Down The Lees Shares New Single, “Douse” From Upcoming EP, DIRT
BC-based band, Down The Lees has three albums, an EP, and a collection of singles under their belt.
On May 3, 2024, the trio is set to release their new EP, DIRT, produced by Jesse Gander (Brutus, Japandoirds).
Ahead of the release, the band has unveiled the first single from the EP, “Douse.” Created with the consideration that artists have experienced a significant dampening of their creative spirit in recent years, and explores themes of mental health and the resilience to persevere.
“Don’t you douse my flame.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Laura Lee (LL): We are Down the Lees, an alternative post-noise rock band with roots in Vancouver, Belgium, and now the Okanagan. The project started as a solo recording for me but has evolved into a live wall of sound. The project has 3 full-length albums, an EP, and numerous singles in its discography. While living in Belgium, I found two talented musicians, Kwinten Gluehorse and Jonathan Frederix. We were on tour in Europe, showcasing the Steve Albini recorded album, ‘Bury The Sun,’ when the pandemic hit. Years later, as I was picking up the pieces and moved back to Canada to be near family, I struck gold and formed a new trio with Andy Ashley (drums) and Chris Carlson (bass), seasoned professionals with a shared passion to play no-wave, shoegaze, noise rock to anyone who wants to hear it.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
We are set to release an EP called DIRT, produced by Jesse Gander (Brutus, Japandroids), on May 3, 2024. The first single from the EP, Douse, was released on February 15. It was created with the consideration that artists have experienced a significant dampening of their creative spirit in recent years, and explores themes of mental health and the resilience to persevere.“ Don’t you douse my flame”. The sentiment can also be used to describe the resilience in anyone to stand up and say no, don’t you dare dampen my spirit.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
It varies from song to song, but typically I start with guitar and translate what I am feeling at the time into a riff. I channel my emotions and reactions to the current state of the world into my songwriting. It always starts with a riff. Then we start to play the song together as a band and the guys create bass and drum parts to further embellish the song, adding to the feel and really making it something special.
The climate crisis, genocides, pandemics, and homophobia fuel my writing, as I can’t ignore these pressing issues. This is just my way of turning that intense energy into something that helps me cope with the chaos and stress of the world.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Yes, yes and yes. Get exclusive access to videos, tours, and special announcements by signing up for our newsletter.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
Recording with Steve Albini in Chicago – no doubt about it. In 2019, I finally fulfilled a longtime dream of mine by recording with Steve. The whole experience was fast-paced and nerve-wracking, but the end result was worth it – the ‘Bury The Sun’ album. I’ve been a fan of Steve’s work for ages, and being part of his recording process, especially with analog and tape, was something I always wanted to do. The fact that we had to perform and record live off the floor, no copy-pasting tracks, added a rawness and captured a unique feel for that record. It was such a challenging yet incredibly rewarding and memorable experience.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Yes, any band on our label Off White House Records! Bronson Arm, HAZE, LESS, JOI, Memory Cell, Means of Entry, Fantasy Boys, DANES, and others. As a collective label, we aim to lift the visibility of bands. We are a collective of artists helping to create opportunities for independent bands.