Whether it’s under the willow tree in their grandmother’s yard, or among the mountains and meadows of the lush Shuswap landscape, members of The Elk Tribe write about their home and their lives – from their hearts.
“Every song has deep meaning; we never randomly write about nothing,” says 22-year-old Zach Harder, the oldest of three brothers who plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, kick-drum and tambourine.
Zach’s 21-year-old brother Brayden Harder, writes many of the lyrics and plays bass. Younger brother Levi Harder contributes lead vocals, rhythm and guitar, while Zach’s fiancée, Amanda Robbins, is lead vocalist.
Rounding out the fab folk sound is David McMaster on violin and mandolin.
Like the music, the title of the group’s new CD, Over Mountains and Meadows, refers to where the brothers grew up in White Lake.
“A lot of it has to do with relationships between the brothers and lots of stories to do with places we’ve been and experiences we’ve shared,” says Zach. “We don’t sit in a room and say, ‘let’s write a song.’ Somebody brings an idea and we build off that, each giving our own unique taste to it.”
One of the cuts, Willow Tree, is about a tree at their Grandma’s house where they used to play.
“It had the perfect number of branches and we climbed it and played with our cousins,” said Zach. “It’s tied into a kind of love story. The tree has become a symbol for love.”
Zach says the brothers are very close and that rehearsals are just like a group of friends coming together to jam.
“And we’re just lucky people like the music,” he says.
The album, the result of eight months of writing and recording, was mastered by Toronto’s João Carvalho, who has also worked for Feist, The Sheepdogs and Barenaked Ladies.
The Elk Tribe is lining up a number of gigs, including an appearance at Wednesday on the Wharf July 16.
But the group is getting the summer rolling with a CD release party at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Shuswap Theatre.
And the fun-loving, “hillbillies” that are Seal Skull Hammer will open the show.
Doors open at 7 and refreshments will be provided.
Tickets at $15 are available at the Shuswap Pie Company, Synergy Studio or email theelktribe@gmail.com.
