Letting It Shine

With the sweet summer sun finally blessing us with its presence, it’s the perfect time for The Sturgeons to drop the third helping of their glorious brand of folk-pop. We spoke with Luke Hamilton, one-half of the twin-brother duo, about their decision to self-record, how they bottle the bliss of summer life on the prairies and their brand new album, Black and White (out May 30th).

JA: How did The Sturgeons begin? You’re a family band, what made you decide to make music with each other?
LH: We started back in high school around 2005. Cal [Hamilton] started taking guitar lessons. We have always loved music growing up as our father had a huge record collection, so it was pretty natural the fact that we wanted to start a band. We had two other members with us, Ian MacIntosh and Rory Verbrugge who still plays with us today.

JA: This record is DIY in every aspect, what was that whole process like? What made you decide to do things on your own?
LH: We have always liked doing things ourselves. We wanted to put something out there that was all us – RAW. We had done studio recordings in the past but this time around we really to make it sound natural and not overproduced. This way you can really connect with the music and know where it came from.

JA: Tell me about your new album, Black and White; there are a few stylistic differences this time around.
LH: This new album – our 3rd – was recorded by our own Cal Hamilton; all done at home. This time around we really didn’t have a lead guitar player and wanted to work with different instruments. We have Rory Verbrugge on Pedal steel, banjo, harmonica and also added Alex Campballse on Keys which really added something different from past albums.

JA: Your music captures prairie summers to a T! I immediately imagine wheat fields, lake life and hanging out around a cozy fire. Can you talk about your musical influences and the emotions and imagery you tried to convey in these new songs?
LH: That’s interesting as that really describes us well. We grew up in Winnipeg but were always out at the lake (Falcon Lake). The outdoors is something Cal and I love – fishing, camping, campfires… On this album, we sing a lot about sad topics and such, but we wanted the other feel to be uplifting and comforting. We wanted to connect that having sad, or depressing thoughts is something we all go through. There will always be ups and downs. It’s impossible to always feel happy. Living in Winnipeg, it’s tough to get through the winter, but it makes the summer that much more enjoyable. The first song on the album is really about that: when spring is here, and it’s time to really enjoy the outdoors.

JA: Tell me about your upcoming release show at The Park Theatre. What can people expect?
LH: Well we are releasing Black and White on Wednesday, May 30th at the Park Theatre. We will be having our friends Sweet Alibi kicking it off.

It will for sure be a great time. Doors open at 7 pm show starts at 8 pm. We wanted to give people something to look forward to mid-week.

JA: What do you have in the works for the rest of the summer?
LH: We’re very excited about this summer as we are headed out West once again on tour with a good friend, Rory Verbrugge in July. You can see our tour dates on our website.  Also, keep an eye out for The Sturgeons swimming all over Winnipeg Folk Fest as the Wandering Minstrels.

Stay up-to-date through their official website,  Facebook,  & Instagram. Grab tickets to their album release show taking place on May 30th at The Park Theatre.