The Trews Archives — Known Accomplice

THE TREWS RELEASE HOLIDAY SINGLE “XMAS (MERRY CHRISTMAS)”

November 17, 2022 by admin

THE TREWS RELEASE BRAND NEW HOLIDAY SINGLE “XMAS (MERRY CHRISTMAS)”

UPCOMING TOUR DATES – INCLUDING HEADLINING SHOW IN TORONTO FOLLOWED BY U.S TOUR

(November 17, 2022) – To celebrate the holidays, The Trews have shared news of their festive new single ‘Xmas (Merry Christmas),” alongside a handful of U.S. dates to coincide with their headlining show on December 3rd in Toronto with support from Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, and the track’s themes of giving back and being thankful for the things that matter most, members Colin MacDonald, John-Angus MacDonald, Jack Sypereck, and Chris Gormley wanted to find ways to put those words into action. As such, the band will be out and about in the weeks leading up to Christmas taking part in what they’ve dubbed their good deeds initiative. Stay tuned to the band’s socials to keep tabs on their plans and find out how you can participate!

When asked what initially inspired the track, Colin shared: ‘Santa Claus commissioned us to write a new Christmas for the 2022 holiday season. I guess he was getting a little tired of that Paul McCartney one and wanted something new that, in his words ‘slaps.’ Needless to say, we were blown away by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and got to work immediately! We came up with ‘Xmas (Merry Christmas)’. While Santa thought the title a little obvious he felt we more than made up for it with performance and production value (shout out to producer Derek Hoffman). Santa added that Mrs. Claus loved the chorus, even adding it to her ‘Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Jams’ playlist, and that the elves had been whistling it while they worked. I hope you guys love it as much as the gang up north. Merry Christmas from the Trews!”

WATCH “XMAS (MERRY CHRISTMAS) LYRIC VIDEO HERE

The band will be touring in support of their most recent album Wanderer. Originally meant to record the full album with The Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson in Nashville, the band were only able to get three songs in with him in an original Nashville session early 2020 before the pandemic hit. Like most things over the past two years, the album process was put on hold and left the band time to create new music. Once studios opened back up, the guys quickly returned to the studio to record a few tracks with Cilvilnaire producer Derek Hoffman followed by the remainder of the album recorded with a award-winning producer Erik Ratz. Wanderer could not have achieved its acrobatic feats of sonic power had it not been for the lamentable, awful but also weirdly inspiring and motivational global pandemic which made touring impossible and writing and recording the only option on the table for months.

“This is a really strong rock record from start to finish. Every song was mulled over extensively,” guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says. “The pandemic bought us more time which you always need with songwriting. There are songs that would not be on this record had it happened another way.” Adds singer/guitarist Colin MacDonald, “We accidentally honed our recording skills because there was no live show to get to.”

STREAM WANDERER

Upcoming Tour Dates
Saturday, Dec 3rd – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
Saturday, Dec 3rd – Halifax, NS – Casino Nova Scotia
Tuesday, Jan 24th – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
Wednesday, Jan 25th – NYC – The Loft at City Winery
Friday, Jan 27th – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
Saturday, Jan 28th – Clayton, NY – Clayton Opera
Sunday, Jan 29th – Philadelphia, PA – MilkBoy
Tuesday, Jan 31st – Cleveland, OH – Cambridge Room (at H.O.B.)
Wednesday, Feb 1st – Pittsburgh, Ohio – Crafthouse
Friday, Feb 3rd – Detroit, MI – Shelter
Saturday, Feb 5th – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Summerside, PE – Credit Union Place (Canada Games)

STREAM “XMAS (MERRY CHRISTMAS)

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THE TREWS NEW ALBUM “WANDERER” OUT NOW

November 19, 2021 by admin

News

I Wanna Play, Nickel Brook Brewing, The Trews, The Trews Tone Wandering Pilsner, Wanderer

Photo Credit: Matthew Perry

THE TREWS RELEASE BRAND NEW ALBUM WANDERER TODAY VIA KNOWN ACCOMPLICE
LISTEN HERE

LAUNCH TREWS TONE WANDER PILSNER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NICKEL BROOK BREWERY

MORE TOUR DATES ADDED
ON-SALE NOW

(Toronto, ON – November 19, 2021) – The Trews have released their highly anticipated new record Wanderer today via Known Accomplice. Listen Now!

To help celebrate the release, the band has partnered with Ontario brewery Nickel Brook Brewery on a limited edition beer, The Trews Tone Wandering Pilsner. Trews Tone is a crispy pilsner that gives you permission to reach for a few more. A crush ‘n’ cruise brew that’s perfect for people who wanna play. Beers can be purchased at the brewery or on their website.

