Busy Times for Witchitaw!
- aspiringdesigns
- Jun 12, 2015
- 4 min read
I had the opportunity and pleasure to sit down with lead singer, Jason Spinney, over supper one night, to discuss the band and their upcoming performances. It wasn't long into our chat that I discovered that Jason is very passionate about music and truly enjoys performing each and every night, and does so like it is his very first show. What was even more impressive, after being around shows as long as he has, was that he was hoping I could give him some tips on how his band could improve their live shows. Jason was eager for advice stating that "you must have taken in many performances taking pictures", and wanted to know how they can improve their visual show. Needess to say, I was flattered! And it was nice to see that from one artist to another, he recognized that as a photographer we see things visually and what is appealing to the eye.
It actually caught me off guard as I had never had a musician ask me for such advice. I was a little shy at first and not sure if I should respond, but I could see that Jason was sincere and truly wanted my opinion. So as we waited for our food to arrive we chatted about some things they could do to change up their show. Most times as a photographer I suggest lighting, lighting and more lighting. We discussed how lighting can make any good show a great show and how it changes the mood. I believe that every show has two aspects, audio and visual. People come to see a performance! If they wanted to listen to music they could stay at home and listen to the radio. I gave him a few other small recommendations, all of which Jason seemed to agree with. We also talked about their Witchitaw TV episodes, which can be found on their YouTube channel and how they let their fans and followers into their lives, as well as keeping fans updated. These guys are all about the show and having a good time and hoping the crowd has just as much fun as they do.
I had the opportunity to see them perform at the Harbourfront Lounge, at Casino Nova Scotia, where they performed before another rising country artist, Amanda Riley, who happens to be related to the Spinney brothers. Talent runs deep in this family, I tell you! I can honestly say I quite enjoyed Withitaw's performance. They interact well with the audience and their comfort on the stage is evident. Jason actually had me laughing at one point between songs. We discussed this as well during our interview but we decided to keep it an inside joke. I still think about it today and it still makes me laugh. I'm sure the rest of the band had a good chuckle as well when he went back to tell them after the interview.
So our food had arrived and we continued to chat. By the way, we ate at this great little local pub called Beaverbank Station, which has plenty of live performances on any given night of the week. And on this particular night, Andrew Frelick was just downstairs playing live and I couldn't leave until I heard him sing a Zac Brown Band cover song. When I asked Jason how the band was formed, he told me that his father played in a band called the Country Generations and that he and his bandmates began to play with his father when they were much younger. The band Witchitaw however, didn't officially begin until 2008. Less than two years later, they recorded their first album, called Walk Like a King, in Nashville, Tennesee. Following that, they began touring around Nova Scotia, promoting their album.
By 2011-2012, Witchitaw had an ever-expanding fan base and had performed at events such as PEI Summerfest, Balloon Festival, the South Shore Big Exhibition, the Halifax County Exhibition, and the Annapolis Valley Exhibition to name a few.
With their continued success, they headed back to Nashville in 2013 and recorded their second album, called Tearing it Up. In 2014, their tour schedule brought them all over the Maritimes, including performances at the East Coast Music Association Showcase and earned them a nomination for Nova Scotia Country Recording of the Year Award.
The band is now getting ready for their upcoming performances which will see them at some of the biggest venues in the Maritimes. This will include appearances at Cavendish Beach Music Festival in Prince Edward Island and the Multicultural Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here's where you can find Witchitaw in the months to come. Please check out more of the band by visiting their website. I know I will enjoy catching up with them all at Cavendish Beach Music Festival.
June 24th Marigold Cultural Center, Truro, N.S. - 7:30pm
June 27th, Privateer Days Festival, Liverpool, N.S. - 5:30pm
June 27th, Multicultural Festival, Halifax, N.S. - 10pm
July 1st, Canada Day Fireworks Concert, Bridgewater, N.S. - 8pm
July 10th, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, PEI
July 11th, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, PEI
July 16th, Grande Pre Winery, Wolfville, N.S. - 7pm
July 25th, White Point Beach Lodge, Liverpool, N.S. - 8pm
Band Members Jason Spinney, vocals and guitar, his brother Jamie Spinney, vocals and drums, Don Kendel, keyboard, guitar, vocals, Terry Salsman, base guitart and David Campbell plays the steel guitar.
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