Reuben and the Dark tours in support of In Lieu Of Light (Interview)

Photo Credit: Carly Foulkes

Reuben and the Dark to play Toronto’s The Great Hall on March 25, 2023

Reuben and the Dark unveiled their fourth album, In Lieu Of Light, last year. More recently, they have unveiled a live studio version of the standout single “YES,” the sanguine single born during a desire to put something positive into the world during the height of the pandemic. The affirmative vibe of the song floats on a bed of spacious melody, matching the emotional heights of Reuben’s folk-rock epics but balanced by alt-pop sensibilities and triumphant call-and-response vocals. Watch the live video here.

On the live version of the song, frontman Reuben Bullock reflects,

“‘YES’ is one of the band’s favourite songs to play live, so we decided to track a live off the floor version of it to capture some of that energy we give it during our show. Songs always take on a new life once you start performing them in front of an audience.”

The band begins their Yes Oui Still Tour, beginning tonight (March 22, 2023). On March 25, the band will play at The Great Hall in Toronto, grab your tickets here.

Listen to In Lieu Of Light below and learn more about Reuben and the Dark via our mini-interview.

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Reuben. Lead singer/songwriter etc.. behind Reuben and the Dark

You recently unveiled your fourth studio album, In Lieu of Light. What can you tell us about the writing process behind the release?

This whole album was written and recorded during those lockdown times. I had recently moved to Joshua Tree, California.. so I spent a lot of solitary time with a piano and guitar. These songs came from a desire to connect again.. and to move through some of the collective anxiety I (we all) were experiencing in an attempt to find some joy, hope, or optimism.

How would you describe your sound if someone has not heard your music?

Heart songs. Pulling influences from folk music.. but definitely not limited to that. Delicate and anthemic.

You are on tour, stopping at The Great Hall in Toronto on March 25. How would you describe your live performance?

We bring a lot of energy to the stage. RATD is in its best form when performing live. The Bullhorn Singers (Blackfoot powwow singing group from the Kainai Bloodtribe) are joining us in Toronto. Whenever we collaborate with them, it’s special. It’ll be a beautiful and unique show.

You will continue on tour until mid-April. What do you have planned for 2023 once the tour is complete?

A million things. Some summer festivals. International touring, including a couple of weeks in Japan in October.. recording more music. A long list. We are still just getting started.

Tour Dates:
3/22/2023 Quebec City, QC L’Anti Bar & Spectacles
3/23/2023 Montreal, QC Bar le Ritz PDB
3/24/2023 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
3/25/2023 Toronto, ON The Great Hall
3/26/2023 Hamilton, ON Mills Hardware
3/30/2023 Winnipeg, MB The Park Theatre
4/1/2023 Regina, SK The Exchange
4/2/2023 Saskatoon, SK Broadway Theatre
4/5/2023 Sherwood Park, AB Festival Place
4/6/2023 Red Deer, AB Bo’s Bar and Stage
4/7/2023 Canmore, AB Communitea Café
4/8/2023 Calgary, AB Bella Concert Hall
4/9/2023 Kelowna, BC Red Bird Brewing
4/12/2023 Victoria, BC Capital Ballroom
4/13/2023 Vancouver, BC Hollywood Theatre

Connect with Reuben and the Dark:
Website
Facebook
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Instagram

Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.

Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.