Bedouin Soundclash to play London Music Hall

Since first coming together over a decade ago, Bedouin Soundclash has made a name for themselves on the Canadian music scene. After officially launching their record label, Pirates Blend Records, releasing their new album Light the Horizon and kicking off a nation-wide tour, bassist Eon Sinclair found time to answer a few questions.

How would you describe the sound of your latest album, Light The Horizon?

This one has a little more mood to it. The songs are more introspective. It’s written about our band and ourselves. The fact that King Britt is the producer makes the sound and quality really, really rich.

It’s obvious that Bedouin is always growing and changing, but you always have a one of a kind sound. What’s the best thing about your latest album?

Uh, that we did it (Laughs). It’s the result of going through a lot of changes as a band. There was a time that we were considering whether or not to continue as a band so it’s the fact that we came through that period wanting to do this. We found the spirit that Bedouin started with in the first place.

What changes has the band gone through since the start of your career?

Well we started when we were in university so it went from something extracurricular to something that we could have as a career. It’s not quite the same when you’re playing in front of a couple people and when you’re trying to get your songs on the radio. Then from there you start off as a band who’s playing in your dorm room to being able to travel around and play to find out exactly what it is you want to do.

What can you tell us about the record label Pirates Blend Records that you launched this year?

We launched in January. Basically we started the label as a way for us to build a culture around what the band does. We’ve been fortunate to have a somewhat unique place in music, which has been great because it makes you stand out, but it has been difficult in some ways because there have been very few things that we have been able to associate with.

Which artists do you already have signed to the label?

We have a couple artists on the label now. We have Michael Rault who’s from Edmonton. He sings classic rock n’ roll and blues. We also have Nneka, who’s Nigerian-born but raised in Germany. She’s a world-conscious artist who sings a lot of socially conscious and socially motivated music with an R&B soul.

They show a lot of diversity. They have a message that is something we can get behind. We want to find artists that are cool and speak to the ideas of Bedouin.

Vocalist and guitarist Jay Malinowski released a solo album, Bright Lights & Bruises, through Pirates Blend Records. How do you differentiate that sound from the band’s music?

When Jay did his solo record it was introspective. It’s about his personal experiences rather than our collective ones. He’s influenced by a lot of the great folk singers, the politically motivated ones. It’s more acoustic. Bedouin looks more towards music that is heavy rhythmically.

Are there any upcoming collaborations you could tell us about?

Right now we’re just in the process of touring. The only thing that we know for certain is that we’d like to work with King Britt again. Collaboration-wise there’s a long, long list of people that we would love to work with but we’re going to have to see where we’re at musically when we decide to record.

You’re currently on your Cross-Canada Hats Off Tour. Where can Western students catch your show this time around?

We’re so used to playing Cowboys, but we’re actually at The London Music Hall (Laughs). It’s Nov. 18, right after our show in Kingston.

Since you guys are from Queen’s I have to ask, which city is better to perform in — London or Kingston?

Well, we’re clearly biased (Laughs0. They both have really great live music scenes. I’ll have to go with Kingston, but London is pretty close.

Where’s your favourite place to play here in london?

Call The Office is pretty awesome. It’s got a lot of music history and the vibe is great. We’ve played at The Spoke, too.

Check out Bedouin Soundclash on their Cross-Canada Hats Off Tour when they stop in London at the London Music Hall tomorrow. Tickets are available at tickmaster.ca.