Andrew Christopher’s Indie Roots Act The Imaginary Band Debut with Uplifting Single “Polka Hands”
The Imaginary Band, longtime Chilliwack, BC-based musician Andrew Christopher‘s latest project, steps fully into focus on their debut single, “Polka Hands.” A carefree, roots-leaning indie-folk single, it celebrates intuition, creativity, and the beauty of not overthinking life’s next move.
“At first, The Imaginary Band only existed vaguely in my mind,” explains Christopher. “But when I wrote ‘Polka Hands,’ I learned to fully embrace the concept.” Without a bass player at the time, he began playing a bassline on guitar, imagining exactly how it would feel once the right players arrived. “Immediately, an imaginary drummer sat behind the kit in my head, laying down a groovy but straight-ahead rock beat. Just sitting in the pocket. That’s still the intro of the song.”
The clarity of this vision unlocked something new; not just musically, but emotionally. Written during a lazy afternoon at a pump track while watching his son ride his bike, the lyrics came naturally and without force.
“They speak of taking chances, doing hard things, accepting the reality that life is inherently complex, and that it’s beautiful that way,” Andrew shares.
With real-life bandmates who are ever-so imaginative now filling the roles once envisioned, “Polka Hands” becomes both a song and a statement of intent.
The title itself reinforces the song’s central message: don’t overthink it. Inspired by a recent polka band performance at a friend’s 40th birthday and lyrics referencing a barroom scene and a game of Texas Hold’em, the original phrase “Polka Bands & Poker Hands” was quickly distilled.
“It was a bit too wordy,” Andrew laughs. “So I went with ‘Polka Hands’ without overthinking it.”
Warm, carefree, and gently propulsive, “Polka Hands” balances folk and roots textures with indie sensibility, inviting listeners to loosen their grip, trust their instincts, and move forward with optimism.
Joined by singer-songwriter Devon Jared on keys, vocalist Olivia Simpson, and fiddler Eric Skonberg, The Imaginary Band’s sound blends heartfelt songwriting with dynamic arrangements and moments of instrumental brilliance. Whether supported by an ever-evolving rhythm section or brought to life through Andrew’s stomps and movement, the groove is always present and felt as much as it is heard.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Since I can’t meet you in person I would like to let you know that this is the real Andrew Christopher! I dont like getting mixed up with AI-Andrew. He seems a bit strange to me. I’m not a big fan of things like ChatGPT or Sono being used too directly by artists in the music industry. Anyway, I write songs and love performing on stage with The Imaginary Band. Who are also real…
You mentioned that the band existed “vaguely” in your mind before the song “Polka Hands” brought it into focus. What was the exact moment you realized these “imaginary” players needed to become a real, breathing lineup?
One time I was out walking and listening to that Arkells Disco cover song album they recently put out. It had me dancing around and put me in a great mood. I thought to myself, “I would love for my music to have this effect on people.” A mood-altering, body moving effect. Then shortly after that I started surrounding myself with amazing musicians who were able to help me get these messages across through the medium of songwriting. So, maybe that was the exact moment. It’s tough to say for sure.
You shortened the title from “Polka Bands & Poker Hands” to stay true to the song’s theme of simplicity. Was it difficult to let go of the original wordplay, or did the shorter title feel right immediately?
It felt right and we had fun with it. It came down to either “Polka Hands” or “Poker Bands”. That choice was easy.
The track is described as “gently propulsive.” For the gearheads and musicians out there, how did you balance those rootsy textures (like the fiddle) with a “straight-ahead rock beat”?
I’ve always said that as long as you’re playing in time and in tune then mixing up rhythms, melodies, instrumentation, and even genre’s usually works out just fine. If you have the right instincts.
How has being based in Chilliwack influenced your sound compared to the busier Vancouver scene? Do you find the Valley provides more of that “lazy afternoon” headspace for songwriting?
Maybe the big city life could lead to a big city sound that is more electronic, or pop-focussed. Chilliwack isn’t a small town anymore, but it’s certainly easier to find some peace and quiet for any kind of writing compared to being downtown Vancouver. It works for me that’s for sure.
Since the song references Texas Hold’em, if the band was a hand of cards, which one would you be and why?
The Ace of Spades? Is that the answer you’re looking for? Haha. I’d be like a 6 or 7 of hearts because I can be helpful but I dont place a high value on myself. Just a regular guy, regular playing card. Interesting question, thanks.
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