Halifax-based band Maddison Avenue is releasing a new album.
Are musicians drawn to the rhythm and flow of surfing? Or does surfing’s mysterious harmony pull musicians out of surfers?
The answer is probably yes to both questions, and that may explain why there is an abundance of musical talent within Nova Scotia’s growing surf community.
From acoustic guitar aficionados strumming on the beach to rock stars playing to packed bars and sold-out arenas, Nova Scotia surfers are making noise.
Among those surfers is 30-year-old Dalhousie grad Keith Maddison, who fronts a rock band called Maddison Avenue. A stalwart member of Halifax music scene, the five-member band is set to release its second album this week.
The band will be celebrating the new album with a CD release show this Friday (November 19) at the Seahorse Tavern in Downtown Halifax. For more on the event, click here.
ScotiaSurfer.com recently caught up with Maddison for a brief interview about the band, the album and surfing.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Where are you from?
Keith Maddison: I was born on Vancouver Island and raised between Nova Scotia and Ontario.
ScotiaSurfer.com: How long have you been surfing?
Keith Maddison: Eight years.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Favourite spots?
Keith Maddison: I love Martinique in the summer. Just spending all day on the beach with friends. But I’m goofy so I normally prefer lefts.
ScotiaSurfer.com: When did your band form?
Keith Maddison: We formed in 2006 but weren’t really a band for another year or so.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Who are the members and what do they play?
Keith Maddison: Lead vocals, songwriter, rhythm guitar, sax
Aaron MacDonal: Lead guitar, vocals
Jody Lyne: Keyboards, vocals, trumpet
Jeff Mosher: Bass, vocals, sax
Mark Reid: Drums
ScotiaSurfer.com: Any other surfers in the band?
Keith Maddison: Aaron and Jeff have both tried it. Jeff actually grew up on the hill behind the Moose and keeps a horse there in his Dad’s barn.
ScotiaSurfer.com: How many albums have you recorded?
Keith Maddison: This is our second album but first full length.
ScotiaSurfer.com: How long did it take for you to record this album?
Keith Maddison: Almost two years. Ugh.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Who wrote the songs?
Keith Maddison: Me, with the exception of ‘I’m on the Run’, which was written by Aaron and myself.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Where do you get your inspiration? Does surfing influence your music?
Keith Maddison: I’m really inspired by the accomplishments of local musicians, some of whom are surfers like Matt Mays and Andrew Hunter. It’s great to see someone from here achieve success and are recognized in other parts of the country and beyond.
But for me as a songwriter and performer I’m really influenced by guys like Stephen Stills, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteem, Tim Buckley, Joe Cocker. Although they played with big bands a lot of the time they are folk singers when you get down to it. My band is made up of accomplished musicians and draw a lot of influence from R&B, funk, soul and rock ‘n roll bands. I guess I’m the folky one.
I’ve always been drawn to things that make the world fall away. You know, trying to keep it in the moment, where you’re so caught up in it that one thing that nothing else really matters. I get that from surfing and music so I guess there’s a connection there.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Is there a song on the album you feel could be a hit? Are you hoping for a hit?
Keith Maddison: Well, if it means more people are going to listen to the tunes then sure, that would be great. But it’s hard to say. I’m still torn on what song to release as a single. But I’ve gotten great feedback on Burnin’ Soul, How It Will Stay, At Your Mercy, and Sleep Here.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Will you get airplay on terrestrial radio? Does this matter anymore?
Keith Maddison: Yeah for sure. CBC, Q104, CKDU etc., are great at supporting local music. I think (radio) stills plays an important role and is something that shouldn’t be ignored, especially local and college radio.
ScotiaSurfer.com: Will you album/song be available on iTunes? When?
Keith Maddison: Yes. Any day now!
ScotiaSurfer.com: What sort of advice do you have for surfers who have a band and are thinking about getting into the music business?
Keith Maddison: Gig. If you’re an original band you can’t really expect to make money for a while, if ever. Get out there. Meet more musicians, go to shows, meet promoters, bar managers etc. Opening for established bands is a great way to get exposure.
Outside of making music and surfing, Maddison is a volunteer with the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) and is one of the founders of the Canadian Surf Film Festival. In his day job, Maddison works for the Atlantic Film Festival.
To learn more about Maddison Avenue, visit the band’s MySpace page.
