PREPARATION PAYS OFF
Seaway’s new album, ‘Vacation,’ is the product of a year’s worth of work
Ryan Locke has been busy for the past year.
It’s not that he’s complaining, but he finally has a chance to take a breather — and it’s been a great two months.
Locke is the vocalist for Canadian rock band Seaway.
The band — which is made up of Patrick Carleton, Andrew Eichinger, Adam Shoji and Ken Taylor — is touring in support of its most recent album, “Vacation.”
Seaway also snagged the opening slot for Sum 41’s “Does This Look Infected?” anniversary tour.
The tour makes a stop in Albuquerque on Tuesday, May 1.
Locke says working on “Vacation” was a different experience than its previous two albums — 2013’s “Hoser” and 2015’s “Colour Blind.”
“By the time we started writing it and actually recording it, the process was just under a year,” he says. “We were a lot more prepared this time around. We figured out some stuff while we were in the studio and worked with a lot of different people. Every time we went into the studio, we were with a new producer.”
Locke says being prepared also helped the quality of the album.
The group worked with Alan Day, Derrick Hoffman, Kyle Black and Mike Green.”
“We had a lot more ears listening to the music,” he says. “It really helped out with the finished product.”
Locke says touring can take a toll on members of the band.
Yet, it’s being on stage where he feels at home.
“The best part of touring is playing the shows,” he says. “It’s fun being in the studio. Playing the songs you worked on live is one of the best things. We are also enjoying getting out and meeting new fans. It’s a give and take. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the fans’ support. Of course, the downside to touring is being away from family and friends. That makes it tough, but everyone understands that this is our career.”