Ontario, Canada’s Rarity have had a busy year. From releasing their Rise Records debut album ‘I Couldn’t Be Weaker’ back in spring, to touring all over the world with the likes of Silverstein and Seaway and hitting up some of the best festivals around – it’s been a good ‘un. Drummer Evan Woods looks back at twelve months that have undoubtedly helped shape the band, hinting that they may be back on our shores pretty soon…
Your debut album came out earlier this year – was the release everything you’d hoped it would be?
Everything and more, this record took us to such incredible new places and made us some unforgettable memories. We still can’t get over the positive response we’ve received towards our first real body of music.
Do you feel as though everyone ‘got’ it?
Haha, I’d hope so! We haven’t heard of any confused listeners. There are a lot of similar themes throughout the songs on this record and it seems to us that a lot of kids are picking up on that and it’s really resonating with them.
Did it open any new doors for you?
Oh, absolutely. We were able to tour across the country with awesome bands like Silverstein, Being As An Ocean and Seaway. We’ve played some huge festivals like Riot fest and So What, and have been supported by some super cool companies.
Looking back at the record, does it mean the same to you now as it did upon release? Have you come to appreciate it in different ways at all?
It means more to us now for sure. I feel like we find ourselves more and more every time we go out on tour and play these songs. It’s also opened our eyes to a lot of relatable problems other people have been going through. This album became a catharsis for so many of the troubles we were going through when the songs were being written.
How has 2016 been for you guys otherwise?
Best year of our lives. We’ve made so many awesome friends and seen so many awesome places, how could it not be? 5 cold Canadian boys going to California is a pretty big win in our eyes.
Are there any news stories that have particularly affected you this year?
We were all pretty caught up in the American election. Some of the guys are very passionate about politics.
What do you think has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt over the past twelve months?
Trust your gut, follow what you feel is the right path; you’re always going to know what’s right for you.
Aside from your own, what was your favourite album of 2016?
Oh MAN. Everyone’s answer would be different but the record that’s been in my car’s CD player since it came out is The 1975’s ‘ILIWYS’.
Do you have much in the diary for 2017 yet? What’s top of your bucket list?
Not much we can say about 2017 yet, except that were already writing some new songs and playing with the idea of our second record. Right at the end of 2016 we’re playing a stacked festival in Toronto called Stay Warm Fest so you can catch us there! As for a bucket list, we’re all eager to tour in the UK/EU!
Who do you think will be the biggest new band of 2017?
Yo Hundred Suns are going to rule the world just wait and see.
Rarity’s album ‘I Couldn’t Be Weaker’ is out now.
