While their highly-anticipated new EP 'Made To Wait' is currently on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, Toronto-based outfit Favours have still managed to keep their fans happy by releasing their latest dream-pop offering 'Lux Luv'.
Channeling the laid-back and breezy flow of acts like TOPS and Men I Trust, this self-released wonder looks to be the perfect remedy to shake off those lockdown blues. With their wonderfully vibrant dual vocals mixed amongst a bright and soaring production, this new delight gives us plenty of hope as to what they will have in store for us in the years to come.
So with their new single on repeat for us right now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has influenced them over the years.
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What were the first instruments you fell in love with?
Alex - In grade 5 or 6 so about 10 or 11 years old my uncle who is a musician lent me his drum kit which quickly became an obsession. I ended up playing drums in several bands right through high school.
Jackie - I’ve been playing piano since I was little and I always used to show up to practice with none of the pages learned but with a new song I wrote. My piano teacher was equal parts annoyed and impressed.
What kind of music did you love as teenagers?
Alex - Up until recently I predominately listened to British music starting with the whole Factory Records scene and Joy Division, and then was heavily influenced by Pete Doherty and The Libertines. My first band Invasions basically just wanted to be The Libertines, it was definitely true love.
Jackie - I looked up to my brother a lot when I was a teen and I would listen to his playlists and mixed CDs religiously. A lot of broken social scene, granddaddy, Hayden , Caribou and a ton of 80s music. This mixed with the hit rnb and pop of the time was my go-to vibe.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Alex - Now I listen to a lot of new wave synthy music and am shifting away from singer/writer stuff, so more Style Council, Arthur Russel, Baxter Dury, Robert Rental and am really loving whatever is happening in Paris to inspire bands like Papooz and Oracle Sisters who are for sure channeling some Libertines energy without the heroine and cocaine.
Jackie - I love the collaboration between Alex and I and our producers - we’ve found a sort of 80s inspired indie vibe that we keep challenging and growing into our own sound. We each bring a different style of storytelling through music which has been harmonious so far.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Alex - I think it was Kool Thing by Sonic Youth mixed in with Fast Cars by the Buzzcocks. That blew me away as a teenager and I just wanted all that rock and roll energy.
Jackie - it’s definitely hard to credit one song as the reason for feeling so compelled to pursue a life of music. There have been moments throughout my life when I experienced live music and it was life changing. Even when the musician wasn’t my favourite, there are those moments on stage where I felt myself let go of everyday life and worries and just completely engage with the performance. The most recent moment I can remember is when I watched Julia Holter live in Toronto last year. Her performance sky rockets you to another planet and it is hypnotising how incredible she is on stage.
When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Alex - A lot of whatever David Burkhart is sharing on youtube, I pretty well just let that channel roll for an hour or two and try to dig some tunes I have never heard before.
Jackie - the morning is a time for Mac Demarco. Heck! I could clean my entire house listening to good ol’ Mac.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Alex - Maybe half? There have been a few people in my life who have insane life stories that bring out a song, but I rarely write songs with clear narratives, so they are more inspired by people loosely, maybe with the feeling those people have given me, less about direct events. The other half are some kinda problem solving internal therapy that came out as a means for me to work through some existential crisis.
Jackie - every song we’ve written can be about someone but also about anyone at the same time. We talk about how we relate to the music and how people might be able to find themselves inside it too.
What have been the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Alex- We played some really amazing shows at art collectives that had incredible crowds all singing along knowing the lyrics to Favours tunes, in times where playing concerts seem like an impossible feat I have really been remembering those times fondly. I would also say making our music videos on a complete DIY scale, with zero budget has been an amazing highlight. Videos add another level to the band experience allowing us to find new ways to be creative and make the song pop.
Jackie - My first time in a recording studio was truly exceptional. I was a ball of nerves and excitement and it’s where it clicked for me- these are my people and this band is where I feel safe to create and grow as a musician. The support was heartwarming and I can’t wait to write and record more.
Outside of music, what are your biggest passions?
Alex - Making videos and taking photos. Skateboarding. Anything nature or bushcraft related.
Jackie - Directing. I’ve been directing theatre, film and music videos since I was a kid and it is where I truly feel free. I also love nature and exploring the world.
If you weren’t musicians, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Alex - At this point we are still trying to be musicians, we don't make much money doing it yet so it would be unreal to turn this into a full time career. Otherwise I might have to stick with my day job as a contractor, jack of all trades, photographer, videographer kinda ramshackle artist.
Jackie - I used to always explain to people why I never had a fall back plan and that’s because I truly believe you can be successful at whatever you choose if you just keep at it and never give up. Alex and I have often talked about making this band into more than just a music project, but a collective where people can create different forms of art. This could very well end up being the start to our business model.
And what advice would you give to those looking to start a career in music?
Alex - Pursue it endlessly, do as much of it as you can by yourself, think long term, plan everything meticulously, but do not overthink things. Most importantly play music and put it out! Its so easy to put out a song these days with online distribution sites like Distro kid or Cdbaby, you can master your own music even with Landr. There have been few times its this easy to be your own label.
Jackie - Find your people. The ones who inspire you. The ones who help you see your vision and the ones who are right there with you to execute it. Also just don’t beat yourself up over failures because it’s really easy to discourage yourself from keeping on.
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Favours' latest single 'Lux Luv' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.