A Glimpse At Living The Artist Life
Friday May 09, 2008 @ 03:00 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff

The Artist Life

The Artist Life have big dreams. The list includes everything from working with Bryan Adams to world domination. It all started eight months ago when they uploaded their first EP, Living, to their website to give away for free — before Radiohead. Some would have thought they were crazy, but don't mistake that for anything less than part of the plan — a plan they wouldn't change.

Bassist Chuck Leach and singer Ian Blackwood say that their unique situation is a prime example of bands being able to do things themselves. Blackwood says the EP title and band name put together (Living The Artist Life) is the perfect definition of what they're all about. He says bands who are willing to move with the industry and give things away are proving themselves.

"At the end of the day, I think it's going to highlight the songwriters versus the people who are just programmed. It's separating the musicians from the fake shitty artists. I think it's going to be a great way to say, 'These are the people whose hearts really are in it and these are the people who matter.' You can just go listen to their record. They are taking the chance of saying seven out of 10 of you are actual fans and will actually pay for the record.'

"I think it's cool because it's challenging the industry in a way. It's saying, 'Let's stop putting out records with three good songs. Let's put out records that are front-to-back good albums. Let's put out records, let's not just put out singles. Take that, Metallica.'"

Now that Living has been available for some time, the band (who are completed by guitarist Dean Richards and drummer Jake) are starting their first official tour to support it. But they're also thinking ahead to their first full-length. They insist that although fans may have to fork out cash for the next disc, the group won't forget their roots.

"There was a time when you couldn't buy punk rock CDs in the record stores," Leach recalls. "You couldn't go to HMV and buy them.

"Every CD that you wanted was done through the mail, the good stuff at least. I was always so excited to get what I had ordered, but I was also really excited to see what little surprises I got because without fail every time I opened that manila envelope there were free stickers or a patch or something. We are as excited to have other people know our stuff as we are to put it out, so I think there will always be an element of bonus within the band. We will always strive to do something. If you meet us halfway, we will take care of you."

When you see The Artist Life, you know you're seeing a group who are serious about what they do because they've invested their hard-earned money in it. The challenge of earning something from an EP they've given away is one that Blackwood says they're prepared for.

"We don't take it lightly that we are an aggressive rock band. We have a job to do, and it is not to tell you how many beers I drank last night, it's to play these songs that these people have downloaded and to play them as best as we possibly can. I think that is the best thing about The Artist Life, is that we don't take it lightly. We understand that we have a job to do, and our job is 30 minutes. For 30 minutes we want to make sure you remember it for the rest of your life."

You can live The Artist Life at these shows:

• May 13 Vaughan, ON @ West 49 (Vaughan Mills Mall)
• May 28 London, ON @ The Salt Lounge w/The Swellers
• May 29 Barrie, ON @ The Foundation w/The Swellers
• May 30 Guelph, ON @ The Shadow w/The Swellers and The Decay
• May 31 Sarnia, ON @ The Industry Theatre w/The Swellers
• June 1 Oshawa, ON @ The Atria w/The Swellers
• June 2 Belleville, ON @The Bohemian Night Club w/The Swellers
• June 3 Montreal, QC @ Club Lambi w/The Swellers
• June 4 Quebec City, QC @ The Casbah wThe Swellers and Rescue Unit
• June 5 Moncton, NB @ The Paramount w/The Swellers
• June 6 Charlottetown, PEI @ Murphy's Centre w/The Swellers
• June 7 Halifax, NS @ The Pavillion w/The Swellers
• June 8 Bridgewater, NS @ Conquerall Banks Hall w/The Swellers
• June 9 Pictou, NS @ Pictou Country Youth Centre w/The Swellers
• June 10 Berwick, NS @ Berwick Town Hall Gym w/The Swellers
• June 11 Fredericton, NB @ TBA
• June 12 Ottawa, ON @ The New Bayou w/The Swellers June 13 Toronto, ON @ TBA (NXNE)
• June 14 Toronto, ON @ TBA (NXNE)
• June 15 Windsor, ON @ The Malta United Society w/The Swellers
• June 21 Mississauga, ON @ Rock The Coliseum (outside City Hall) w/Keepin' 6

—Stephanie Joudrey