Wanderer is the band’s blazing seventh studio album and is easily their fiercest and most accomplished yet. Wanderer could not have achieved its acrobatic feats of sonic power had it not been for the lamentable, awful, but also weirdly inspiring and motivational global pandemic, which made touring impossible and writing and recording the only games in town.

Who could have predicted that electrifying recording sessions begun in Nashville in December 2019 with Rich Robinson would be curtailed by a global pandemic, resulting in just three songs being completed? With the borders closed – it led to the guys staying within Canada to once again work with Civilianaires producer Derek Hoffman, yielding three more songs with the fast-rising producer. With the Robinson/Hoffman sessions banked, six additional songs — including the lead single “I Wanna Play” were recorded in Toronto in 2020 with acclaimed producer Eric Ratz.

In the end, those three disparate, COVID-dictated sessions forced the chart-topping, globe-trotting crew, which also lead singer Colin MacDonald, guitarist John-Angus Macdonald, bassist Jack Syperek, drummer Chris Gormley, and keyboardist Jeff Heisholt, to cohere as a band as never before. The results speak for themselves.

The band is also set to do what they do best and get out there for some upcoming live shows at the tail end of this year and even more in early 2022. See below for tour dates with more dates to be announced soon!

TOUR DATES

11/20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre (SuperNova Celebration)
12/16 – Oshawa, ON- Biltmore Theatre
12/17 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwell’s
12/18 – Keswick, ON – Stephen Leacock Theatre
12/28 – Niagara Falls, ON – Scotiabank Convention Centre
1/25 – Sudbury, ON- Caruso Club
1/27 – Thunder Bay, ON, NV Nightclub
01/28 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
01/29 – Saskatoon, SK – The Roxy
01/31 – Lloydminster, AB – Vic Juba Theatre
02/02 – Edmonton, AB – Midway
02/03 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
02/05 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
02/08 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar and Grill
02/09 – Medicine Hat, AB – The Esplanade
02/11 – Prince Albert, SK – E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts
02/12 – Cold Lake, AB – Reid Field House
06/10 – Sarnia, ON – Block Party Suncor Agora

Wanderer
November 19, 2021
Purchase LP/CD/Merch Bundles here

Track listing

Where Do You Go?
I Wanna Play
Enemy
Can’t Afford to be Lonely
Lonely in the City
Hidden Gem
Faith & Fumes
Permission
The Wanderer
Another Year Zero
Song To Future Me
Lovelock
Can’t Control Myself

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THE TREWS SHARE NEW SINGLE “PERMISSION”

October 25, 2021 by admin

News

I Wanna Play, The Trews, The Wanderer, Wanderer

Photo Credit: Matthew Perry

THE TREWS SHARE BRAND NEW TRACK AND VIDEO FOR “PERMISSION” FEATURING THE BLACK CROWES’ RICH ROBINSON – WATCH HERE

UPCOMING ALBUM WANDERER OUT NOVEMBER 19

MORE TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED WITH MORE TO COME

(Toronto, ON – October 25, 2021) – The Trews have been non-stop since the release of their latest single “The Wanderer”, taking their stripped down tour across Ontario before stopping in our nation’s capital last week to perform the national anthem at the Ottawa Senators’ home opener vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have shared another banger from their upcoming album – watch the video for “Permission” here.

Cut live off the floor at The Tracking Room Studio in Nashville this single was one of three songs on the upcoming album produced by Rich Robinson, who is also featured on this track playing guitar. The Trews’ guitarist John-Angus MacDonald explains the track coming together, “Permission started out as a high octane guitar riff in need of a home. It was fleshed out lyrically, and subsequently recorded, down in Nashville with Rich Robinson at the production helm. It also features Rich, one of my all time fav guitar players, playing the lead breaks on slide guitar. Cut live off the floor, it really captures the energy of the band. I borrowed the opening line of the chorus, “shoot me in to the sun”, from Instagrammer extraordinaire the Fat Jewish and the balance of the lyrics, “I will not bite my tongue, we’ll leave no song unsung, I don’t care who’s listening”, are about fearless artistic freedom – kind of a mission statement for the band!”

Since the safe return of live shows, the band have been cautiously touring their three piece acoustic show, playing outdoor festivals, and today are excited to announce a handful of full band indoor shows in Western Canada for early next year. Stay tuned for more news on touring in the coming weeks! See below for full list of tour dates. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wanderer, due November 19 via Known Accomplice, is the band’s blazing seventh studio album and is easily their fiercest and most accomplished yet. Wanderer could not have achieved its acrobatic feats of sonic power had it not been for the lamentable, awful but also weirdly inspiring and motivational global pandemic which made touring impossible and writing and recording the only games in town.

