Ask any musician, the creative process can be trying—Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra lived it, from start to finish, while actualizing their newest album.
Follow my Lead, Lead me to Follow emerged complete after a year of production and manufacturing, not including additional time spent to finance and organize the project.
“It really took everything we had; all our money, all our time. It was wonderful and amazing to make and I’m relieved that it’s over and happy that it’s ready,” said Ian Griffiths, accordionist of the five member band.
All members hail from distinct musical backgrounds, which they’ve managed to successfully synthesize into a full-bodied and temporal sound.
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra’s harmonious notes and lyrics can be witnessed in person when they play at the Legion on Friday, Feb. 22, It’s also evident on Follow my Lead, Lead me to Follow.
“This record specifically, we democratized our creative process consciously. We allowed people to have the floor and express their ideas and have everybody else just listen and absorb and understand where each person was coming from as far as their music goes.”
Follow my Lead, Lead me to Follow was the band’s first time working with producer, David Travers-Smith, who’s “really sharp,” said Griffiths. “He was able to lead without a heavy hand, make suggestions at the right time, hold his tongue at the other right times.”
Griffiths has special ties to the Alberta Rockies. He grew up in Hinton and even spent a summer working in Jasper. “Some of the first gigs I played were at the Downstream.”
Currently on a B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan tour, Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra has experienced a different kind of venue.
“We’ve played a lot of folk clubs and smaller theatres, which is kind of new for us,” he said, “It’s really nice to play winter-vibe shows.”
The artists also enjoy sharing the gift of music and run song-writing and empowerment workshops with at-risk youth through the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program in Calgary. “That’s something we’re really getting into and really enjoy,” said Griffiths.
To arrange a workshop with Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, contact them through their website, thetequilamockingbirdorchestra.com.
Follow my Lead, Lead me to Follow is available for download on iTunes and Bandcamp.com. The Feb. 22 show at the Legion begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.
