INTERVIEW: Kelowna Band, Honest Woods, Set for Big 2014

Well, readers, here it is, my final column piece of the year, and what better way to close out 2013 than by taking a look at a band that has big plans for 2014?

Kelowna’s Honest Woods has had an excellent year. The folk influenced indie-rock band has generated some significant local buzz, becoming one of the most talked about acts in town. The band also managed to secure first place in 2013’s edition of Talented Kelowna.

Honest Woods is made up of Annie Gosling-Scott (lead vocals/guitar), Dustin McGifford (lead vocals/guitar), Joshua Ertman (drummer/backup vocals) and Jacob Stasuik (bass/backup vocals).

Honest Woods initially started as a duo containing Gosling-Scott and McGifford in Penticton. However, upon moving to Kelowna the band added Erman, while one of McGifford’s friends from Penticton, Stasuik, was later recruited to play the bass. While performing as a duo, Gosling-Scott and McGifford submitted their song “Shy” to the CBC Searchlight competition, with the song subsequently making the regional top 20 and earning the duo a spot as regional finalists.

You can listen to “Shy” here:

Next up, the melodic band has their sights set on releasing their first professionally recorded and produced EP. I put some questions to the band about the year ahead…

Vincent Jones: What does 2014 hold for Honest Woods? What are you hoping to achieve?

Dustin McGifford: “2014 marks the next chapter for Honest Woods, we have a full band together, are writing songs and recording our first EP. I look forward to playing more shows and increasing the reach of our music.”

Annie Gosling-Scott: “We are recording at Music City Studio in January and we owe this opportunity to those who chose us as the winners of the Talented Kelowna competition. This was our first win as a full band and we can’t wait to share our new sound.”

VJ: What’s your fondest memory of 2013?

AGS: “Meeting and playing with lots of other great local bands around Kelowna who have been gracious and helpful to us as emerging artists, shout out to Wild Son.”

DM: “[My fondest memory of 2013] is of all the awesome bands and fans that we have met this year, I am truly thankful for all we have received and so grateful that the music community has welcomed us with open arms.”

VJ: If you were to describe your band’s style for those who haven’t listened to your stuff yet, how would you describe it?

AGS: “All would agree we are an indie folk rock band with influences from many other genres. The fact that we all have different musical backgrounds, Dustin in contemporary piano, I’m in classical and musical theatre, Jacob in aspects of punk rock, and Josh in classic rock, along with the fact that we all have different musical tastes, has allowed us to blend our preferences together to create a unique sound.”

DM: “We have a broad mix of originals spanning from jazzy acoustic to dancy rock songs. We try to accommodate the people and place we are playing at and as a result we have a dynamic sound of which the unifying factor is the vocal blend between Annie and I.”

VJ: What inspired you and Dustin to start Honest Woods? Why did you guys decide to move to Kelowna?

AGS: “We are both University students and wanted to be closer than Penticton, we also knew that there would be more opportunity in Kelowna for music but had no idea how great the music scene was here.”

VJ: What are you passionate about outside of music?

AGS: “Culture, writing and, of course, all the great people I know and love.”

Jacob Stasuik: “Friends and family.”

DM: “I am only really passionate about music it is what I spend my free time doing.”

Josh Ertman: “For me music is my life, there is not much else that I am as passionate about. Although I do love the water.”

VJ: It’s that time of year, so I have to ask, what’s your favourite Christmas/holiday song?

AGS: “I can’t lie, Christmas music drives me crazy.”

JS: “Little Drummer Boy.”

DM: “I’ve got so say “Carol of the Bells” is my favorite Christmas tune, being classically trained in piano and theory I really enjoy the counter melodies in it.”

JE: “Favourite Christmas song is definitely little drummer boy medley by Jimi Hendrix.”

VJ: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

AGS: “A big thank-you from all of us to you Vince as this is a wonderful opportunity and we really appreciate it! Look out for our EP and check out our website.”

2014 promises to be another year of progress, development and excitement for Honest Woods. Keep an ear out for these guys! Visit their official website to find links to their music, social media and more.

Have a great New Year’s Eve, and all the best for the 2014! If you’re wondering what’s going on around town on the 31st, check out our New Year’s Eve parties list!

Thanks to everyone who read my column in 2013. You’re all lovely people and I really do appreciate the support! As you know, we’ve got some fantastic artists in Kelowna, and it’s my mission to help give them as much exposure as I possibly can! The mission continues… see you in 2014!

Do you want to contact Vince? E-mail him at: vincent@kelownanow.com or connect with him on Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn. You can also catch Vince talking music on CBC Radio West as an on-air music columnist.