HALF MOON RUN
Devon Portielje of Canadian crusaders Half Moon Run says, “We were faced with a decision. Do we want to continue putting valuable time into dishwashing and janitorial jobs and having music on the side as a hobby, or do we want to sign a deal, put our song in an ad here and there, and put as much time as we have into music?”
It’s a crossroads that most bands with a sound so appealing and authentic will undoubtedly come to within their career. For this band in particular consisting of Devon Portielje, Dylan Phillips, Conner Molander and Isaac Symonds, it seemed a decision that has propelled them to new heights within the music scene.
Their debut EP Dark Eyes contained more twists and turns than a movie thriller, but the constant thread of melodious harmonies has been hailed as one of the main attractions to this quartets indie-vibe image.
“We spend hours upon hours doing vocal tuning, timing, timbre-matching and picking notes,” explains Portielje
“We met via Craigslist to start a band. So we were working hard right from the start.”
Hard work and dedication seems to be working their favour. Full Circle received over one million views on YouTube within hours, a feat which Portielje says is only a further indicator of how musical culture and technology are becoming more intricately entwined.
“Social media is the new global culture,” he says.
“It naturally controls the successes and failures of a music career. So we gave ourselves a little pat on the back when it hit one million views.”
“It’s been truly amazing,” Portielje continues.
“We’ve gone further than we ever thought possible and travelled to places we never expected to go. What a journey.”
Creatively however, Portielje is certain that sticking to their trusted formula is the way forward.
“There is no intention in that respect,” he admits.
“We simply bring a few undeveloped ideas into a room and go for it. We always just try to do what sounds and feels good.”
“I think the spirit of creation has inspired us but no one can truly know their own inspiration,” Portielje says.
“The music scene in Canada, mainly Montreal and Toronto is bustling. There’s a ton bubbling to the surface all the time.”
So with their trip Downunder, will there be any special additions or activities undertaken whilst here?
“60 SPF sunscreen is pretty special for us!“ says Portielje. (CD)
Jan 11, The Standard, 3/383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst, $22+bf, 9660 7953, wearethestandard.com.au
