The Northern took a moment to answer our questions about their music and how they make it. Let’s see what they have to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Our name The Northern simply comes from an old Alexisonfire song – another Canadian band that we were all inspired and influenced by significantly in our earlier years as musicians.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
All four of us have been playing in bands since we were as young as 14 years old. They ranged from pop-punk to a few metal sub genres, and we all had toured in these bands before we joined The Northern. Some notable bands we were in are Horizons, Farewell To Freeway, Loyalist, Dreamer Deceiver, Slow Motion Victory, and The Prestige.
How would you describe your sound?
We combine metalcore and djent mainly, with other subtle influences, to produce what most people would consider melodic metalcore. Lots of heavy guitar riffs, harsh aggressive vocals and clean singing.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Lately it’s been Void Of Vision, Currents, Windwalkers, and Invent Animate.
What’s the last song you listened to?
The new Motionless In White song “Hollow Points”, it’s a banger!
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Usually Spotify (release radar, similar artist suggestions) or social media.
Who is your dream producer?
Drew Fulk would be a dream!
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Void Of Vision
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
All of us sought out music because of the sense of community a lot of local music scenes tend to produce. We consistently create music because we truly love it and all of our fans and friends in the music community motivate us to keep going.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Our guitarist Eric usually starts with a riff and shows it to the rest of the band. Eric and our vocalist Mike live together, so it makes it really easy for them to bounce ideas off of each other.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
We try and interact with fans on all of our social media platforms as much as possible. Whether it’s just responding to comments on our posts, asking engaging questions on stories, or doing contests that involve audience/fan participation.
LinkTree
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter/X
YouTube
What’s next for you?
We have a lot more new music coming out over the next 6+ months, and eventually will be heading back into the studio with Jonathan Dolese to record more music!
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
We have a big Friday the 13th show planned in Guelph, Ontario next month to celebrate the release of Usurper and our next single that will be coming out at the end of October.
Bio:
Perfectly combining djent and metalcore, Canadian four-piece The Northern stay true to themselves within a unique sound that fans have grown to love. Their debut full-length effort Solstice was released in 2017 via Tragic Hero Records and was received in an extremely positive light, hitting #5 on the iTunes Metal charts. Solstice garnered coverage from many notable outlets, including Alternative Press, Lambgoat, Revolver Magazine, New Noise Magazine, and idobi Radio, as well as multiple additions to Spotify editorial playlists. With no time to spare, the band quickly followed up with their 2018 single “Samsara,” which was also very well-received, being featured in the Got Djent? (now Progressive Metal) Spotify playlist, where it remains to this day.
The Northern have toured consistently since these releases, including several international tours in the USA and Canada, alongside bands such as VRSTY, Sleep Waker, ENOX, A Scent Like Wolves, and Pangaea. After parting ways with Tragic Hero Records, the band released their highly anticipated Cloudburst EP in December of 2021, overcoming multiple hurdles brought on by the pandemic. With plenty of music still in the tank, the band recently connected with producer Jonathan Dolese (Cane Hill, For The Fallen Dreams, Downswing) in 2022 and released their first of many new singles “Hourglass.” They have since teamed up with Blood Blast Distribution to usher in a new era of the band.
THE NORTHERN ARE
Mike Cutway – Vocals
Eric Leblanc – Guitar
Jordan Gallant – Guitar
Adam Linka – Drums/Vocals
