Download have a sound that is made possible by bringing together influences of metal, blues and rock. Based in southern Alberta, and still pretty young, this band's members are all seasoned musicians who have been through playing shows and recording for years before in previous bands. The line up consists of Devin Tretiak on bass and as vox, Jesse Taylor as vox and guitar and Dale Bracken behind the kit. It's nice to see a three piece, they seem to be fewer and farther between than they used to be. Devin did an email interview with me in mid-April.
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Download
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2005 saw Download added to Cyclone Record's comp disc, On the Verge, and to the label's roster. Devin on how the hookup happened, 'we were playing a gig at a local bar, Blind Army (another band on the On the Verge CD) was doing the show with us. Brad from Cyclone had previously been in contact with Blind Army and was actually coming out to see them. He introduced himself to me and we chatted a bit about the upcoming compilation releases and exchanged email addresses,' he explains. 'He stayed for some of our show, and the next day emailed me saying he would like to include us on the Alberta Rock compilation if we were interested. The concept behind the compilation CDs is a great marketing and promotional tool, so we were in right away. From day one, Brad & Cyclone Records have been behind us (and all artists on the label) every step of the way.'
When they were choosing songs for the Cyclone comp, their top choice wasn't recorded yet, explains Devin, 'I had already written 'Remember The Days' (I think we even played it live that first night I met Brad), but it was not yet recorded. We knew right away that was the song we wanted to use. A quick call to my good friend Steve Dodd at SoundMind Productions and we set a recording date. Recording 'Remember The Days' was definitely a smooth process. A few mixes and remixes later, and you have what you hear on the CD.' It was shortly after that Brad contacted the band again, suggesting a second track from Download on the comp, and the band chose Superhero. 'Even though Superhero does not necessarily fit with the band direction today, it was the next logical choice at the time,' says Devin on the decision.
Download's direction is being recorded right now! Well, maybe not this moment, but a new album is in the works. Basically we're looking at an unnamed debut without a release date, and really it's all about progress right now. Notes Devin, 'we already have 7 songs recorded. Probably get the final 3 finished up over the next couple months. Hopefully have a finished product out by the end of summer.'
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Devin on songwriting/recording...
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'The concept behind the compilation CDs is a great marketing and promotional tool, so we were in right away. From day one, Brad & Cyclone Records have been behind us (and all artists on the label) every step of the way.'
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The songwriting for this yet to be titled release seems to have come together pretty naturally, Devin on the process, 'all three of us come from different influences, which I think really helps the writing process. We have all been doing this for a while now and our styles definitely compliment each other. Most of the songs have developed in the same way. One of us comes in with an idea, or basic progression already written,' he explains.
'Kind of a 'hey guys, what do you think of this' and we all build upon that initial idea. A lot of it evolves as we jam it out, 'Hey why don't we try this' or 'what if we did this' until we get a finished song. The flip side is there are a couple songs that have emerged spontaneously out of rehearsals. Someone starts playing a riff and the other guys just kinda join in, and before you know it you have the basic framework for a song. I think one of the interesting dynamics with our band is that both myself and Jesse (guitar) take on lead vocal duties. As it sits right now, Jesse sings lead on two songs.'
The recording process has been treating them well this time around, notes Devin, 'recording this year has been a great experience. I think part of the reason is working with good people.' It's been Steve Dodd at SoundMind Productions in Calgary, has, as Devin put it, 'really made things effortless.'
Once this baby's released, promo plans kick in to gear, so what have they cooked up? Well, says Devin, 'we have some good connections with local media (radio, newspaper, TV) so we will definitely get some good local promotion. Playing live and just getting out there in front of people is always a great promo tool.' And really, it's not like Cyclone is just going to watch the album be released and wish it luck. Devin on the details, 'Brad at Cyclone has developed an extensive online marketing network and is really leading the way in promoting his artists that way. I don't think there are any plans to tour or anything like that, but you never know what could happen down the road.
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And again, as seems to be a running theme when corresponding with musicians who work with Cyclone, Download are a band of independent minded guys, wanting a part of the process and at the same know a good hookup when they see one. Devin's response when I asked him how important it is for him to be involved in the non-musical aspects of the band, 'for me personally, it has always been an integral part of being a musician. Especially as an independent artist, you have a greater sense of accomplishment and pride in the final product when you have control over all aspects.' And yet, explains Devin, 'that doesn't mean you can't accept help when it is offered. I think having Cyclone Records help promote us has been outstanding. Brad has obviously developed a much more extensive network of contacts that any one band could do on their own.'
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I asked Devin what it is that drives him to keep Download strong, he said, 'I think when you find a great group of like-minded musicians, where you all get along, have the same vision, and genuinely enjoy doing what you do, then it becomes real easy to keep that going strong.'
'For me personally there is a quote by Abraham Maslow that essentially captures why I continue to play music. It says, 'A musician must make his music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is ultimately to be at peace with himself.' Even though I have a day job, and I don't make millions touring the world, playing music is a part of who I am.'
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The Playlist
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Devin's Playlist
1. The Trews - So She's Leaving
2. Nickelback - Rockstar
3. Audioslave - Doesn't Remind Me
4. Theory of a Deadman - Better Off
5. Our Lady Peace - Where Are You
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