Maybe...

 

If our moms were setting us up on a blind date, what 3 things would your mom tell my mom about you?

 

That I'm very hyper; I love music and reading.

 

What 3 words best describe your musical style?

 

Upbeat, rocking, and heartfelt.

 

What sentence best sums up your latest album?

 

The most fun we've ever had making music; effortless.

 

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

 

That the band is still together after all this time.

 

What other music (apart from your own) are you listening to right now?

 

New Union Station, new Paul Simon, and a weird Ginger Baker Record.

 

Who is your musical hero?

 

Paul Simon.

 

When are you the happiest: recording in the studio or playing live on stage? Why?

 

Both are great; studio for creativity, and live for the release.

 

What has been your greatest ‘rock star’ moment so far?

 

I'm not that proud of it.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

Hopefully doing what I'm doing today.

 

What is your motto?

 

Everything changes.

 

Anything more to add?

 

Apocolypse Now is the craziest movie ever.

 

With all respect, we politely thank Sean for his time, but with no hesitation, it's time to move right along to catch up with another Trews bandmate: 

 

What is your name and where are you from?

 

My name is Jack Syperek; I’m from Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

 

Where are you right now?

 

Right now I’m at my house in Toronto.

 

Hey, do you have a cam on your phone? Can we have a pic to see what you’re up to?

 

…hanging out with my son, Marek, while I’m off the road.

 

If our moms were setting us up on a blind date, what 3 things would your mom tell my mom about you?

 

I have no idea what my mom would say.  Polite, pleasant, married.

 

What 3 words best describe your musical style?

 

Rock and Roll.

 

What sentence best sums up your latest album?

 

It was written and recorded in a house in the woods where we came and went over a period of five months, writing this and that, playing live off the floor.

 

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

 

Still going.

 

What other music (apart from your own) are you listening to right now?

 

The Shang-ri-la’s.

 

Who is your musical hero?

 

Keith Richards.

 

When are you the happiest: recording in the studio or playing live on stage? Why?

 

Recording. it used to be on stage. it changes depending on the time spent away from either one, or how well the tour is going. Sometimes there is no greater feeling than a musical moment on stage.

 

What has been your greatest ‘rock star’ moment so far?

 

One of my fondest memories is Jack Douglas and me driving from LA to San Francisco listening to tunes and talking. Rock star moment? I’d rather not say.

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

In a different house; I don’t know which one yet.

 

What is your motto?

 

People are generally good or trying, so best be patient. Exception: some people aren’t nice or even trying, so keep an eye out for them and don’t be so patient with them. I know, too long for a motto. How ‘bout: "When you can, take a walk outside"?

 

Anything more to add?

 

Music in love and life is a beautiful thing. Pass it on or do what you like. Oh, and check out some of these artists if you have time: Dave Rave, Inward Eye, Dave Marsh, SuperStack, The Novaks, Nathan Warriner, Final Flash, and Ginevra Syperek and Anna Syperek (both painters).

 

Where online can fans find out more about you?

 

thetrewsmusic.com, google, youtube, wikipedia.. I guess there’s lots.

 

The Trews are currently out on the road, ramping it up and serving tracks from albums 'No Time For Later,' 'Den of Thieves' and, of course the latest, mighty release, 'Hope and Ruin.' You can purchase live tickets by clicking on the consumable buttons within all this chat!