Quick & Dirty - Forest City Lovers
By: Cheryl Stornelli
June 29, 2010 – Toronto, Canada
Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of the city of Toronto are the calm yet powerful sounds of indie-folk band Forest City Lovers.
The four-piece is preparing for a summer tour across Canada in support of their recent release Carriage, which lead singer Kat Burns deems to be their most collaborative effort since their 2006 debut. In efforts to grow as a band, Burns, drummer Christian Ingelevics, violinist Mika Posen and bassist Kyle Donnelly tried something new by working with mutual friend and producer, Chris Stringer.
"It was a challenge to work with a producer for the first time, even if he is a good friend," Burns admits. "I might have been scared of exploring some ideas, but in the end either it works or it doesn't. It's better to try than not try."
Designed to have a beginning, middle and end, Carriage is meant to be listened to as a whole but not for single-story purposes. Each song contains threads to tie one another together, says Burns.
"It's book-ended with older songs that reflect on previous times," she explains. "But those are in the midst of songs that shine a light on new emotions and contexts."
Having focused on the end of a long-term relationship with 2008's Haunting Moon Sinking, the new album intentionally veers in the opposite direction. Using upbeat melodies throughout, the mentality was to reflect the sunny side of life even within lyrically dark songs.
"I dealt with some intense aspects on the last record," Burns says. "But there were parts on it where I was waking up and realizing I'm still alive, young and fresh. That's what I wanted to continue onto the new album."
New places, people and experiences over the last two years brought about Burns' need to express positive change. Thriving on tours and travelling, she drew the inspiration for Carriages from nature and being in transit.
"I need to be on the road to crack open a new well of ideas," Burns says. "If I stay in one place too long I become uninspired. These new songs really encapsulate that feeling and my love for nature."
Having moved to Toronto six years ago from her suburban Whitby home, Burns craves natural areas to set her creativity in motion. While she draws ideas from the people she sees throughout the city, Burns says nature is key to her inspiration. Admitting that Toronto may not have been her first choice for a nature spot, Burns says the city is still a great escape.
"I've fallen in love with the amazing things that happen in spring here; when everyone is out in the park with their families and the trees start to bud," Burns notes. "Once the grey winter is over, it's like the light clicks back on. We can all learn and draw new ideas from nature."
Video: "If I Were A Tree" by Forest City Lovers
