Following the release of their intense & hypnotic record called Softer Faces, out now via Kanine Records, Candian five-piece Living Hour – Sam Sarty (lead vocals, keys, trombone) alongside Gil Carroll (guitar), Adam Soloway (guitar, backing vocals), Alex Chochinov (drums, trumpet) and Brett Ticzon (bass, backing vocals) – we talked to Sam Sarty about music, influences, Canadian sensitivity and experimenting with new sounds…
Hi Living Hour how are you?
We are great, on our way to Minneapolis to start our tour
Your new video ’Most’ has just been released, can you tell us the themes contained within the song?
The lost emotion of walking home alone on a snowy night
How does the creative process work as a band when you are writing new material?
Every song is different we play a lot off each other and all have a lot of varied musical ideas. Usually someone has an idea on their instrument and we all just mess around with it until we figure out something we think sounds good
As a Canadian band how does the country and the local music and art scenes influence your music?
Our local scene is über supportive and we are so appreciative of all the love opportunities and support we get from the Winnipeg scene
Any emerging artists you would recommend from back home?
Veneer, Iansucks, urban vacation, the castle, grownup.
Who are your biggest influences as musicians?
Artists on these labels..kranky, orchid tapes, orindal records, Kanine Records, merge records, Matador Records.
If you were stranded on a desert island which three albums would you choose to have with you?
In an aeroplane over the sea, 69 love songs, etiquette (casiotone for the painfully alone)
Stylistically, where do you think your music fits in today’s climate?
We are happy to perform alongside pretty much any genre. we love to be on eclectic bills with a range of sounds and styles. We feel really connected to the diy scene in the US and have played shows put on some wonderful promoters and people. Minty boi in LA made us feel so appreciated last time we played on the west coast and over the years we have played so many house shows put on by lovely community minded folks. The shows have changed slightly recently but we still feel connected with the very first bands and promoters from every city we’ve played in.
You’re due to tour in Europe in September and October, what can European audiences expect from a live Living Hour performance?
Canadian sensitivity.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019?
Experimenting with new sounds and developing some song ideas.
Tour Dates:
Sept. 24-Paris, FR-Supersonic
Sept. 25-Luxembourg, LU-de Gudde Wëllen
Sept. 26-Bristol, UK-The Crofters Rights
Sept. 27-London, UK-Thousand Island
Sept. 28-Liverpool, UK-Sound Basement
Sept. 30-Glasgow, UK-The Hug and Pint
Oct. 04-Pisa, IT-Caracol Concerti
Oct. 05-Bologna, IT-Efesto
Sept. 24-Paris, FR-Supersonic
Sept. 25-Luxembourg, LU-de Gudde Wëllen
Sept. 26-Bristol, UK-The Crofters Rights
Sept. 27-London, UK-Thousand Island
Sept. 28-Liverpool, UK-Sound Basement
Sept. 30-Glasgow, UK-The Hug and Pint
Oct. 04-Pisa, IT-Caracol Concerti
Oct. 05-Bologna, IT-Efesto
By FM
Photo by Ally Gonzalo
