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Post-pop trio creating a buzz for themselves

Who says work and play can’t mix? For the Vancouver-based band beekeeper, it’s something they stand by. Although creating catchy music and touring can be hard work, the trio stays entertained through comedic relief, burritos and lots of caffeine. Band members Devon Lougheed and Luke Cyca took some time to talk about their 7″ set for release in April and their surprising live performances.

How did the three of you start playing music together?

Luke Cyca: Devon and I are cousins actually, so we’ve kind of been playing music all of our lives together. It wasn’t until we found ourselves living in Vancouver about four years ago that we started to jam quite a bit while building up a repertoire of songs. We’ve had a few lineups along the way, but most recently Brandi Sidoryk has joined as our bassist and vocalist.

What’s the writing and recording process like?

Devon Lougheed: The writing process in beekeeper has a lot to do with caffeine and alcohol. I reach a really wonderful moment of clarity around the seventh or eighth cup of coffee, and a song just appears in my mind. I scribble it down, bring it to the band and we work to make it a good song.

What was the biggest difference between recording at home and recording in the studio?

LC: I think it’s kind of a loss of control and Devon and I really like to control all aspects of our project. We’re really happy with the result, but I think we wish we did it entirely ourselves.

Your sound is a little all over the place while remaining cohesive. What were the top three influences on these songs both musically and lyrically?

DL: The first is Blair Stanley, which is the name of a burrito from a vegetarian burrito place in Vancouver. We ate many Blair Stanleys while recording our first record and decided that Blair should be celebrated in a song. The second is Theodor Adorno, who was a critical theorist and philosopher who I think is pretty badass. In “Bad Advice” I draw on Adorno pretty heavily for lyrical content. The third is Andy Kaufman who is an entertainer and comedian and I think all of us see him as a very huge influence.

How does your comedic background come into play into the performance?

DL: On the surface level it means that our live show is lighthearted and fun and funny. You will laugh when you come see us. But when you dig down deeper, it’s less that everything is all jokey jokes and punch lines, and more that the humor runs deeper through it.
LC: In a big way it helps us stay excited about our project—the fact that we can have fun with it in so many different ways.

Is there a reason you guys stuck with all lowercase letters for your band name?

LC: That’s something that we fight with on so many concert posters and interview. Getting back to our control, that’s another aspect we really want to be perfect. We like the look of the word beekeeper in all lowercase.

DL: For me, it’s the 90s. It’s a little tribute to the music that I loved growing up.

What can Londoners expect when they come to your show on January 18?

LC: I wish we knew. I think that will be a function of all of the shows leading up to it and how we feel on that day. I’m surprised at every show, and I’m sure this one will be different.

DL: Our publicist Rockin’ Robin likes to say, “come see beekeeper live because you’ll leave having a new third favourite band.”

Catch beekeeper playing on January 18th at APK Live with Hue and Glass Thieves. The 19+ show starts at 8 p.m. and costs $5 at the door.

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