Jazz Fest misfits: The Dears bring rock to Montreal International Jazz Festival

You might be wondering how Montreal indie rock superstars The Dears fit into the International Jazz Festival. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t figured it out yet, the band hasn’t either.

“I’m not sure how we fit in,” guitarist Patrick Krief says. “I guess our music can be quite expansive, and there’s a lot of improvisation live, so it may have some jazz spirit in there somewhere.”

The Dears are definitely Jazz Fest misfits, but that fact doesn’t bother Patrick. This guitarist doesn’t feel like an outsider, he doesn’t even feel like the band is playing on the bill.

“Honestly, it’s easy for it to feel that way. It’s an indoor show and for me, the Jazz Fest was always about the free outdoor concerts. I just see it as a Dears show, and I am excited to play!” Patrick says.

The band is about to take the stage at Club Soda. This is their first home turf performance since their highly acclaimed album, Degeneration Street, launch party in February. After touring Europe this past spring, this event is a homecoming of sorts and naturally, some pre-show jitters are quaking.

“Montreal shows make me nervous,” Patrick admits. “I know so many people in the audience. It’s a little easier to feel the pressure when you’re actually gonna get a play by play review from your friends after the show. But they’re also my favorite shows. It’s always a party. Come see us live. It’s a different animal!”

The Dears perform at Club Soda, Thursday, June 30 at 11 p.m.

Posted by Marc Andrew on Jun 30 2011. Filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.