Horseshoes are said to be symbols of good luck and local musician Lucas Rogerson is hoping the launch of his EP release, Streetlights at the renowned Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto will be the start of good things for his solo career.
“I am excited,” said Rogerson, of the May 22 performance. “It’s just such a legendary venue.”
He has good reason to be enthusiastic. The Horseshoe Tavern has played a crucial role in the Canadian music scene, giving the stage to acts such as Blue Rodeo, Stompin’ Tom Connors and the Sheepdogs as headliners.
“To come out of the gate with a new band and new music that is just true to who I am at this point as an artist, it’s a big first step,” Rogerson said.
Rogerson’s debut solo project comes on the heels of a successful few years with local country-rock group, the Settlers Creek Band.
Though still a part of that band, his desire to work on solo projects has given him the creative opportunity to chart his own musical course and focus on creating a unique sound. Streetlights, a four-song EP, is the result.
“It’s a new departure for me in terms of a new sound. It’s really my first statement as an artist,” he said of working independently. “It’s the most honest … it’s about things that are really important to me.”
Streetlights weaves together a love story with a sense of the small-town roots that influence the artist. Songs like Elm St. Park Swings and Main Street Bridge evoke the sentiment of young love in images that feel local. Even the album cover features street signs from Drayton cross streets.
“It reflects the faces and places around me,” said Rogerson, who lives in Drayton and was raised in Centre Wellington.
Rogerson said that his musical influences are varied but each one has impacted his sound, from big band and jazz to rock’n roll, country ballads and a dash of punk angst.
“The music is the most vulnerable I’ve ever felt as a musician, both in lyrics and music,” said Rogerson, explaining that during the recording process he let go of preconceived goals for the songs and let his instincts take over.
“I think the spontaneous feel comes through in the music.”
While the EP is not set for release until May 21, early reviews from fans of Rogerson’s music have been positive.
“I think people respond to that vulnerability, which is key to being an artist,” Rogerson said.
Recorded at Escarpment Sound Studios in Erin last year, before the studio moved to Belwood, Rogerson worked with renowned recording engineer Brian Hewson. Rogerson took on the role of producer.
While he played lead guitar, some percussion and recorded all the vocals for the tracks, Rogerson enlisted the help of other musicians to fill out the sound with their own style.
Don Featherstone, of Kitchener, played saxophone, Mark Whitelaw of Guelph was on bass, and Brett Schneider, of Fergus, on drums.
For the May 22 gig, Rogerson will be joined by Featherstone and Settlers Creek bandmate Greg Eisen.
To ensure local audiences can take part, Rogerson is taking a bus of fans along to the show, picking up music lovers in Erin, Guelph and Fergus.
“I just want to get people down there,” Rogerson said. “If I can get a bunch of fans out to support me from here, that would be really special.”
The Horseshoe Tavern show begins at 9pm with a half-hour set. For information on the bus trip contact info@draytonrecords.com.
For more information on Rogerson and the 2013 Streetlights Tour, visit www.lucasrogerson.com. Streetlights is available for pre-order on iTunes.
