What goes into writing, recording and touring for a local band?
The Noolands, who released the Us on a Bus EP last summer, have a new 17-minute vignette posted on YouTube last night which takes fans behind the scenes. It takes an inside look at the making of last year's album, while also showcasing the creative and sometimes emotional side of Barrie's music scene.
The band, which marks its fifth anniversary on June 27, includes Brandon Davenport (percussion, piano and vocals), Aaron Casey (lead vocals, drums, guitar and piano), Jon Laxton (bass) and his twin brother James Laxton (guitar and drums).
Their film, which covers a span of three years, includes footage of producer Shane Heath at work, who the band describes as "true old-school rock 'n' roll producer who is very off the grid." Also included are several other musicians, both local and from abroad.
So what was the impetus behind making the film?
"The fuzzy feeling of creating art with your friends is something most folks can't describe," Davenport said. "For the very first time, we want to really peel things back and show the little, magical, mundane moments that make everything happen.
"Also, as we keep growing and moving into new places, we don't want to forget these times, because they're so important," Davenport added. "You can't ever forget the people who created the foundation for your success... even if that means making a 17-minute short film."
James Laxton describes the band's sound "eclectic, groovy rock, I guess. Really, it’s what you get when you put a bunch of guys in a room who all write. We never stop exploring," he said. "It's a blend of influences and a love for rock that keeps the sound glued together."
Because the Noolands build everything from the ground up, Davenport says people often ask about the creative process. The short film will give them an insider's look. The visual artifact is purely for them.
"We wanted to finally take people into our usually-never-seen, low-budget, DIY process in long form," Davenport said. "It's not a flashy music video or an attention-grabbing, social-media post. This is the Noolands unfiltered."
The group also says Barrie has a special sense of community within musical circles.
“There are a lot of important factors and amazing people that have made the local scene here thrive," said James Laxton. "Venues like the Foxx Lounge support original live music, companies like OMCI and Sprout Wise support local artists and there's so many incredible new bands working really hard.
"There's also many new things shaking up the scene here, which is really exciting," Laxton added. "We all really owe it to the love and support of our hometown and the people who support artists.”
The Noolands, who are working toward releasing their next single soon, is firmly entrenched in the local music scene.
"Well, it seems as though we’re tapped into our community all the time," said Laxton, noting Aaron Casey runs an open-mic night at the Foxx Lounge. "So naturally we feel very at home there."
Most of the guys live downtown and the band often plays city events like the Barrie Art Awards and Celebrate Barrie.
"We've been working with the same people around here for so long so we try and stay plugged into our community," Laxton said.
The band is set to perform April 27 at the Foxx Lounge Rock Bar and Hotdoggery, which is located at 16 Dunlop St. E. Also on the bill is Harm and Ease.
"After living in Argentina for the life of their band, they're packing up and moving to Canada, so we're excited to welcome them home," Laxton said. "Also we're maybe putting out some new music very soon, but that's for another day."
For more information on The Noolands, click here.
