By Leanna Pankratz (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: December 6, 2011
Second Narrows is a Vancouver based quintet consisting of Lucas Lawrence, Adrianna Riemersma, Brodie Tavares, Stefan Tavares and Josh Knepper. Stringing together wistfully poetic lyrics with straightforward melodies, Second Narrows seems to have captured, in song, the essence of young Vancouver life, and what it means to find pleasure in music again. The Cascade had the opportunity to catch up with Lucas and Adrianna for a chat about what it’s like to be a member of Second Narrows – a task that truly consists of living up to their Facebook page statement that “good music brings people together.”
How did Second Narrows get started?
LL: Second Narrows started after I met Adrianna, basically. My friend was dating her. I needed a girl singer to sing on a track I was recording for a local charity called Imagine1Day. Her name came up, she sang, and pretty much on the spot I knew I had to sing in a band with this girl! The song we recorded that day is on iTunes. So you can hear the sound of a band forming. Literally.
What would you say is/are your defining style/genre(s)? Primary influences?
AR: iTunes defines us as indie pop, but we usually say we are sing-along music. Our influences are very different. I love Taylor Swift, Adele, and The Civil Wars.
LL: I think Tom Petty and Ryan Adams taught me how to write songs.
What, in your opinion, does Second Narrows personally add to the Vancouver music scene?
LL: Our role in Vancouver music is clear to me. To bring something that is pure. Free of pretense and hipness. Just making music we love to make. I think sometimes we musicians forget what music did for us when we were younger. It made us feel joy – like we were understood, and not alone. It’s our job to carry that feeling on.
What are your top three favourite venues to perform in? What makes them the ideal venue?
LL: I have always loved the Media Club. Good vibes and great sound. Backstage Lounge is cool – located at the water on Granville Island. I guess Cafe Montmarte shows are always a good time!
Favourite pastimes to do as a band?
LL: Our favorite pastimes, besides the obvious ones like singing, writing, jamming, recording, and playing live, are eating good food…
AR: Popcorn!
LL: … and bowling. You can never be too good at bowling.
Favourite Vancouver locations?
LL: Favorite Vancouver locations are hard. There are so many. I love Granville Island. It’s all vibes. There’s lots of variety in culture and always something going on. Also the beer selection at St. Augustine’s is amazing.
AR: Anywhere I can get sushi!
What is your songwriting process like?
LL: Our songwriting process differs from each song. Normally I start a song and need Adrianna to help finish it. Sometimes we write together from the start. Sometimes we text each other lyrics or voice memos of us singing. It’s always fun.
What does the future look like?
LL: Our future looks busy and exciting. We want to make more music and there is not much that could stop us from doing it. We want to play shows everywhere. We want to make people happy with music!
