Americana band Before The Flood recently released their sophomore album Hole in the Sky co-produced with Josh Van Tassel (Great Lake Swimmers, Royal Wood).  BTF’s style and performances are constantly evolving, however, they continue to draw comparisons to Wilco, The Shins, and The Weakerthans.  

Before the Flood formed in 2005 with the line-up currently consisting of Steve Davis (vocals/guitar), Jeff Boulton (drums), Aaron Christie (vocals/guitar) Jason LaCrosse (bass) and Mike Harvey (violin, mandolin and vocals).  The backbone of the band has been strong, diverse song writing and rich, textured arrangements.  Hole In The Sky has received strong support at campus and CBC radio across Canada.

Hole in the Sky is your 2nd LP in 7 years. How have you grown since your first LP, Bars Wire and Wood in 2008?  

We had not performed a lot prior to releasing our first LP, so having the years to work on the performance of our music and seeing what resonates with audiences was very important.  Also, our newer material is crafted and arranged more by the whole band than our earlier material.

Why was there such a long break in between albums?

We didn’t intend it to be that long, but our other jobs, family, and various commitments do get in the way.  Because of the time we decided to release a longer album (14 songs) and tour more than we have in the past.  We certainly don’t plan to take 7 years for our next one.

What was the process like creating this LP? Who did you work with?

We record our own material, and then engaged Josh Van Tassel as a co-producer to arrange, add & subtract to what we did, and his work really helped shape the songs and atmospheres on this album.  Reuben Ghose has mixed both our LPs, and we had the mastering done at Golden in California.

Who are your influences and have they changed through the years?

Diverse and ever growing – Tom Waits, Wilco, The National, Hayden, Mojave 3, Wintersleep, The Shins, Skydiggers, Weakerthans, Bob Dylan, Joel Plaskett, Nick Drake, Sigur Ros, Leonard Cohen, Sam Roberts, Broken Social Scene, Ryan Adams…

What are your personal lives like outside of the band? How do you balance band life and home life?

The band has 8 children and full time jobs, so it’s busy, but making time to play music is something we all want to continue to do.  People will ask how we do it, and I’ll tell them a lot of people watch 3 hours of TV a night, getting together in our rehearsal studio for 2 or 3 hours is no different, and far more rewarding.

Before The Flood was formed in 2005. How has your views on music changed throughout the years?

Attendance for club gigs is down, as is buying music, so it’s certainly tougher financially.  Fortunately that’s not our motivation for playing, we’re friends who love to write, rehearse and play, and I don’t think any of us plan on stopping.

What do you want your fans to take away from this LP?

Real enjoyment of the music (the moods and atmospheres created) and that the lyrics might stop and make them think.  Songs mean different things to people at different times, and the beauty of songs is they live forever creating reactions, changing moods, providing support, and causing changes in thinking.

Will you be putting out any music videos?

Yes, this is our next big project that we hope to get complete in early 2016!

What does the band have planned for 2016?

Continuing to play through Ontario & Quebec in January and February, the east coast in the spring, and to be busy on the Ontario festival circuit this summer.

http://www.beforetheflood.ca/ 

https://soundcloud.com/beforethefloodband