Interview with Canadian rock band ‘Across The Board’

We are sharing our recent interview with ATB (Across The Board) band. They have released a new album, SONIC BOOM. So our conversation will focus on this release in particular.

Twist Online : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
ATB : Our band “Across The Board”, came about of garage jams and Youtube cover videos with friends when the core band decided to start writing our own original music and break out of the internet box onto the live music scene in Toronto, Canada, where we live.

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to launch ATB?
ATB : As a group of multi-instrumentalists, we evolved watching bands like “Walk Off The Earth” and “Broken Social Scene” as well as more traditional groups like “Heart”, “U2” and “Fleetwood Mac” – er get our inspiration from all over the musical world.

Twist Online : Our readers would like to know about the band members and their roles in the band?
ATB : Jacqueline Auguste is the lead vocalist and writer in the band. Her life partner, Andy R, co-founded the band back in 2014 and have brought with them various musical friends along the way. Andy plays bass, and we have a drummer, Kurt Dickson; lead guitarist, Ben Healey; and key board player and long-time friend, Martin Heller.

Twist Online : Tell us about your recent Album SONIC BOOM?
ATB : “Sonic Boom” is our second full length album, on the heels of our coast to coast tour in 2017 and a concept EP “Amends” also in 2017. “Sonic Boom” is the journey of how a band breaks–from the trials and tribulations of working hard to build a sound, a brand and a reputation–to the difficulties we face as musicians in this new music industry–navigating our way as an independent act through social media, through booking, through collaborating and promoting our music.

Twist Online : Any particular track of the Album that’s your favorite?
ATB : My favorite (Jacqueline) is “No Curtain Call” as it chronicles the often sad and awkward moments in one’s career when few people show up to shows, or when those who are there are busy with other things–like playing pool in the back, taking on their cell phones etc. I can so relate to that feeling—but I just take it in and perform to the best of my ability no matter what the atmosphere- for me it’s all about the music–if the music comes from a place of truth, there is someone out there who will relate and listen. You just have to find your true audience.

Twist Online : What kind of response you are expecting from the release?
ATB : The release is May 4th—in a few weeks—but all the preliminary response has been incredible. We’ve been performing some of the songs on the album this season in our live show sets and getting ready for the big reveal!

Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
ATB : Both have their pros—on the stage we get a chance to shine as band working together for a common goal and living that vibe! In the studio, we get a chance to hone our craft and work on the musicianship and collaborations!

Twist Online : Are you currently working on any other project?
ATB : YES! We have already started writing our next album, with working title “Howl At The Moon” – that will explore the idea of breaking out of bad things—be it jobs, relationships, uncomfortable situations in life—and really taking the initiative to change your state—to make a real move for the better!