From the other side of the North American continent, Meligrove Band bassist Mike Small is amiable and downright chatty as he and his bandmates travel en route to a show in San Francisco.
Having headed out from Los Angeles earlier in the day, Small is left to his own devices to chat with The Times & Transcript while in the background, the group’s GPS barks orders at the band’s van driver, guiding the quartet to their destination.
The Meligrove Band’s newest record Shimmering Lights was released on September 21 in both the U.S. and Canada. The band started its tour in support of the record in Western Canada before dipping south of the border.
“We are touring the States for approximately two weeks before we head back to Canada for close to three weeks worth of shows,” Small says.
On the road with fellow Canadians Born Ruffians is helping to ease any homesickness that might be creeping into his band’s psyches. The fact that Small excitedly notes that people are showing up to their shows knowing the group’s material just seems to be icing on a very large cake at this point.
“The American dates have been going extremely well. Born Ruffians have been bringing out awesome crowds who seem ready to have a good time,” he says. “The fact that people are coming to the shows knowing some of our stuff is just awesome. We expected to come down to the U.S., play these shows and not really be noticed by anyone.”
Potential fans not already hip to the Meligrove Band’s brand of sing along-worthy rock songs might want to take the opportunity to see the group’s upcoming show in Sackville as it might be a long time until the band finds its way back to Atlantic Canadian shores.
“We are going to be spending January and February of 2011 in Europe which is pretty exciting,” Small notes. “We have played the U.K. before, however this upcoming tour will be taking us through Germany, Spain, Portugal and France, to name a few countries.”
Asked whether he or the other members of the Meligrove Band mind being away from home for such long stretches, Small seems to accept the fact that it comes with the territory of being in a modern day rock band.
“Touring can be a lot of fun but it is also very difficult.
“Some of the drives between cities are long but once you arrive at the show, it is like you’re going to your own birthday party; everyone has come to see you. So in that way, it is a lot of fun.
“Plus, touring is a great way to travel and see new places. I had never been to California in my life before this tour and now we are driving all over the place!”
Article published in November 4, 2010 edition of the Times & Transcript