For Sojourn it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, this crazy little trip their musical career has taken. A year ago they had just played their first show with a keyboardist in the band; today, armed with nearly $300,000 to take their shot at the big time, the band stands at the precipice of something truly remarkable.
It’s really not a wonder that they would find themselves here; it is just a little surprising how quickly it has happened. But really, from the first listen to Trendy Takers (the 2007 EP that earned them entrée into the Big Money Shot contest) you know. These guys were destined for arenas.
Sojourn has always wanted to leave listeners with something to think about. With songs that suggest Radiohead and Death Cab for Cutie (with accents of Springsteen, Interpol and Arcade Fire), theirs is a sound that makes you pay attention. Subtle, yet melodically complex, there is a freshness to Sojourn that speaks of immediacy.
Brothers Mike (guitar) and Bruce (vocals) originally formed Sojourn together, and have been joined by Matt on drums, Max on bass and Joey ..s. The group grew out of time the brothers spent on Scotland’s west coast, travelling and making music together. Torrential rains and handy guitars helped breed an original rock sound driven by dark, emotional lyrics that pretty accurately reflected their damp, sunlight-deprived environs.
After returning to Ottawa in 2004 the brothers were joined first by Matt (2005), then by Max (2006) and eventually with the addition of Joey (2007) they found that unique musical chemistry that helped Bruce’s songs transform, deepen and mature. Sonically significant, lyrically relevant, hooky and layered, this fleshed out version of what had begun by misty moors an ocean away began to draw almost immediate attention in the clubs around town. Within a few short months Ottawa media, industry and audiences had begun whispering the name Sojourn.
And then it happened. They entered The Big Money Shot on a whim, not really thinking too much about it. They figured they might win a round or two, maybe pick up a few thousand in prize money, but deep down they felt right from the start they had a serious shot at winning the whole thing.
"We involved our crowd a lot," Bruce says of the contest with the largest monetary purse in radio history. "I had no idea what the judges were looking for but I knew the right dynamics were there." We played great live, we really put a lot into it. It was a huge shock when we actually did win, but yeah, I knew we could do it.”
An indefatigable work ethic and an adamant belief in their power together also separate Sojourn from its peers. “We fuel each other with confidence,” says Mike. “Everything we have set out to do we have been able to accomplish. That takes a lot of luck, but it also comes down to some basic things that aren’t so basic at all – work ethic, focus and dedication. For us it’s 100% or nothing.”
2008 finds Sojourn in a place a million metaphoric miles from where they stood a year ago. There is more pressure now that expectations have been raised, but that self-imposed stress has just lent a greater intensity to the songs the band is about to start recording. The next release won’t be Trendy Takers, Part II, though – so much has changed in the last year alone, how could it be?
“Our sound is always evolving,” Bruce says. “I’ve been working on a bunch of new songs that I’m really excited about. I’ve been concentrating on the finishing touches, making them more professionally focused. Paying attention to things like length and timing as much as structure and sound. It’s brought another perspective to them.”
The band will also involve a producer for the first time. “It will be great to work with outside help,” Mike feels. “That new viewpoint can’t help but bring out things we hadn’t really considered before. I’m excited about getting into the studio.”
Whether it is the emotional optimism of “Believin’ In”, the crispy pop of “Gripped So Tight” or the beat-infused “Well Water”, the new songs foreshadow the next series of journeys across Sojourn’s shifting musical landscape. It promises to be an exciting trip.
Look for more journeys of the physical variety later this spring after the band wraps up recording, jumps aboard its already legendary tour bus and heads out on the road again to give the new material an adrenaline-fuelled workout on stage. Be prepared to sweat and swoon.
Yoyo!
We are back in Ottawa now from our 2 year bender in Kingston trying to get an education. Now we are home and in full swing!! Come check out our new track and layout! Fuck Yeah!!! Hope your having a bitchin' summer!
love smlr
Hey sup? Please take a listen to my latest track, No Better! I've had a great response so far! I would appreciate your feedback! Thanks for the support!
Sojourn takes the east by storm! Also, steve takes joey's apartment by storm!! Kiddin! Likin' that gripped so tight song, I was grippin' somethin' tight last night and it wasn't my pillow!! just messin'. Enjoy the east
the new tune is beauty, wasn't quite sure at first but it builds in a beautiful song, well done boys, can't wait to sit in on a jam again, it's been so long
Hey Bhoys... love the new songs.keep up the good work. Rebecca and I are still trying to get out to see you guys..Glengarry ROCKS!! Take it easy lads!!
I would have loved to be there, but I decided it would be better to drive off the road in Lanark and flip my car.... in retrospect, I should have gone to the show. I even had a good luck present for you, but you obviously did not need it. Congrats boys
Bruce! Hey! It's been awhile...How have you been? I've been very busy with school lately (and yes, drumming religiously) anyway, I wanted to let you know about my new gig. Doug from Whitebird asked me to work with him co-producing/hosting some shows for IndieCan (radio) East over the next few weeks. I'd like to get you guys on the show, Indiecan is based in Toronto, so It'll give you a chance to get some exposure? Let me know if you're interested? Have a fantastic day! Hope to chat soon. ~Woodstock PS: I'm still working on my personal project as well, however, in the meantime this gives me some experience producing. :)
