"Thief" Unplugged at The Red Roster
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IN ITS WAKE .

While you can turn a phrase until it reads a million ways, there’s no misinterpreting Toronto-cum-St. Catharines’ In Its Wake. They don’t mince their words.

“Our music is about conviction,” professes singer Jamie Nudds bluntly. “When I hear the work of some songwriters, I wonder what they would feel or look like performing these songs onstage. People may see us as a kick-ass rock band but we want to appeal to the songwriter in everyone. We can hold our own both live and as creators.”

Where many bands are apt to sacrifice credibility and craftsmanship in attempts to appeal to the masses, In Its Wake know where their passion lies. Their loyalty to function over fashion—on musical levels—finds them poised to prove themselves as one of the country’s most talented songwriting teams, not to mention purveyors of an unforgettable live show. All facets of In Its Wake are primed for action, as showcased on their latest eponymous EP, an amalgamation of personal, gripping lyrics and a straight-forward rock drive that breeds familiarity without being overly simplistic. Describing their sound, Nudds refers to the EP as, “alternative soul rock.”

“We use that term because we feel that our sound is akin to if you took Jeff Buckley, threw him into The Police and then threw all of them into Live,” he relates. “When it comes to our music, we’ve ensured this EP is the best would possibly create. But that doesn’t mean we shy away from the live atmosphere. In the grander scheme, we’re not looking to become rock stars but we make sure we have enjoyable songs. We road-test our work because people can love a record but they still need the live element to fully appreciate what music is about. We make sure our songs deliver live.”

Released independently and distributed via Universal/DEP, the In Its Wake EP is an amalgamation of musical influences that commingle to create a unique style. Tracks such as “Beneath The Waves,” “Pieces” and “Give My Regards” demand attention with their intellectually-motivated and emotively personal themes spurred on by a driving, rhythmic undercurrent. Yet the always down-to-earth Nudds shoots straight once again, avowing that In Its Wake shun the unfulfilling dreams of superstardom in favour of honing their craft.

“I’m very realistic about our goals,” he says. “We’ve toured Canada—and we will again—but we’re songwriters first and foremost. Our music isn’t age-based but as long as someone somewhere is enjoying our music, I’m happy. I’m happy with what I write because it came out of me but I just want to continue making music and be on a scale where I can sustain life doing music.”

Although In Its Wake celebrates just over a year in existence, this quintet has a collective history spanning almost 15 years of collaborating in various incarnations. However, it wasn’t until Nudds and guitarist Ernie Meggison resolved to eschew the trappings of other projects and forge ahead on their own that In Its Wake was truly born.

“After working together for so long in other bands, Ernie and I just said, ‘Let’s do this on our own terms for a change,’” recounts Nudds. “This is the kind of band where whatever comes out comes out. We don’t sit down with preconceptions when we write. We let our ideas grow and that fosters a positive environment for writing great tunes.”

Bringing guitarist Jeff Melick into the fold finalized the unholy trio and once the band was rounded out with latest member Jeff Luciani (drums), work on the EP began. Pleased with the band’s efforts, Nudds humbly admits that his greatest inspiration lies with his fellow musicians’ intent on creating timeless, unforgettable music.

“When I think of who are my biggest influences are it’s honestly the guys in this band. It’s been a privilege to play on this level. I’m trying to keep pace with these guys. It’s amazing to be impressed by your own band mates and that challenges you to do better. Ernie and I thought we had great songs but as soon as the lineup was solidified, we knew we had to step up our game. If someone can constantly challenge you, that’s the most incredible feeling and it will show up in your music.”

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