>>PREVIEW
THE SUBWAYS
Sunday, July 30
MacEwan Hall (U of C)
Let’s say you want to get known and want to establish a grassroots community of fans for your music. One way is to launch a major (some would say exhaustive) tour of North America. End result – a lot of people will see and hear you and if you weren’t a household name to begin with you sure will be after.
This pretty much describes the U.K. sensation The Subways. Originally from Hertfordshire, England, the band features Billy Lunn (guitar and vocals), Josh Morgan (drums) and Charlotte Cooper (bass). The press have described the band as being hotter than the Arctic Monkeys, and though there’s no doubt they’ve been influenced by Oasis, the Kinks and Nirvana, they’ve definitely found their own sound. High-energy shows, devotion to their fans and a relentless touring schedule have helped the band build a solid reputation in the music community.
The Subways’ presence on the Internet has also helped them keep a close connection with their fanbase.
"It definitely takes a lot of time and effort, but I’ve worked very hard and I love it, it’s just so exciting."
Morgan’s comment about fans is at the centre of The Subways’ success. First, because they’re dedicated to touring, second because they answer their fan mail, and lastly because they honestly want to meet their fans.
"You’ve got to go out and meet the fans every gig," says Morgan, "and people respect this so much and they’re kinda shocked by it that they get to meet us. You know, me and Charlotte and Billy we always go out and do signings and stuff and meet hundreds of people a day. I love that."
For this North American tour the band is playing everywhere from Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival to San Diego. This is only the second time they’ve played North America. And the reception so far?
"Oh great," Morgan says. "A lot of people haven’t heard us and there have been a few mosh pits and stuff, but especially for our new songs we’re getting really good reception with them and that’s just exciting. Every time I come off a gig people mention the new stuff instead of the old stuff, like ‘Oh, I love that new one.’ I like that." |
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