With a new single on the horizon, the Archers have their sights set on tour.
For the first time the five-man troupe of Stelly’s graduates featuring Ethan Caleb, Liam Moes, Sandy Hughes, Robert McMullen, and Liam McLaren are taking their show east of the Mainland – with an eye on building on “their sound” that sets them apart.
“We think we have a cool sound going on,” said drummer Liam Moes. “We feel like we have stumbled across something interesting and we hope others feel the same way.”
They aren’t the only ones who believe that, early in 2011 the band secured top spot in YouThink’s B.C.’s Best Teen Band Contest taking home the cash and studio recording time that came with the title. Keeping the ball rolling they used the studio time to record their newest single Cathedral, the money to finance a tour, and the newfound confidence to propel themselves across B.C. and Alberta. Headlining a triple bill along with Steph MacPherson and Fir Cone to kick off the tour, the Archers hope supporters come out in full force to fill their home building as a send off for the 10-city tour. They play the Charlie White Theatre on April 21.
“We pride ourselves on putting on a good live show. We always try to bring good energy and have fun,” Moes said. “We want people to come out to our shows, the more people come out the better we play.”
Fun comes easier these days. After high school graduation last June, the future was uncertain and potential for members to embark on different paths was very real. Winning the contest reaffirmed the commitment to each other – and Ethan Caleb, one of the band’s founders, believes his choice was an easy one.
“The best decision I ever made was to stick around doing what we love,” Caleb said. “Things are happening to us, it is not just a dream anymore. It is something more.”
When they return from their 10-stop tour, the five hope to focus on creating a new full-length album and refining the sound that is getting them noticed.
“We just want to keep what we are doing, and keep playing music we love. Our goal is to keep doing that and not have to paint houses and drywall and insulate.” Caleb said laughing.
“The best part of being in the Archers is we get to play music … We tapped into a sound people seem to be enjoying at all ages … If people want to listen and dance and enjoy it in any way – that is great.”
Get tickets to the April 21 show online at www.marywinspear.ca.