Regina’s library voices goes national

Hailing from central Canada’s flatland capital, 10-piece pop ensemble Library Voices catapulted its sprightly sound out of Regina and has successfully landed within the rest of the universe’s audible reach.
In the six months since the band formed this spring, Library Voices has managed to release a demo and a six-song EP while showcasing their larger-than-life presence on several high-profile festival stages across the country.
Incorporating unconventional instrumentation to weave hooky melodies with expansive choruses, their sound recalls the peppy flurry of Ra Ra Riot and Vampire Weekend. The songs on their debut EP Hunting Ghosts & Other Collected Shorts are soaked with references to literary and pop-culture icons, alluding to the likes of Kundera, Vonnegut, Coehlo, and Tom Waits.
Organ, synths and guitar player, as well as co-owner of the Young Soul label, Michael Dawson says the band’s success is due in part to the fact that all 10 members are attuned to each other’s creative inclinations.
Dawson also attributes their achievements to focused effort and a strong DIY ethic. After all, Library Voices booked their current cross-country tour without hiring a manager. Fortunately, the sweat they poured over those grant applications didn’t go unrewarded. Over the summer, Library Voices played at major festivals like Sled Island and were even featured in SPIN’s “Three Undiscovered Bands You Need to Hear Now” October issue.
Prepared to give up his normal life for relentless touring, Dawson says focusing solely on music is possible for a single university graduate without onerous commitments such as himself.
When asked how he feels about the musical comparisons that have been thrown their way, Dawson notes that the Talking Heads influence is all too clear since some members of Library Voices cite them as a favourite band. And although Dawson admits the Ra Ra Riot comparison is also flattering, he hasn’t had a chance to fully immerse himself in their music just yet.
Currently on tour throughout Canada with dates booked until mid-February, Library Voices will be cheerfully interrupting your end of semester studies with an upcoming show at Zoobizarre on Nov. 27.