--taken from: 570 News (listen to the podcast here)
by Care Finch
For two+ decades, Canadian fans have fallen in love with indie rockers, Sloan.
The four piece comprised of songwriters has consistently delivered album after album of chart-topping alt rock hits since their debut release Peppermint in 1992.
I spoke with Jay Ferguson (rhythm guitar) about Sloan returning to Kitchener (as he jokingly says for the “fortieth time”).
Sloan has performed in KW a lot! Tell me about coming back to the Region.
We’ve had great shows in Kitchener and Waterloo over the years, so hopefully it will be on par with the previous. I have to keep a real count some day!
What can fans expect from this particular show?
I think when you play a show you have to so some songs that people know. We’ll play some songs people haven’t heard before, but also standards that people would know. We’re not in the middle of promoting a new album, so it’ll be a little different. We’ll be doing two sets and it’ll be fun.
Sloan has had a career spanning two decades. What do you think is the secret to longevity?
We had hoped or envisioned this, but how can you predict that sort of thing. I’m glad it happened in the first place, but you can’t imagine that it’s going to happen that long. Hopefully will continue to go as long as we can!
With our band, I think it’s an outlet for everybody. Everybody sings and writes, so there’s not one disgruntled member who wants to go solo. We all get to sing and write songs, but we split the money four ways, so nobody’s in a different boat. We can all stick together.
Sloan releases music on vinyl, and lately, it would seem, there’s been a bigger demand. Have you seen this change?
It’s gone in ebbs and flows. I don’t know if it’s a retro thing, but I think people like to own something tangible. CDs are not always that exciting to own; I think vinyl made sort of a comeback when there was a crack in the pavement as people starting purchasing digital files for their computers.
An LP seems more tangible than a CD. There’s more room for cool graphics and designing album covers is fun for bands. Sometimes when we’d release stuff in the 90’s it was harder to sell off a run, but it does seem to sell quicker now.
How does Social Media make an impact for Sloan?
You have fans that are going to follow you no matter what, but I think a Twitter, Facebook and an email mailing list are crucial. I think it’s empowering to bands. For us, we have a history and this is a way for us to keep our fan base that already exists; we can do that through social media. It puts more power back into the bands’ hands.
Where does Jay Ferguson get inspiration to write music?
Often listening to other bands, or another songwriter. You’re inspired by the way they did it or their structure. I’m always thinking about songs, so if someone says a funny quote I’ll try to remember that for when I get home so I can write it down. It comes from a bunch of different places.
What’s next for Sloan?
We’re doing some theatre-style shows in Southern Ontario over the next few weekends. We’re in the middle of making a new album, which will hopefully come out in the spring of next year. We did a bunch of summer shows, but also, in tandem, making a new album.
You’re true indie artists at heart. What’s your advice to new bands?
I think it’s probably par for the course, but do as much on your own. Whether it’s doing your own recordings, learning to set up your own shows, advertising or even making your own tee shirts, learn about the process and learn about being a band and a band that tours. Do as much on your own that you can before you start hiring people to do that for you. I think that’s the key. It also helps you not get ripped off or surprised. You learn how hard or easy some things are.
Do you have a message for fans who are coming to see this show?
I can’t wait to see you all for the fortieth time! We always have awesome shows there, so I’m really looking forward to it!
--taken from: 570 News (listen to the podcast here)
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