After an exciting year of virtually non-stop globetrotting, Canadian art-pop quintet MOTHER MOTHER wasted no time getting back into recording mode to create their fourth studio effort: THE STICKS, released in September 2012.
Recorded during the winter of 2012 in Mother Mother’s hometown of Vancouver and co-produced by the group’s own frontman/principle songwriter Ryan Guldemond and producer/engineer Ben Kaplan (Shakira, Mudvayne, Gallows), THE STICKS upholds Mother Mother’s tradition of tri-harmony vocal arrangements and dynamic instrumentation, while making for the group’s most eclectic and rich album to date. Lyrically, THE STICKS is also the group’s most cohesive and conceptual album thus far. When Ryan began writing for THE STICKS, one of the first songs to surface was “Bit By Bit”, an explosive track with the opening words “Bit by bit, I’m going to get my bricks out in the sticks”. This became a catalyst for a myriad of new songs encompassing a similar theme: a call to arms against the modern, man-made world and a campaign for simplicity and self-contained lifestyles. “It seems the more complex and voluminous our gadgetry becomes, the less equipped we become as people, both in original thought and survival skills,” says Ryan on the subject. “Despite my upbringing”, continues the Quadra Island-raised, “I’m not your quintessential woodsman, but I do admire the simple and self-reliant approach to life, believing it to broaden the mind and soul. This was a healthy concept to be channeling when both writing and producing THE STICKS. The outcome, I believe, is the most pure and unadorned music the band has made”.
THE STICKS follows a whirlwind year of near constant touring in support of Mother Mother’s previous release, the critically acclaimed EUREKA. The album once again put Mother Mother at the top of Canada’s indie charts, but also planted the group quite prominently onto the mainstream radar. EUREKA produced three Top 20 alternative radio singles including the infectious smash hit “The Stand” which peaked at #3 at Canadian alternative (#5 at modern rock), and yielded a Juno-nominated music video. Already widely commended for their exceptional live show, it comes as no surprise that Mother Mother’s popularity on the heels of EUREKA further translated into sold out performances at 1000-2000 capacity venues in nearly every major market in Canada and rendered the group a summer music festival attraction with appearances at some of Canada’s most popular music festivals such as Ottawa Blues Fest, Osheaga, Hillside and Calgary Stampede to name a few. The album’s success also earned the group their first Juno Award nomination, as well as two Sirius XM Indie Award nominations. Internationally, Mother Mother’s reception is already mirroring that of their homeland’s, indicative by the recognition they’ve garnered from institutions such as BBC Radio, MTV, and tastemaker publications Q, Spin and Paste among others.
Mother Mother’s rapid ascent from an acoustic folk trio touring the open mics of their hometown to an internationally revered alternative pop/rock five-piece touring the clubs, theaters and event centers of North America and Europe not only demonstrates just how far they’ve come but has also blazed the trail for what’s to follow. Featuring the multi-talented line up of Ryan Guldemond (vocals/guitar), Molly Guldemond (vocals/synth), Jasmin Parkin (vocals/keys), Jeremy Page (bass/horns) and Ali Siadat (percussion/electronics), Mother Mother’s unique blend of clever lyrics, stunning vocals, quirky arrangements and a multi-dimensional sound both on stage and in the studio has amassed the group a reputation that’s brought about their celebration as indie darlings, all the while endearing to the mainstream. The release of THE STICKS to the world promises to maintain that delicate balance for the group while poising them for far greater milestone accomplishments and accolades both domestically and abroad.
MOTHER MOTHER
WITH GUESTS
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2013
MALKIN BOWL – VANCOUVER, BC
Doors: 5:30 p.m.
Show: 7 p.m.
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 15 @ 10 a.m at www.livenation.com
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