The pastures keep getting greener for Fields of Green.
The four best friends who make up the band—three of whom went to Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary together—recently became Fox Vancouver Seeds 2012 platinum winner.
Kevin Dreger, a keyboard playing, bassist, backup singer, said the band was surprised to make the top three, and even more surprised to win the entire competition.
Fields of Green, Static in the Stars and We Hunt Buffalo were the finalists of the prestigious competition that has acknowledged talent such as Nickelback, Bif Naked, State of Shock and Matt Good in previous years.
The three bands awaited the verdict at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom Sept. 8.
“To be honest, at the final show, we didn’t think we were going to win,” said Dreger.
“The crowd response We Hunt Buffalo got was really crazy. But they announced our name—it was really surreal.”
Fields of Green, who describe their music as psychedelic-alternative-folk-rock, are riding a wave of momentum that may just take them to the proverbial next level.
The band’s first album, Blanktown, won Rock Recording of the Year at the 2011 BC Interior Music Awards.
Lately the musicians have been working with legendary Canadian producer Garth Richardson to produce their second full-length album, which will be released in early 2013.
Now, thanks to their latest victory, Fields of Green will receive a list of rewards that would make any group of musicians salivate.
In a few months the band will hit the road with Canada’s own Arkells for a five date national tour. They will receive $10,000 in tour support from 99.3 The Fox.
The band members will also get $10,000 in shiny new instruments, record a five song EP, have their record distributed by Maple Music Canada, receive a video from Brass Tacks Films and enjoy songwriting sessions with Hot Hot Heat’s Steve Bays.
Dreger, Kyle Tubbs, Johny Jansen and Connor Tkach are excited about all the prizes, but they’re most looking forward to touring with Arkells.
“That’s a chance for us to expand our fan base and play our biggest shows to date.
“It’s kind of perfect timing because our new album is going to come out in the new year. This kind of gets everybody’s attention right before the release of the album.”
The band will play their final Kelowna show of 2012 at the Kelowna Community Theatre Oct. 5.
For more information on the group visit fieldsofgreen.ca.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
