The Junction doesn’t go on stage angry.
“If for any reason things aren’t completely cool with us before hand, there is an urgency to work it out before we go on stage,” bassist Matt Jameson told the Journal via email. “We’re not about to go up on stage and fake the fact that we’re having a good time.”
After 12 years together and three full-length albums, Jameson said the band’s sound now is much more rock ‘n’ roll.
“We started as much more of a funky-jazzy pop band that was into Dave Matthews Band and Jamiroquai, but slowly things started sounding more and more rock,” he said. “Today, I’d call us a rock band that hasn’t forgot that rock requires groove.”
The pop-rock trio is currently touring Ontario after releasing their new album Grievances at the start of the month.
The Junction delivered more than a good time at the first show of their CD release tour at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on March 10. Fans were crowd surfing and Jameson’s younger brother asked him if he had an Adidas mark on his face from getting kicked.
The 12-year veterans have faced challenges in the past, separating from Universal Music in 2007. Universal thought their 2007 self-titled debut album would be difficult to market, and shortly after its release, the band couldn’t get in contact with the label.
“We drove from Saskatoon straight to the label to let them know that we wanted out,” Jameson said. “A few months later we were able to get out of the contract and start working things on our own. I’m proud that we’ve stuck it out and made two more records since then.”
Despite breaking from a major record label, the band has still found success, including having their music featured on Degrassi and Hockey Night in Canada, which Jameson said scored them “major parent points.”
“There is a lot of bands out there that would have thrown in the towel after the whole Universal experience,” he said. “I think our independence and determination to be a working band help set us apart. One of our dreams is to have music pay the rent.”
While music isn’t paying the rent yet, the band is still busy touring their new record.
“We’ve got the record out now and we’re looking to play as much as we can,” Jameson said. “Let’s party this Saturday Kingston!”
The Junction plays the Mansion tomorrow night at 9 p.m.
Tags
Grievances, Interview, Junction, Matt Jameson
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