A Nanaimo-based band learned a lot about music and performance and they’re using that knowledge to take their show to the next level.
The Perfect Trend scored a coup when they were added to the Warped Tour’s last stop in Vancouver in 2009. Using social media and fan-based street teams, they got the word out about the show and saw 500 people in the crowd – for a show at 11:30 a.m.
“It really increased our Vancouver draw,” said lead singer Liam Glaim.
In today’s music industry, establishing a fan base is more important than ever. To do that, The Perfect Trend hit the road, touring when other bands consider taking a break.
They want as many people as possible to hear their new album – their first full-length work to date – called In Severance.
“Our new album is the next step up,” Glaim said. “We know where we’re going and we’re making that sound better.”
The group added a new rhythm section as well as keyboard player Evan Nixon, who also uses his MacBook on stage to sample sounds during the live show.
“He fills out the sound,” Glaim said. “It gives another dynamic we can put into our music.”
The band is using social media – Facebook, Twitter and MySpace – to get the word out about their album and upcoming shows as well as traditional media. They were the band of the month for a radio station in Victoria and were invited to Canada Music Week, a festival of independent music.
They hand out free downloads of music to entice more people to collect their songs.
The music industry and especially independent music is much more about establishing their band as a business than simply being artists.
“You need to put just as much effort into social marketing,” Glaim said.
While the band is talking to record labels and management, Glaim said they are waiting for the right agreement to come along.
“We’re hoping by the end of the year … we’ll have management set up,” he said. “We’re not rushing into anything.”
The Perfect Trend plays the Cambie Saturday (July 23) with Body Politic.
Glaim and the band play an all-ages show at the Mount Benson Legion Aug. 21 with Ninja Spy.
For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/theperfecttrend.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
