Formed in Lindsay, Ontario in 2008, The Strumbellas’ music has been described as everything from alt-country and indie rock to gothic folk. Recently, the two-time JUNO Award winners announced a February 9 new album release, Part Time Believer, supported by a national tour (with a sold-out stop in Kingston February 23).

Internationally renowned, The Strumbellas have won fans around the world. We had the chance to chat with the band to learn about the magnitude of just how impactful the connection between musician and fan can be.

Q: You kick off your tour in BC with two sold out shows. Your performance at the Isabel Bader Centre in Kingston on February 23 is sold out. How does it feel knowing so many people are moved by the music you’ve created?

A: Playing our music live for people is one of the most rewarding parts of this job. We get messages from people letting us know how the music has touched and affected them which is amazing. It is amazing how our words and songs can travel and affect people on the other side of the country or even on the other side of the world.

But being in a full room with the crowd singing back at you is an unbeatable feeling. It’s just a magical moment we won’t ever take for granted.

Q: You’ve played many Kingston music venues over the years. How excited are you to play to a full house at the Isabel later this month?

A: It’s an amazing feeling to have sold out the show at the Isabel Bader Centre. It’s a venue we’ve never played before and will definitely be amazing to play is such a beautiful place. We’ve gotten lots of messages from fans that are excited for this show.

Q: You’ll be supported here in Kingston by indie-folk artist Dom Louis, which seems like a great match. How did you choose Dom?

A: I was first introduced to Dom Louis’s music through our booking agent. But as soon as I heard his song “Walking to Your doorway” I knew it would be a great fit. He had a beautiful voice and songs I know our fans will relate to.

Q: Ten years ago, The Strumbellas played The Grad Club here in Kingston, a venue that hosts many budding bands and musicians. What advice would you give to artists who aspire to the level of success The Strumbellas have enjoyed?

A: We had some great shows at The Grad Club back then. One time we ended up stranded at a motel in Kingston for a few days while they tried to fix our van. We ended up playing a last minute surprise show at The Grad Club. It was so fun.

My advice to young musicians and performers would be to keep pushing forward. Don’t let defeats like a song not doing as well as you’d hoped—or a broken down van—get in the way. You have to keep believing in the next thing.

A: Do you have any favourite Kingston bands or artists?

The Glorious Sons. They put on an amazing live show.

Q: What can Kingstonians expect from the February 23 performance at the Isabel?

We are so excited for the set list for this show. We are excited to play some new songs of the new record, and lots of fan favourites. We also dove into the back catalog to add a few songs we haven't played in years. Hopefully some fun surprises in store for people who come to the show! Posted: Feb 5, 2024