Guelph band puts on a show to support their upcoming album
On Friday, March 28, eBar held an album fundraiser, which was presented by Fortnight Music. Headlining the event was Guelph’s own Lowlands, a folk-rock band on the rise to fame. The event was a success, and the crowd proved a great turn out.
Green & Gold, an indie-folk band from Newfoundland, opened the event with high energy and got the crowd pumped up for Lowlands’ much-anticipated performance. Lowlands then played their first set, followed by the astounding Dani Nash, who kept the crowd’s excitement going with her upbeat drum solos and unmistakable stage presence.
Lowlands came on for their second and final set, playing songs primarily from their upcoming album. The first set had a predominantly folk sound, while their second set was more fast-paced and had many elements more geared towards rock music. The fans followed their last song with an uproar of applause.
The band got together after their first set to give a brief interview.
“Originally when Lowlands started, we had [a] stand up bass [and a] banjo – we were straight up folk music, lots of yelling and harmonies, ’cause that’s what sounds good. But some of our songs now, off this new record that we’re putting out, are straight up rock. Like rock solos … almost garage rock,” said Gordon Auld, on genre and Lowlands’ upcoming album.
Auld is the guitarist, banjoist, and the lead singer for Lowlands. Other band members include Abe Del Bel Belluz on lead guitar, Matt Monoogian on vocals and pedal steel, Mike DePaola on drums, and Joseph Gallo Jr. on bass.
When asked about the dynamics of the band and what it is that holds the band together, Gallo and Del Bel Belluz explained that most of it is about passion and dedication.
“I think there’s such good music … that everyone … has the drive to, you know, make it happen and put the effort into it,” said Gallo.
“I think it’s also just the day to day of going to practice,” added Del Bel Belluz.
The members of the band were all very laid-back, and it is clear in the way that they interact offstage with each other that they collaborate well as a team.
Judging by the energy of the crowd at the end of the night, it is obvious that Lowlands has quite the following, and that many are anticipating the release of their new album. It’s always nice to see one of Guelph’s own becoming a success, and there is no doubt that the next time around, their show will have an even bigger turnout than the last.