A Cochrane musical trio is hoping a family-friendly fundraiser will drum up enough change to help them complete their debut album.
Titled The Change, the original six-song EP was written and recorded by longtime friends and musical collaborators Patrick Zelinski and Jesse Clarke, along with Clarke’s wife, Morgan: collectively known as Arcadian Suns.
The group formed about 18 months ago – although Clarke and Zelinski have known each other since they were young music lovers growing up in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“We started jamming and stuff as kids,” remembered Clarke.
Life took them in different directions as they got older, with Clarke describing Zelinski as more “grounded” and he as more “in the wind.” When the pals reconnected in Cochrane, they returned to their musical roots and channeled those separate experiences into a harmonious blend of indie, folk, rock, reggae and instrumental sounds.
“The music is something that’s always glued us together,” said Clarke, adding Zelinski was even best man at his wedding. “We’re definitely tight.”
After folding Morgan into the mix, the trio began experimenting with new melodies, with Zelinski taking care of the dobro, moog, guitar, and Clarke handling vocals, guitar and drums. Morgan manages vocals and keyboards, along with some percussion.
Over the last several months, the group recorded six original tunes for their debut CD – each reflecting the band members’ individual personalities, like the breezy, Jack Johnson-esque Next to You, the throbbing, emotional east coast-styled Hold On and the anthemic Open Road.
“We’re really invested in this band,” Clarke said.
That nearly-finished CD will give them a tangible piece of themselves to share with fans when they hit the road in July for their first cross-Canada tour. But with costs adding up to as much as $15,000 to complete the labour of love, they’re hoping for a little help to finish the mixing and mastering and see their sentiments truly take shape.
“You can’t do it yourself,” said Morgan.
The March 11 event begins at 7 p.m. at The Venue Bar & Grill and is billed an all-ages show. In addition to live music from The Arcadian Suns, the night will also include a silent auction, 50/50 draw and CD pre-orders. Tickets are $15 each, and more than 100 have already been sold.
Morgan said she’s excited to see how The Change album and upcoming tour – which will be the Alberta-based band’s Canadian coming-out party – will enhance their lives, their band and their music.
“All the people we’re going to meet and all the places we’re going to go,” she said. “You change and you grow on the road.”
