Trew genius at the Owl
by Darcie Keith
the Carillon

They’re not ready to go. Rising Canadian musicians The Trews recently played a show in the Owl.

The Trews, which meant a pair of tight trousers usually made of tartan, said their name reflects their roots in the Maritime community of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. McDonald explained, “We thought the name sounded cool, and it is kinda cool that its got some Scottish roots to it, so it is kind of fitting.”

McDonald’s brother, John-Angus, is the guitarist of the Trews. McDonald explained that their family encouraged music while growing up. “We were also encouraged to play music and we were always allowed to jam in our basement and stuff. It was something that was always considered a respectable profession, so we were always encouraged to do it.” Since their album, House of Ill Fame, debuted last year it has been skyrocketing up the charts. Their success has not been limited, either. In the past year they have received a Juno nomination, a Much Music Video Award nomination, not to mention many other acknowlegdements of their growing success.

“We pretty much work for everything we have. Our record came out last year. It was a long time to build, it started out pretty slow. We just went out and toured and toured, and played and played, we started picking out our style. It was like all blood, sweat, and tears.” said McDonald.

Syperek said it was “one of the best things that could have happened.”

Throughout their hectic schedule, the band has managed to hit Saskatchewan twice in the last four months, the first being at this past summer’s Rock N’ The Valley and the second being in the Owl. When asked why they came back so soon, the band explained that it is about the atmosphere

“It’s a really pleasant drive. Driving in the prairies is really easy,” said McDonald. “I like being in the praires, it’s very nice.”

“The prairies are beautiful,” added Syperek.

During their career, the Trews have met many well-known and influential musical artists. “We got to hang out with Ronnie Hawkins a little while ago, at his house. And Peter Burrows. And we got to hang out with the Tragically Hip at the Bathhouse in Kingston. We’ve been talking on the phone with Jack Douglas, whom we met in Vancouver, who produced [artists] like John Lennon,” said McDonald.

“Cool things come along once in a while,” added Syperek.

“The ultimate highlight for us is having a good show, or writing a good song,” said McDonald, who went on to say that one of his crew member’s highlights were all about meeting girls on tour.

But the band does meet girls on tour too, but they admit they don’t use pick up lines. One of their crewmen, Matt, replied by saying “so, did you enjoy the show?” which made the band rattle off many others. For example, “so do you like my voice?” or “would you like to come back to the hotel, we’re all hanging out.” Good work, guys.

Throughout their rising success, the band has been very laid-back. They’re a nice group of guys. They continue on with their tour down in the U.S. before coming back up to Canada during the Christmas holidays.