Real Ponchos will be celebrating the release of their debut full-length album at the Anza Club tomorrow night (May 2nd). In support of Since I Let You Go, the Vancouver alt-country band will be embarking on a cross-Canada tour which we previously posted details for.
We spoke with guitarist/vocalist Ben Arsenault on the upcoming tour dates and what to expect from the Real Ponchos’ live shows.
asapmusicblog.ca: What was the first song in your memory that inspired you to become a musician?
Ben Arsenault: Probably a Neil Young tune – just something that my dad would have been listening to, that my parents would have been listening to when I was young and inspired to take an interest in music. I have a bad memory, but I would probably say “Harvest Moon” or “Cinnamon Girl” by Neil Young.
A: You’re currently gearing up for the release of Real Ponchos’ debut full-length album, Since I Let You Go. What were some of the most memorable moments in the process of making the album?
BA: On this album, we got a chance to do the bass tracks all live and then we got a chance to have a little time to do some overdubs which is kind of a luxury – I think that really spruced up the album and improved it over our first EP.
A: Following the album release show in Vancouver this Thursday, the band will be heading on quite an extensive tour across Canada. What are you most looking forward to about the tour?
BA: It’s just the whole journey, right? The whole trip. It’s just fun to be out there and perusing and setting up every night, playing music to new folks and kind of never knowing what you’re going to get. The whole experience of it is what I’m looking forward to.
We do have some particular shows that I’m looking forward to like in Halifax – that’s where most of my family is. My parents are from Halifax so I have a lot of family there – we’ll have a good time there playing with some friends at the Carleton. And Montreal – a couple of us used to live in Montreal, so it’ll be fun to play there.
A: For those who haven’t seen the band live, what can they expect from your live shows?
BA: In Vancouver, usually a rowdier crowd than you typically see in Vancouver [with] everybody dancing. Our tunes can be laid back but we try to throw in a good mix of danceable upbeat stuff, and always a couple of long jams.
A: If you could narrow down the message of the band’s music, what might it be?
BA: Driving music. Good music as you drive through the country or in the mountains. Put on the Real Ponchos and it kind of suits the mood – that would be the vibe.
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For more information on Real Poncos, head over to: http://www.realponchos.com.
