Pembroke, Ontario’s Gatlin Black recently released their debut seven-song EP, Modern Spirit, reimagining a familiar sound for a modern age with standout singles like” “One Last Chance,” “When You Come Down,” and “Lazy Susan”. They wasted no time getting back into the studio for their latest release, a new single called “Easier Days”. Recorded live-off-the-floor, it’s an alt-rock track that stays true to the band’s signature sound, striking the perfect balance between gritty edge and heartfelt depth. We caught up with the band to chat about the new single, their busy year, and the best and worst part of being a musician.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Easier Days”.
Gatlin Black: Easier Days is a manifestation of the bringing of some better times, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s about the tension of who we were, who we’ve become, and the feeling that somewhere along the way, something essential was lost. It moves through disillusionment, temptation, and memory— trying to make sense of a present that doesn’t feel like home. It’s a search for relief and return, not just comfort or quick fixes, but to a place of clarity, inner peace, and belonging even though at times it feels out of reach.
From The Strait: What was the creative process behind the song?
Gatlin Black: Jamie picked up my new (at the time) Gretsch Falcon and started playing the opening chords on the guitar… Levi, our drummer, was out getting food for his cat but also grabbing the guys some Domino’s Pizza for our practice. Chris, our bassist, decided to rock out on the drums accompanying what Jamie was putting down while Levi was temporarily out. All I could hear as I disappeared to the other room was the melody clear as day as I took to the pen to write it down! After getting a little lucky with some lyrics, Levi showed up with cat food and Pizza!! The 3 of us showed Levi the tune, and in no time the 4 of us were working it out! After gaining some familiarity with the parts, big man Jake Cancade came rolling in… He then added his counter-picking part and the song was then complete! After testing the song out live for a few shows we knew it was time to set it in stone! We cashed in our BOTB studio time at Bob’s Music, with our pal, Rich Allen, and in 3 & 4 takes we had tracked “Easier Days” live off the floor!
From The Strait: You guys have had a really busy year – what are some of the highlights?
Gatlin Black: We recorded and released our 7 song EP, shot 3 music videos for each single released.
Our first gig we entered the Ottawa Valley Stomp Festival’s Battle of the Bands, ended up winning 6 hours of free recording time (which we recorded Easier Days), and also landed a slot at this year’s Ottawa Stomp Festival opening for the Jim Cuddy Band.
With the free recording time we won, we recorded Easier Days live off the floor and also got it video’d so we could release the video at the same time!
I (Jake W) started up a recording/live event music business in order to acquire a loan to invest in all things music. We upgraded our PA, which we use for live events, but also rent out to other bands, and live events. We invested in more recording gear which we use to record every practice, which helps us practice recording – moving forward we plan on recording ourselves minus a few opportunities where other producers would like to work with us! So the accumulation of gear, organization, construction, and usage of the studio has definitely been a pivotal highlight in this busy year!
We find time every Sunday at 4PM to gather for practice, where we’ve been lucky enough to continue our writing process, rehearse for the festival slots we’ve landed, and scheme up ideas for the events we run ourselves!
Each year we run our own music festival where we take part in, support, and expose original songwriting bands, we’re on our 6th year of Rockin’ by the Riverside!
Other than that we’ve been taking on shows locally building up a buzz with our residence at Legends in Pembroke, where we host an open mic jam showcasing our original songs and covers, while allowing fans and friends to join us on stage to rock out!
We continue to write new songs and prepare for Gatlin Black’s debut LP!! Got 8 in the chamber currently getting ready to rock!
From The Strait: What are your favourite – and least favourite – parts of being a musician?
Gatlin Black:
Least favourite: How much it costs lol
Favourite: What you can get for your money…
Definitely finding a balance for cost/benefit is always a challenge, but having the confidence in knowing that this is what you’re put on earth to do helps with moving forward. I also love the part of music where you travel with purpose. Getting to see the other parts of the world that also relate to your journey. You find places away from home where people who are local to the place you’re foreign to, and they’re doing the same thing as you, only tonally different… It’s always cool to see what else is going on beyond your own scope.
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Check out the new single from Gatlin Black, “Easier Days”!
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