It's all new for Edmonton-based pop rock band Stereos. The Juno-nominated group has a new album, Uncontrollable, and is setting out on a fresh national tour. They will be making a stop in Yorkton on April 8.
Lead singer Patrick Kordyback notes that with the new album, the band was able to travel to new studios across North America, work with new producers, and have greater freedom to try new things.
"It was basically getting to see what's out there and learn the process, and I think the album is a lot better because of it," he says.
The first single off of the album, Uncontrollable, was one that Kordyback was initially apprehensive about releasing as the lead off single. While he loves the song, he says it was a departure from what people might expect. Now that it's out, he says he's happy to see a different side of the band getting airplay.
"It is such a different sound for the band... I think it's a good way to show that we're definitely multi-dimensional, and if you think you know what we sound like, not so fast."
The new album itself is a bit of a departure as well, being influenced by clubs and nightlife, which translates into a more dance-friendly sound.
"It's just the culture we've been surrounded by. We've discovered the after party life and going out and having a place like a club where the music matters so much. It's something that I notice, when people go to clubs the music selection really makes or breaks the night," Kordyback explains.
That change translates into the show itself, and Kordyback says that the show will also see the band pushing their boundaries as much as possible.
"The new album is much more upbeat and club- themed, which translates into a more upbeat live show, which I love. I think that there's a much more dynamic live show, and we're going to try playing the songs a little differently from the album, and I don't want to give too much away but we're going to think outside the box a bit more."
Apart from the new sound, Kordyback says that the band gelling as a unit and learning from each night makes every show the best they've done so far.
"It gets better and better, and we get better and better. It's always exciting to learn from past tours and apply what we learned to the new one."
Being able to connect with fans and get out on the road is something Kordyback says the band has always wanted, and each tour is a dream come true.
"We used to work three day jobs at once in order to be able to come home and practice and avoid going to school or getting a career, trying to work on the band. Sometimes you wonder if that's going to work out, but now my day job is that thing I would rather do than anything else in the world. It puts us in a very lucky place and we're very blessed."
Touring and connecting with fans is Kordyback's favorite part of playing music, and he says he doesn't feel normal unless he's on the road.
"It's been four or five months since we've been on the road and it just doesn't seem natural. I'm just excited about getting in the van and going on tour again, because that's where I feel most at home."
Describing the music as the type that comes alive with a crowd's interaction and energy, Kordyback says that the band and the songs are at their best on stage in front of an audience.
"No matter how hard you try, there's really no way you can get the intimacy and the sound of a live band on album," he emphasizes.
The show will take place April 8 at the Agripavillion. More information is available on Stereos website at www.wearestereos.com.
