Montreal, QC-based band, Oaks Above are set to release their self-titled album on August 24, 2020. Every Monday, the band has been unveiling a song from the album. On August 14, they released “Paralyzed”, which you can check out below, and take a look at our newest segment of Five Questions With to find out more about the band.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Fred Rivest, guitarist, and keyboardist from Oaks Above.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
The lyrics of our songs revolve around the unanswered questions that each and every one of us ask ourselves every day. Wether about the actions we should take, about our relationship with someone, or the reason of our existence, we will always puzzle over these big questions that nobody has yet figured out.
Every band member is passionate about music arrangement and we love to spend hours working on every instrument part, melody, and recording technique to get the exact sound that we want. Marco and Chuck, our rhythm section always start by working together to create the perfect groove for the song. Olivier and myself then spend some time to blend our guitar and/or keyboard part in order to make it sound like a single instrument. That’s when Gabriel creates his unique and catchy melodies. Our best way to create is by locking ourselves up in the studio for a couple of hours and then… we have a song!
Even if our sound is mostly pop-rock and accessible to everyone, each song contains some elements of surprise and original details that we spread here and there. That makes the songs stand out and reach out even the most seasoned music lovers.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Our next show is an online performance from the Studio Plante Verte in Beloeil, Qc. It’s a fantastic initiative Jimmy Lord who presented live performances from his studio each week during the summer. We have the chance to close the series of shows on August 29, 8 p.m. with a 1h performance of songs from our new album and more!
Seeing Oaks Above live means being transported in the tapestry of sound that we will create in front of your eyes and ears, instantly feeling the need to sing along the melodies that will stick in your head for days to come!
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Red Flower, on our new album.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
We all agree that our favorite Canadian artist is Dallas Green. His voice, the beautiful melodies he creates, or the musical arrangements of his songs, everything is inspiring for us in his music.