Interview with Apollo Suns
Interview with Canadian Jazz Ensemble Apollo Suns
Today on What On What's Good with Jovin Tardif, I am here with Apollo Suns. The Apollo Suns are a young jazz group comprised of nine musicians. In our #cinqque5tion interview, we meet the group, describe their sound, discuss their third EP coming out later this year, music influences and much more.
1. Can you tell us about the different members in the group?
With such a large group there are many personalities in the band and besides the main core of the group we have had many players over the years (mainly horns). It's a big community and we have had the pleasure of playing with all sorts of folks. The main core is made up of Ed Durocher (guitarist), Glenn Radley (Drums), Aaron Bartel (Saxophones), Anatol Rennie (Keys/Synths) and Bryn Herperger (bass) and we do about 90% of the writing/conceptualizing for the music. The rest of the band is Erika Einarson (percussion), Benjamin James Hill (trombone), Garrett Malenko (Trumpet), Niall Cade (Tenor Sax) and this will be the lineup for the foreseeable future as we get ready to hit the road heavily in 2022. The group is tight, working hard and getting ready for our biggest year (s) yet.
2. How would you describe your sound?
We call it psychedelic jazz/funk rock.....but that's a long descriptor haha I think the best way that has been described was from Glenn who, while on air at CJSW in Calgary said we are "jazz adjacent" and I would have to agree. We are many things and have lots of influences from pop, funk, progressive music, hip hop, rock etc we are now starting to shed those influences and finding the definitive Apollo Suns sound. The live show is funky, sweaty and we always strive to make it a joyful experience that the audience can take with them. On record we strive to produce a full journey that can be enjoyed front to back.
3. Who are some of your musical influences and why?
Snarky Puppy, Khruangbin, Derek Trucks Band, Mahvishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis, Kamasi Washington, Lettuce, Mars Volta, Frank Zappa, Funkadelic, so many...too many to count. These artists tell really good stories with their art and have such a strong sense of continuity throughout their work.
4. What can you tell us about your third EP, A Relationship of Force?
We feel like it's a fantastic statement to end our string of EP's that began with Each Day a Different Sun and Dawn Offerings. A Relationship of Force is the sound/picture of the band having found it's sound and becoming more confident in that vision/sound. It's a foundation for us to say "We are APOLLO SUNS" and know what that means. The first years are all about experimenting and taking from your influences and turning it into your sound. With this third recording it is a more decisive statement.
5. What was the recording process like?
Short, fast and lots of work.....We recorded live off the floor with everyone in the room together. It was a great experience but has pro's and con's...for example you have to live with what you did on the take and edit what you can. While the band was tight and confident there were some minor things I would change about the process if I could but I think it was an invaluable lesson and as we move towards entering the recording process we are taking these lessons and really putting them to use. I'm sure every artist would go back and change things about albums...but then again it's a snapshot of where you/the band is at so we gotta accept that. Don't get the wrong impression though we dig the album and it is something we're proud of, it was just recorded 2.5 - 3 years ago and we have grown so much in that time. If only we could be TSwift and re-record our first few albums....
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