This is the band’s fourth studio album and is filled with hooky guitar lines, layered beats, and the soulful three-part harmonies and folk-roots-pop style that they have become known for. Thematically, the album was heavily influenced by life on the road – keeping relationships strong, growth and change, slowing down to enjoy the lives they have built, and being there for loved ones in times of need. The band teamed up with producers, Matt Peters and Matt Schellenburg (Royal Canoe, Begonia), who pushed them to experiment with some new instrumental elements that they typically only incorporate in to their live show (synths, different guitar sounds, and some new styles of harmony). Same Roads is one of my favourites (which has real Bahamas vibes – who was a strong inspiration for the band on this record), along with Next Somewhere and the title track – all great places to start with this one!
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
There is a whole world to be discovered online, with online concerts and zoom meetings. Being creative while staying at home has never been easier. Staying motivated to be creative is the hard part. Exercising and consistency in routine helps a lot. Talking with friends about future plans and creative adventures can get your blood running and help get the pen to paper or finger to strings!
Has it been difficult to keep the band together and working?
As I mentioned, we are so grateful to have access to a whole online world of music. We meet often online and stay in touch as much as we can. Sending a simple hello or reminder of past tours helps keep the spirits up! We have had some wonderful opportunities come our way through local venues and festivals that have safely gathered us throughout the pandemic for some live streamed shows and I have to say those really helped keep us going!
How long have you all known each other?
We have been together as a band for almost 13 years! Some members in the band have been friends since highschool! But we won’t give away our age! lol
How would you describe your music in three words?
It is Music!
Jokes aside. It is tough to describe but here’s a shot :
Harmoniously blended and Sweet! (Ed. that’s four but whose counting)
When you first started did you have a sense of which type of music you wanted to make, or did it take a while to land on a sound?
Our sound has definitely gone through some changes and developed over time. Like with most any craft, the more you practice the better you get! I think we started of pretty grass roots and our sound has developed into a more indie-pop feel!
Was there any inspiration behind your new album ‘Make A Scene’
There are endless amounts of inspiration. I think the sheer amount of touring we have done together inspired some of the songs, while other songs have been brought up through life experiences we have shared together like grief and love. Plus we are always inspired by the creative people that surround us in this music world. We have a wonderful and talented community in Canada !
Who was involved in creating this album.
Make a Scene was written by Sweet Alibi and with the help of our bass player Alasdair Dunlop and drummer Sandy Fernandez. We spent so much time pre-producing the songs with those guys, finding parts we liked and tempos. Once we had things sitting where we felt comfortable we brought in our Producers, Matt Peters and Matt Schellenburg. These two brought so much energy and fun to the album. They helped to do some rearranging and added some different moods and sounds. Everyone involved gave so much of their time and talent and we are so proud of what we made together !
Most people think that it’s just the three of you. Are there more band members?
We have in the past toured as a three-piece band, but more than often now we tour as a full five-piece band. Our bass player Alasdair Dunlop has been with us since the very beginning and I’m sure all the way to the sweet end!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Hmmm, I have a hard time doing that. I suppose I’ll say what others have…
“Sweet Alibi’s expert harmonies and timeless soul continue to draw
eyes and ears to the ‘Music Heart of the Continent’ Winnipeg!”- Beatroute Magazine
“Sweet Alibi definitely belongs in the category of best
Canadian folk-pop artists” – Coolibri GERMANY
“An amalgam of textured harmonies and diverse sounds” -The Calgary Herald
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
We love the stories behind the music. It’s so fun to fall in love with a sound and then discover where the idea came from and who or what the song is about. Playing with other people is amazing, when you reach certain moments together and everything blends perfectly it is such an amazing feeling and brings everyone in the room closer together.
Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician
We feel so privileged and grateful to be able to play music for audiences! Sharing our stories and sounds is the favorite part! And meeting other artists and sharing ideas and sounds! Least favorite part might be trying to describe our sound! hahaha
What are some things on the Sweet Alibi bucket list?
We have toured Europe and we really had the best time and can’t wait to go back!
Opening for a big artist that we admire would be just the bee’s knees ya!
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
Currently listening to Madison Cunningham and Chance Lovett!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
We all have different hobbies outside of music! Some of us are video gamers, some of us love painting, some play music with other folks and some just sit around and wait to be interviewed! hahah
Final comments or shout-outs?
Thanks so much for your questions! Shout out to everyone in the industry right now figuring out how to maneuver through this. To everyone who is struggling in any part of their lives we see you, we love you and you got this!
