The Trews Reflect on Their Journey and Upcoming UK Tour

Canadian rock band The Trews recently released their latest album, The Bloody Light, marking their first studio project in four years. Following a one-off performance in London last October, siblings Colin and John-Angus MacDonald shared insights into their musical journey and the emotional significance of their recent performances.

The Trews, formed in 1997 in Nova Scotia, have established themselves as one of Canada’s top-selling acts. With their new album, they aim to add twelve strong tracks to their extensive catalogue. John-Angus MacDonald acknowledges the challenges of creating fresh music as time progresses. He explains, “Unearthing that batch of tunes that does it for everybody is a steep hill to climb.”

The track “Carolina” stands out for its uplifting nature and intricate harmonies. Colin MacDonald emphasizes the band’s roots in East Coast traditions, particularly the joy of kitchen parties where collective singing is cherished. He notes, “In the band’s early days, we used to make money busking with our four-part harmonies.” This communal spirit continues to resonate with their audience, as reflected in the optimistic ballad “Beyond The End And Once Upon A Time.”

One of the band’s proudest achievements was performing “Highway Of Heroes” on Juno Beach in Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions. Colin described this performance as “the most significant gig of our whole career,” highlighting the presence of both Prince William and the Prime Ministers of Canada and France in attendance. He candidly reflected on the pressure of the moment, stating, “It went well, but it was pretty stressful.”

Following their London show, the MacDonald brothers expressed their eagerness to return to the UK for a full tour. John-Angus noted that it had been around eleven years since their last visit, and Colin added, “That Camden gig was about dipping our toe back in, and of course we want to come back for a second, bigger run.”

Reflecting on their career since being nominated for Best New Band at the Classic Rock Awards in 2007, John-Angus acknowledged the challenges of maintaining momentum. He stated, “Satisfied is a tough word to use. Obviously, our career has been primarily in Canada, and we maintain a high level of success here. But we still have an eye on the prize.”

With their new album available via Known Accomplice/Cadence, The Trews continue to inspire audiences with their music, blending personal experiences and cultural influences into their songwriting. As they look ahead, the band remains committed to creating uplifting music that resonates deeply, leaving listeners feeling hopeful.