The long way home

Toronto-based rock group with Bass River native James Tanner launches album after three years in studio

TRURO It began in the studio three years ago and was finally released in June.

It’s Father Owl’s self-titled debut album, and Bass River native James Tanner couldn’t be happier.

“We took the long road,” said Tanner, guitarist and vocalist for the progressive rock group. “Most artists go into the studio and use digital programs, but we decided to use analog tapes – reel to reel – and it sometimes takes a long time to order the tapes.”

Living in Toronto, the band wanted to record at well-known studio Revolution.

“You’re sort of on a waiting list,” said the 31-year-old. “During our time going in and out of Revolution, Big Wreck was finishing their album.”

With two studios at Revolution, Father Owl was also jumping

back and forth between the two.

“The Tea Party was there working on their reunion album, so when they were in one studio

for two weeks, we used the other. We were able to squeeze between what they were doing.”

But Tanner said that time gave them some breathing room to really work on the sound of their album, as they got to take their mixes home after every session.

Since the release in June, the band – also including Jake Saenz on bass and now Mateus Macedo on drums (filling in for Ben Healey) – has been wellreceived.

“The response has been overwhelming. We went from 2,500 ‘likes’ on Facebook to 12,000 within the first week, and it’s continued to grow,” said Tanner.

One of their songs has been chosen for a Netflix documentary, but Tanner won’t say which song or documentary just yet.

“All I can say is that it’s a documentary people will be familiar with, and one where we are big fans of what they’re doing,” he said.

The album has been getting some attention in the United Kingdom and elsewhere overseas, and Tanner said the band is looking into the potential of a European tour.

But the musicians are also hoping to come to Nova Scotia with a local performance in Truro either this autumn or next.

For more on the band, visit www.fatherowlmusic.com or search for Father Owl on Facebook.

SUbMITTED phOTO Father Owl, a progressive rock band featuring, from left, Jake Saenz, James Tanner and Mateus Macedo released their debut album in June. Tanner, originally from Bass River, said response has been overwhelming since the launch and the band hopes to...

SUbMITTED phOTO The cover to Father Owl’s self-titled debut album. It was released in June after the band members spent the past three years recording it.