When Toronto based band 5th Projekt rolls into Meaford today to play Ted's Range Road Diner it will be more than a simple stop on the way to their appearance at this year's OTHERfolk festival in Owen Sound. For one band member it will be a homecoming.
The Independent caught up with guitarist and founding member Sködt McNalty to talk about their latest album and their upcoming performance in Meaford.
McNalty grew up in Meaford were he attended elementary and high school before heading to Toronto to embark on a career in music.
In early 2003 the band 5th Projekt was formed and by late 2004 they had released their first EP DEMOn001 which was followed up shortly after by a second EP DEMOn002.
McNalty who along with vocalist Tara Rice are the primary songwriters for the band, told The Independent that earning a living in the music business is not all glory and glamour.
“We've all got day jobs,” said McNalty who is a designer by day while his band-mates work at jobs ranging from retail sales to restaurant services.
Though having employment outside of music is necessary to pay the bills, it also presents an obstacle for coordinating live performances which these days is the bread and butter of any musical artist.
“These days album sales are just a commercial for your live shows. You don't make any money from album sales anymore,” says McNalty who would like to see 5th Projekt eventually playing 100 gigs per year.
With the release last week of their latest album called “V”, the band will be performing as much as possible to promote the new disc. The first of those performances happened at the legendary El Mocambo in Toronto after which they have played in Guelph and Burlington before making their way to Meaford for their August 17 performance at Ted's.
“We're hoping to do more shows than ever starting in Ontario and then looking to Quebec and the east coast,” said McNalty.
When asked why he makes the sacrifices required in order to build a career in music, McNalty says that he really has no choice.
“We have to do it. We are all born to do certain things. We can't not do it,” he offers.
He describes the new album as being “ambient psychedelic alt-rock", and suggests that while their style may lend itself to the college crowd, those with an appreciation for outside-the-box progressive rock will also enjoy the new disc.
You can catch 5th Projekt at Ted's Range Road Diner tonight (August 17) at 9:30, and they will also be playing in Owen Sound tomorrow (August 18) at The Chaise Lounge as part of OTHERfolk 2011.
The Meaford Independent has some copies of their new disc to give away. If you have not yet joined our Facebook page, click here and then click “Like”. We will be giving away some discs later today.
