With a new single on the horizon, the Archers have their sights set on touring.
For the first time the five-man troupe of Stelly’s secondary graduates, featuring Ethan Caleb, Liam Moes, Sandy Hughes, Robert McMullen, and Liam McLaren has taken their show east of the Mainland on a 10-city tour – with an eye on building “their sound” that sets them apart.
“We think we have a cool sound going on,” said drummer 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.
“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 their commitment to each other – and 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.”
The Archers wind up their tour with Mindil Beach Markets on Friday, May 25, at the Off The Grid Festival 2012 at 4 p.m. at Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Rd.