artist Spirits

SPIRITS aren't afraid to write pop music.
You can hear a variety of influences - early U2, Duran Duran, "Let's Dance"-era David Bowie, Hall & Oates - but there isn't a hint of irony or nostalgia. SPIRITS are writing pop music for their time - songs to turn up and sing along to.

SPIRITS combines the writing talents of accomplished songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Ian Smith and Brad Germain to create what Smith calls "something with less inhibitions, really fun, and as dance-y as possible." Drummer Nick Skalkos completes the trio, bringing a third vocal to the live show.

According to Smith, what started in the summer of 2006 "for shits and giggles" has developed into more than fifteen multi-layered guitar and keyboard-filled songs.  As for the musical direction, they both say that it didn't take much of a discussion. "We didn't want it to be a heavy band. We were shooting for it to be more 'poppy,' just focusing on the melodies of the song," says Germain. Self-produced in Kitchener, Ontario, the trio put it all together "with cheesy keyboards," some interchangeably played guitars and a hassle-free atmosphere.

But, don't let the pop tag fool you - SPIRITS are more than just a small group with big sound; they are as comfortable channeling The Cure or Echo & The Bunnymen, as they are U2 or Hall and Oates, and there is a depth to their lyrics beyond just a memorable chorus.