The Trews Reflect on Milestones and New Album Release

The Canadian rock band The Trews has released their latest studio album, The Bloody Light, marking a significant chapter in their musical journey. Following a special performance in London in October, band members Colin and John-Angus MacDonald opened up about their experiences, the challenges of creating new music, and their upcoming aspirations.

Founded in Nova Scotia in 1997, The Trews has established itself as one of Canada’s most popular acts, recognized for their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With the release of The Bloody Light, the band aims to add twelve new songs to their already impressive catalogue. John-Angus MacDonald shared insights into the creative process behind the album, acknowledging the difficulty of producing fresh material as they navigate the evolving landscape of the music industry.

“Unearthing that batch of tunes that resonates with everyone is a steep hill to climb,” John-Angus noted. He expressed pride in the new album, stating, “I truly believe it adds twelve very strong new songs to our catalogue.” Among these tracks, “Carolina” stands out as an uplifting piece filled with rich harmonies, reflecting the band’s roots in the musical culture of Canada’s East Coast.

Colin MacDonald highlighted the influence of traditional kitchen parties in shaping their sound. “Where we come from, there’s a wonderful tradition of kitchen parties where everybody sings,” he explained. The band’s early days consisted of busking, which helped them hone their signature four-part harmonies that fans appreciate today. The album also features the ballad “Beyond The End And Once Upon A Time,” which aims to instill a sense of hope in challenging times.

Reflecting on their name, Colin shared a humorous tidbit: “We have Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life to thank for your band name.” Originally starting as “One Eyed Trouser Snake,” the name evolved through various iterations before finally settling on The Trews.

A recent highlight for the band was performing at Juno Beach in Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions. Colin described the experience as “the most significant gig of our whole career.” He recounted the emotional weight of the moment, particularly with notable figures like Prince William and the Prime Ministers of Canada and France in attendance. “We tried not to let the moment get too big before we did it. It was pretty stressful,” Colin admitted.

With their October show in London marking a return to the UK after an eleven-year hiatus, the band is eager to expand their reach. “That Camden gig was about dipping our toe back in, and of course, we want to come back for a second, bigger run,” Colin said. Their last appearance in the UK was well-received, and they are looking forward to future opportunities.

As for their career trajectory, John-Angus expressed a balanced perspective. “Satisfied is a tough word to use,” he said, acknowledging their success in Canada while remaining ambitious. “We still have an eye on the prize.”

The Trews’ The Bloody Light is available through Known Accomplice/Cadence, and it serves as a testament to their enduring commitment to creating music that resonates with their audience. As they reflect on their past and look toward the future, the band continues to inspire with their uplifting songs and dedication to their craft.