Alex Johnson, lead singer of These Kids Wear Crowns, says he’s been “sprawled out like a cat” recently to beat the heat in Chilliwack.
TKWC fans may have even spotted Alex and the boys chillaxing at some popular spots around town this summer.
“One of our favourite places in Chilliwack is Major Leagues 2,” Johnson tells The Progress.
“We like to hang out there, play a little volleyball. Or we’ll get together and go for a bike ride by the Vedder River.”
But it’s been a little too quiet in the dog days of summer.
“Not doing too much,” Johnson says. “It’s been a little frustrating. We want to get out and play.”
Last year they toured a total of about 200 days. This year, it’s been a lot less, maybe 20 days playing and on the road.
“Now after being home for a year, and only travelling a week or two, I’m more humbled by being at home and waiting to go on tour,” he says.
The band members have been writing like mad for a new album set to drop sometime next year. But unlike the first album, they’ve been jet-setting across the continent to work on tunes they’ve been co-writing, paired with songwriters based in Toronto and L.A. for the new album under the Universal label, which purchased their old label, EMI Canada.
Now they’re with Universal Canada.
That has meant some big changes for TKWC, but the band was happy that some key members of the team from EMI survived the transition.
“So we’ve just been writing, writing, writing for the new album, with a bunch of people who write for a living.”
They’ve got about 20 songs almost completed to demo readiness, and another 30 on the way.
“Working with a team, from the label and management, you’ve got to trust that they know what they’re doing,” he says.
The energetic band first exploded onto the scene on the MuchMusic reality show DisBand in 2009 and were signed to Capitol/EMI. The band’s debut single and music video, Break It Up debuted at No. 60 on the Canadian Hot 100.
In Fall 2010, they headed back into the studio to record, Jumpstart, released on March 1, 2011. One of the singles was a cover of the Whitney Houston song I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” featuring Mexican actress and singer, Eiza González. They’ve toured with bands like Hedley, Faber Drive and Good Charlotte.
So what’s next?
“We’re finishing up the album this month.”
One of the B side songs is about Chilliwack.
“It’s about growing up in a small town, and how things change over the years.”
The singer says he hates to use the word “mature” to describe the new album, but it slips out.
“Let’s say there are elements that are going to make it feel more 2013.”
Johnson and the other five members of TKWC are ready to get back on stage in their hometown of Chilliwack and do their thing.
They’re proud to be headlining the fair, taking the stage Friday, Aug. 9 at 9:30 with special guests Prty H3ro.
“We’re going to walk around at the fair, look at everything and have something to eat before we play,” he says.
Chilliwack Fair, Aug. 9-11, featuring These Kids Wear Crowns on Friday, Aug. 9 at 9:30 p.m. with guests Prty H3ro. Then on Aug. 10 it’s Honeymoon Suite at 8:30 p.m. with guest Trevor McDonald.