Who could have predicted that electrifying recording sessions begun in Nashville in December 2019 with Rich Robinson would be curtailed by a global pandemic, resulting in just three songs being completed? With the borders closed – it led to the guys staying within Canada to once again work with Civilianaires producer Derek Hoffman, yielding three more songs with the fast-rising producer. With the Robinson/Hoffman sessions banked, six additional songs — including lead single “I Wanna Play” were recorded in Toronto in 2020 with acclaimed producer Eric Ratz.

TOUR DATES

11/20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre (SuperNova Celebration)
12/28 – Niagara Falls, ON – Scotiabank Convention Centre
01/28 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
01/29 – Saskatoon, SK – The Roxy
01/31 – Lloydminster, AB – Vic Juba Theatre
02/02 – Edmonton, AB – Midway
02/03 – Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre
02/05 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
02/08 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar and Grill
02/09 – Medicine Hat, AB – The Esplanade
02/11 – Prince Albert, SK – E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts
06/10 – Sarnia, ON – Block Party Suncor Agora

STREAM “PERMISSION” HERE

Wanderer
November 19, 2021
Pre-order here

Track listing

Where Do You Go?
I Wanna Play
Enemy
Can’t Afford to be Lonely
Lonely in the City
Hidden Gem
Faith & Fumes
Permission
The Wanderer
Another Year Zero
Song To Future Me
Lovelock
Can’t Control Myself

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

THE TREWS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM “WANDERER”

August 3, 2021 by admin

News

I Wanna Play, The Trews, The Wanderer, Wanderer

Photo Credit: David Bastedo

THE TREWS ANNOUNCE FORTHCOMING ALBUM WANDERER DUE NOVEMBER 19

LISTEN TO “THE WANDERER” NOW
STRING OF UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS ANNOUNCED

(Toronto, ON – July 30, 2021) – Earlier this year, rock ‘n’ roll heavyweights The Trews came out strong with their pandemic anthem “I Wanna Play”, an ode to all the things we’ve missed during lockdown. Today the band announce their upcoming full-length album Wanderer, due November 19 via Known Accomplice. The album will include “I Wanna Play” among a collection of 13 additional brand-new songs including the title track “The Wanderer” which they are excited to share today.

Pre-orders Wanderer here.

From its opening bluesy guitar licks to its driving chorus, “The Wanderer” sets the tone for the straight-ahead rock record The Trews will deliver to fans eager to rock out. As Colin MacDonald sings “Pluck a melody from my memory. Steal a thought from my head. Solitary time is no good for me. No man’s an island.”

LISTEN TO “THE WANDERER”

Wanderer, the blazing seventh studio album from the band, is easily their fiercest and most accomplished yet. Wanderer could not have achieved its acrobatic feats of sonic power had it not been for the lamentable, awful but also weirdly inspiring and motivational global pandemic which made touring impossible and writing and recording the only games in town.

Who could have predicted that electrifying recording sessions begun in Nashville in December 2019 with Black Crowes guitarist and long-time Trews friend Rich Robinson would be curtailed by a global pandemic, resulting in just three songs being completed? With the borders closed – it lead to the guys staying within Canada to once again work with Civilianaires producer Derek Hoffman, yielding three more songs with the fast-rising producer. With the Robinson/Hoffman sessions banked, six additional songs — including lead single “I Wanna Play” were recorded in Toronto in 2020 with acclaimed producer Eric Ratz.

In the end, those three disparate, COVID-dictated sessions forced the chart-topping, globe-trotting crew, which also includes bassist Jack Syperek, drummer Chris Gormley, and keyboardist Jeff Heisholt, to cohere as a band as never before. The results speak for themselves.

Shows are back and The Trews are READY. See below for a list of upcoming show dates recently announced.

