The question is often asked: What happens to kids who form bands in the garages and basements of their hometown, then leave said town after high school to start their lives?
Do they keep playing music together?
In the case of the guys from Painted Fruit, the answer is yes.
The four gents who make up the band all grew up together in Vernon and have made their mark in their new hometown of Victoria.
About to play a show here on a cross-country tour with theatrical Vancouver rocker Johnny de Courcy, The Morning Star recently spoke with Painted Fruit’s bassist Noah Varley, with input from his bandmates Evan Aasen, Ben Smith, and Jon Varley.
MS: What’s the band’s history? How did you meet/form?
PF: We all grew up together in Vernon. My brother Jon and I lived a few blocks from Evan and Ben on East Hill. We’ve known Ben and Evan since elementary school. Ben, Evan and I played in a band in Vernon in high school and then we all moved to Victoria and Jon joined in.
MS: How has your reception been in the capital? I used to live there when it had the moniker, “newly wed, nearly dead.” It had a great live music scene, though. I saw some great bands back then at the old Harpos and some dive on Broad Street (think it was called the Outer Limit).
PF: Our reception has been great, our shows have been well attended. I think that moniker stills applies though. During the school year, the university students fill out the city. At times the music scene feels stagnant because there are only so many people here who are interested in smaller independent music. It feels like a small town in many ways. That being said, there’s a handful of really great bands here like Smoke Eaters, Freak Heat Waves and Fountain who are being recognized on a wider scale and who tour. In town, there are a some smaller venues and house venues that are fun to play. The more established bars seem a bit hesitant to take a risk on smaller bands and will mostly put on early shows. We are really interested in playing alternative venues, which wouldn’t generally host a music event.
MS: Is this your first major tour, and if so, what are you most looking forward to?
PF: Three of the Fruit members toured in Alberta and B.C. last summer, but this is definitely our first big tour as a band. We’re excited to go with our mate Johnny de Courcy and play his songs too. It will be a good opportunity to experiment with our songs and improve as a band. We’re excited to play at Sled Island Festival in Calgary, go to Prince Edward Island and visit French speaking cities! We’re hitting every town possible and spreading it on thick.
MS: Who came up with your band name (is it Fruits or Fruit?) I’m not an art history major, but maybe you were influenced by Cezanne’s paintings (he’s the only artist I can think of who became famous painting fruit, but there’s probably others…)
PF: It is Painted Fruit, we changed it from Fruits for no reason. It’s really confusing for other people and funny for us. Evan came up with the name. Painted Fruit was Evan’s username on an internet dating website. We subconsciously grew into our name and starting cross dressing and experimenting with playing different characters. We are an art project. We’re also a science experiment.
MS: Is there any plans for a recording, or have you been in the studio lately? Please flog your music…
PF: We have a seven-inch split record with Smoke Eaters from Victoria that we’re self releasing before we leave on tour. Also we recorded a four-song tour cassette, which we will only be selling at the shows on the tour. We’re planning to record a full album as soon as we’re back from tour of the new songs we will play on tour.
Our first album (Fruit Salad) can be found on the internet at: paintedfruits.bandcamp.com
Painted Fruit and Johnny de Courcy play at The Point Studio (located at 3125 31st Ave. in Vernon) Monday, May 9. Opening is local band //AMISTAD//. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., with //AMISTAD// taking the stage at 9 p.m., Painted Fruit at 10 p.m. and de Courcy at 11 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door (all ages).
More info on the show is available at www.facebook.com/events/1528147900822168/
