Kanata-based band Amos The Transparent is performing on the
last day of Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, closing the show with Ottawa bands Ty Hall & The EZ3 and
Hollerado, along with headlining act Weezer.
“We’re pretty excited,” said Amos guitarist Dan Hay about
the July 18 show. “We’ll be giving a different show than what we usually do.”
A good deal of percussion has been added, along with
different arrangements of songs as well as some new material – but the biggest
add-on is a “super secret cover song,” said Hay. “It might be a
piano-influenced song, it might be from the ’70s and it might be awesome.”
The group, which consists of Jonathan Chandler, Christopher
Wilson, James Nicol, Mark Hyne and Kate Cooke, along with Hay, have been
practicing and solidifying their set list for the event.
“For a show like this you want to put a little bit of effort
into it,” joked Hay.
Amos is a Bluesfest band veteran, having played the festival
since 2007.
“Last year we played the first day and this year we’re
playing the last day,” said Hay, who joined the group permanently two years
ago.
The band will be testing out new material they’ve written to
gauge audience reaction and help them decide what will make it onto their new
album.
“We’re testing the water,” said Hay. “That’s why we want to
play some of these songs.”
New album in works
The band has been in talks with Gus Van Go, a music producer
who has worked with such bands as The Stills and Hollerado.
Nothing is finalized yet, said Hay, but the band is excited
for the potential to work with Van Go and record in New York City.
“We could make possibly the best record ever,” said Hay.
The bandmates are working on writing as many songs as
possible throughout the summer so recording can start in the fall for the 10 to
12 song album.
“There’s six of us,” said Hay. “We want to work with the
dynamics a little more.”
Amos began four years ago with a constantly changing lineup
of performers. Two years ago, the members were solidified into permanent spots
in the group.
“This one felt right,” said Hay. “All the personalities
meshed. We’ve known each other for years – it turns into a marriage. We don’t
really have fights but small arguments.”
Amos won $50,000 from the LiVE 88.5 Big Money Shot in 2009.
“The whole Amos experience has been amazing,” said Hay,
whose favourite thing about being part of the band is performing at shows.
“I really can’t equate it to anything else, there’s so much
energy,” he said. “The show itself is what I live for.”
Amos The Transparent will be playing Bluesfest on Sunday,
July 18 at 4 p.m. on the Claridge Homes Stage.
jessica.cunha@metroland.com