STREAM “THE WANDERER” HERE

Wanderer
November 19, 2021
Pre-order here

Tracklisting

Where Do You Go?
I Wanna Play
Enemy
Can’t Afford to be Lonely
Lonely in the City
Hidden Gem
Faith & Fumes
Permission
The Wanderer
Another Year Zero
Song To Future Me
Lovelock
Can’t Control Myself

TOUR DATES

Aug 01 – Tyne Valley, PEI – Rock The Boat Festival
Aug 02 – Lunenburg, NS – Lightship Breweries (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Aug 07 – Kitchener, ON – Kitchener Blues Festival
Aug 08 – Edmonton, AB – Exhibition Lands (Together Again Event Series)
Aug 13 – Ore Medonte, ON – Burl’s Creek
Aug 21 – Elora, ON – Riverfest Elora
Aug 26 – Huntsville, ON – Huntsville Fairgrounds (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Aug 27 – Huntsville, ON – Huntsville Fairgrounds (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Aug 28 – Regina, SK – Queen City Exhibition
Sept 01 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Cafe (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Sept 02 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Cafe (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Sept 03 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Cafe (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Sept 04 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Cafe (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Sept 05 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Cafe (Trews Acoustic Trio)
Nov 07 – Miami, FL – Rock Boat
June 10 – Sarnia, ON – Suncor Agora – Bluewater Health

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THE TREWS SHARE BRAND NEW PANDEMIC ANTHEM “I WANNA PLAY”

April 16, 2021 by admin

News

I Wanna Play, The Trews

(Toronto, ON – April 16, 2021) – It’s been over a year since the world came to a halt, and although things aren’t quite safe yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Today, The Trews released their pandemic anthem, “I Wanna Play,” an ode to what we’ve all felt since the beginning of lockdown, getting through all of Netflix and daydreaming of when we can all get back to doing what we love safely again with our friends and family. Watch the video here.

Filmed in Hamilton’s FirstOntario Centre, the video has the band sneaking into the stadium to play some music together at center ice. On writing the track, the lead guitarist John-Angus MacDonald says, “What rhymes with Global Pandemic? … pathetic? prophetic? This is a song written and recorded for, during and about the strange, unusual and unprecedented time we all just lived through and the toll it took on our collective psyches. We Wanna Play!” While lead singer Colin MacDonald notes, “This is our song for the lonely in the strangest time in recent history. A musical longing for understanding, meaning and emotional release. It’s also just a really catchy and anthemic rock JAM that we’re all really excited about.”

Without touring, musicians have had to resort to new ways to engage fans and stay connected. The Trews have not been immune to the effects of canceled tours, and most recently, canceled live streams (their April 3rd Livestream show at The Horseshoe had to be rescheduled to May 8th, due to Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order). With that said, the band pivoted towards weekly Instagram Live sessions, as well as using the membership-based platform Patreon, which offers fans exclusive access to previously unreleased tracks, merch discounts, and content, including the first look at this video. Fans can sign up here.

Stay tuned for more from the band!

STREAM “I WANNA PLAY”

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THE TREWS RELEASE NEW MUSIC VIDEO “GOD SPEED REBEL” CREATED ENTIRELY ON ZOOM

November 11, 2020 by admin

Uncategorized

God Speed Rebel, The Trews, Unison Benevolent Fund, ZOOM Music Video

(Toronto, ON – April 3, 2020) – The Trews, safely in isolation, are back with a brand-new video for their latest track “God Speed Rebel”, created entirely on virtual meeting app ZOOM.

WATCH “GOD SPEED REBEL” HERE

Colin MacDonald, lead singer notes, “Spring is in the air and we’re in quarantine, here’s a new song to help you along these unprecedented days. This tune showed up on our doorstep last year and we’ve been looking for a home for it ever since. We figured it was time to send this quirky, warm and friendly little jam out into the world to keep you company while you’re stuck inside. A song for your soundtrack of solitude. It’s about rock ‘n’ roll, being an individual in the ever-changing and unforgiving world, doing the right thing always and helping others along the way….or it’s just a cool and catchy tune if we do say so ourselves. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home. God Speed Rebel”

On the making of the video, John-Angus MacDonald, the guitarist says, “Like everyone else we’ve had a lot of plans fall through recently and we’re trying to keep ourselves busy and our fans entertained while we wait this thing out. Seemed like the perfect time to share a new song but we had to get creative about how we did a video, seeing how we haven’t been in a room together for over three weeks and we’re all practicing self-isolation and social distancing. Zoom to the rescue! Hope you like it.”

A rare inside look to the inside into the band’s home life – the video features each band member in their own frame. We can even see some special guest star appearances including Rio, Jeff’s cat and John-Angus’ 6 year-old son Elliott, who steals the show with his incredible dance moves.

The track will be available on all streaming platforms April 10th with all revenue from the streams and sales being donated directly to Unison Benevolent Fund. Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. They are here to help professional music makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties. Now more than ever, Unison’s emergency relief assistance is a critical safety-net for members of our Canadian music industry deeply affected by the COVID-19 virus itself and the precautions and protocols surrounding it. Donations can be made to Unison here.

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