Exposure: Maple Leaves
Maple Leaves blend folk sensibilities with what seems to be genuine happiness to create a kind of easy listening that isn't cringeworthy - quite an achievement in itself. The trio hail from Glasgow, so are not Canadian - a fact the band feel the need to state, presumably due to overwhelming inquisition surrounding the name - but their affinity, if only by name, with an object that naturally flows in the breeze serves as the perfect moniker to their bright and charming style. Gradually receiving attention and subsequent press interest and radio, the band are preparing for a smattering of summer shows, including a slot at T in the Park. The band's Julian Corrie is here with a few words of introduction to shed some light on Maple Leaves.
How did you all meet and form the band?
Well, Anna and I met at the legendary Sleazy’s open mic night. She was doing this brilliant song about the 80's, I was probably doing terrible Simon and Garfunkel covers. We asked around friends for a drummer, and lo and behold Graeme appeared!
Had you all previously been involved in any other bands or projects?
Yeah, I make electronica as Miaoux Miaoux, and play with Rags and Feathers and American Men, and a couple other Glasgow outfits on top of that! Graeme has knocked around in a couple of bands before us too, while Anna recorded an album with Glasgow indie-folk band Burnt Island, and also sings on the album for Belle and Sebastian's musical film project God Help The Girl.
What or who would consider to be your biggest musical influences/inspirations?
I’m a sucker for good songwriting - any bands that can write intelligent three minute pop songs get our vote. To name but a few: The Shins, New Pornographers, Chad Van Gaalen, Bearsuit, Super Adventure Club, Deerhoof, The Mountain Goats and the much missed Dogs Die in Hot Cars.
If you could, how would you describe your music?
Smiles and similes! Happiness is a warm chord sequence.
What do you feel sets you apart from other bands?
We don't take ourselves too seriously and we also do a lot with not much. I reckon you don’t need walls of guitars or a spare choir to make good music. It also makes it easier to carry stuff about.
Where's your favourite place to play?
Well the Captain’s Rest is pretty ace. We did our first gig there and got a great response. You can’t beat a good Sleazy’s crowd either.
Do you have plans for any releases in the pipeline?
We’re going into the studio pretty soon, so hopefully an E.P. by the end of the year. Despite having just two tracks on our MySpace, we’ve probably written enough songs for about two albums.
Is there an artist or band in particular you'd love to share a stage with?
Somebody completely different, to see what would happen. Doing a gig with Gallows would be pretty funny. Anna's been playing lots of The Magnetic Fields recently though, so she'd probably say them.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Work hard, play T in the Park, enjoy ourselves! It’s been nice not having an agenda so far, and just playing for the fun of it. We're still going to get T-shirts made though. For the banter if nothing else.