Big Wreck Supports New EP, Pages, on the Road
The brand new EP, Pages sees Big Wreck once again rewrite the code for rock music. At the start of 2023, Ian Thornley (guitar/vocals) started workshopping the songs for the band’s eighth studio effort. After sharing the music with long-time friend and producer, Nick Raskulinecz, it became clear that he was not only excited about the direction but that he was the only choice to lead the production charge on this effort. Fast forward to May of 2023, the band began pre-production with Nick and entered the studio with Chris Holmes at the desk, and Nick directing the sessions. Over the span of two weeks, the band tracked 18 songs which will be shared through a series of EPs – with Pages marking the first.
All songs on Pages were written and composed by Ian Thornley and performed by Big Wreck. The album was recorded and mixed at Noble Street Studios in Toronto, Ontario, sees guest backing vocals on ‘Weightless’ by Tyler Tasson, was produced by Ian Thornley, Eric Ratz, and Nick Raskulinecz, engineered by Chris Holmes with assistance from Dex Piecowye, mixed by Eric Ratz with assistance from Zach Pepe, mastered by Andy VanDette and edited by Nathan Yarborough.
You released your EP, Pages on November 24. Tell us a bit about the writing process behind the release.
As it usually does, it all starts with an idea. Sometimes simple, sometimes more complex. Just asking the question “what if?” in a musical context can sometimes lead to an entire song or even a collection of them. I’ve always said that the creative process is a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes songs and ideas flow out fast and hard and sometimes you have to scratch and claw at the idea until it reveals something for you. I’m happy to say I was in the midst of the former this time around. The challenge came when deciding what 18 songs to record.
You unveiled the single, “Bail Out” ahead of the release. What made you choose this track as the first single?
As is usually the norm, I tend to stay away from picking singles. Best to leave that to people who know what’s happening in the world of “popular music”. I’m usually way off base with the songs that I’m certain will be picked anyway!
You’ll be releasing the EP digitally, on vinyl and on CD. In a world where digital is usual, what made you choose to release on vinyl and CD? Which I love, by the way!
People seem to want them! Simple as that. I still love the activity of opening a record, looking at the artwork, reading the liner notes, etc. It’s nice to be able to have our music out in any form, so we take what we can get!!
You’re heading on tour this week, with the first show in Hamilton on November 9 and ending on December 22. What can attendees expect from the performance?
I always like to balance our sets with both new and older. I am of course aware that some songs from 5, 10, even 20 years ago will mean something to some people out there, as they do me. I like to serve a combo platter of hits and more obscure or newer songs.
With the tour taking up most of this year, what can fans expect from Big Wreck in 2024?
Well, this release is only the first “page” as it were, and there are two more that were all recorded at the same time. So hopefully more music and more shows!!
Upcoming Shows:
11.28.23 – Nanaimo, BC @ The Port Theatre
11.29.23 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
11.30.23 – Seattle, WA @ Numbs
12.02.23 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
12.05.23 – Oakland, CA @ New Parish
12.06.23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
12.08.23 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
12.10.23 – Austin, TX @ Empire Garage
12.11.23 – Houston, TX @ Bronze Peacock
12.12.23 – Dallas, TX @ The Studio at Deep Vellum
12.14.23 – Denver, CO @ Marquis
12.16.23 – Saskatoon, SK @ Coors Event Centre
12.17.23 – Winnipeg, MB @ Club Regent Event Centre
12.18.23 – Thunder Bay, ON @ NV Nightclub
12.20.23 – Belleville, ON @ The Empire Theatre
12.21.23 – Ottawa, ON @ Bronson Centre
12.22.23 – Toronto, ON @ History
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