Third Street East released their debut CD in the fall of 2002 but they are hardly the new kids on the block.The band has been around for nearly 8 years and after spending much of that time primarly as a cover band, decided to take the logical next step by writing and recording a CD of original tunes in late 2002.The CD is entitled "Wawota 1" as a form of recognition to the town in which all three band members were raised. A follow up CD was quick to happen as the band raised money from "Wawota 1" sales to enter the recording studio.
The follow up CD is entitled "What seems to be happening".Trevor Birnie handles guitar and vocal duties for Third Street East. Brent Howarth supplies bass and backing vocals and Ryan Easton brings 14 years of experience of drums to the band.Third Street East was formed in 1995 when Howarth expressed interest in playing guitar. Birnie suggested that Howarth learn bass instead with the hope of putting a band together with long-time friend Easton. Howarth took Birnie's suggestion and the rest is history."It's a lot more fun to write your own tunes", Birnie said. "It's so cool to write a song and have a crowd sing it back to you".Drawing comparisons to bands such as The Tragically Hip and The Watchmen is a source of pride for the boys from Wawota, as well it should be. Birnie, who takes care of the majority of the songwriting for the band, admits that it is tough to come up with truly original music."There are only so many chords and progressions," he explained. "New bands just put their own spin on things."Self described simply as a "rock and roll band", Third Street East drew its name from the street address where Birnie, Howarth, and Easton all lived while attending the University of Saskatchewan.It's easy to see why the band draws comparisons to the groups that it does. The guys in the group have always loved Canadian artists."I'm a huge fan of Thornley, Wide Mouth Mason, and Our Lady Peace. Matthew Good can be great when he's angry, but he hasn't been lately. As for American bands, Foo Fighters are the kings", says Howarth.Howarth also spends time with his side project, Circadian Rhythm.Circadian Rhythm features Howarth, Scott Weinkauf (guitars and backup vocals), and Dwight Gulutzan (drumkit). The three friends were in the same University College as each other but didn't start playing together until after graduation."We have a blast, playing shows, boozing....basically trying to be rock stars," says Howarth.Other committments have forced Third Street East to limit its practice time, but fans are really enjoying their CD's, particularly their latest release."Ahhh, the studio," says Howarth, "What a cool feeling. Putting those headphones on, playing in seperate rooms, having a guy mixing and mastering, it was a dream come true"."I would love to be driving someday and hear one of our songs on the radio. I would crank up the stereo so loud I would blow my speakers...or my ears!""Just getting together with the boys, having a couple of beers, and having a good time is the best part of being in this band," says Easton.Their latest release, "What seems to be happening", has a lot to offer to music lovers."Just some catchy rock and roll songs," says Howarth, "hooks in your riffs, and lyrics that connect with fans is a recipe for success."Third Street East definitely has that recipe.
Third Street East.
