Sharing favourite performances, Chris states without thought, “Definitely the Roxy,” a local café located in the heart of their hometown. The band was there collecting canned goods as a form of payment into their show to support the local food drive. “We actually did something with our music,” Chris explains joyously, “we gave back to the community.” This was not the first charity event that the band was involved in as their first public performance was to raise money for those combating cancer. In addition to their charitable endeavours, the band has played in competitions, local venues and more notably the annual summer concert hosted solely for their friends in Chris’ backyard.
As a band with many accomplishments, you can’t help but ask, “What's next?” By being surrounded with positive energy, the members are eager to have more opportunities to perform at venues to further spread their name both near and far. However, with a tightly woven friendship that they have created, the reality is that, “It doesn’t have to amount to anything as long as you enjoy doing it.”
For some, writing songs is difficult, but for Chris there's no stress because, “If you can hear it in your mind, there's a way for you to play it.” Sean further explains that, “If you’re working on a song for too long you’re thinking too hard … if it comes naturally that’s clearly the route to go.” With that, there is truth in what's said, as one of their most popular and catchiest hooks was written and recorded after receiving a $20 bill from their grandma at a family dinner. The band explains, “If we write a song and we’re singing it for a week, it’s a good song.” Overall, no matter what the circumstance may be, every song is made perfect to how they could have made it.
Like all bands, there is headbutting, but their friendship has allowed honesty throughout their creative process. With the only notable arguments being about song lyrics, or what guitar chords they should use in their song “Attitude”, off of their debut album For Our Friends. A nine song album that is filled with the fun that comes with hanging out, making music with your friends and the freedom to express what comes from these experiences. Songs ranging in topics from chicken pot pie, anxieties, relationship fallouts or to screaming “Aaah!” when feeling, “Tired of being ordinary,” or “Tired of giving a fuck.”.
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In the beginning, small jam sessions in Chris’ basement would be the driving force that would lead to the creation of three EP’s, one LP and numerous live shows. Although these milestones may have seemed easily attainable, they did not come without diligence. Originally Liam, who is known for being the lead drummer for the band, did not know how to play the drums. He explains while laughing, “For a long while we’d get together and hang out, they’d all play guitar and I didn’t know how to do anything.” However, wanting to take part alongside his friends, he rented a snare from Long & McQuade to learn. On the other hand, Sean did not want to play the guitar in his early years. He explained how he hated guitar lessons and never wanted to play throughout the time he was taking them. It was not until he listened to “All The Small Things” by Blink-182 that turned hatred to interest after realising, “Oh, that sounds easy, I can probably play that.” Overtime, curiosity would take over and would unveil the question of “How many other songs are this easy to play?” From there, the only direction was forward. Inspiration derived from the 90's pop punk band could not be contained, soon Blink-182’s musical inspiration entered the lives of band members, Liam and Chris. “Our stuff is not like Blink-182 at all,” Liam continues, “but it gave us a good intro.”
Although not in the same room, I can still feel their passion. Liam (drums & vocals) and Chris (bass guitar) call in ironically sitting on the couch from Chris’ basement, whereas Sean (vocals & guitar) calls in from outside a party at a friend's cottage. Minivan, a band with a name just as catchy as their music, has been writing and recording since 2015. They are built off of the principles of having fun with your friends, and creating your own story through unique experiences. A band of three friends who met at a young age, grew up in the same hometown and now have the ability to showcase their personal and shared experiences through their craft. Formed in highschool, they have stayed together despite graduating and moving away, which is better than the majority of relationships entering freshman year of college. Using the school year to gain experience and write, while spending the summers together to record and play, they are the definition of an unstoppable trio that will only grow stronger.
INTERVIEWED IN 2022 BY DYLAN LORRIMAN & RYAN MILFORD
WRITTEN BY: DYLAN LORRIMAN
PHOTOS BY: BRIANA LEUNG
STYLED BY: DYLAN LORRIMAN
MINIVAN
