Getting to Know: Toronto Rock Quintet, Navy Skies
In today’s Getting to Know, we meet Navy Skies, a rock quintet that prides itself on representing a different set of influences than their counterparts in the Toronto scene. If you are in an up and coming band that would like to partake in a Getting to Know feature, contact editor@riffyou.com to receive the questionnaire and instructions. Thanks!
Band Name: Navy Skies
Band Members: Paul Cope (drums), Gary Hazelton (bass), Bryan Wyshnicki (guitar, back-up vocals), Kara-Lynn Gauthier (keys, vocals), and Travis Caine (vocals, guitar).
Years Active: 1¼
City of Origin: Toronto, ON.
Who are you and what do you do?
“Paul (drums) and Bryan (guitar/vocals).”
In 100 words or less, tell us how your band has gotten to this point.
Paul: “Four of us were in a band called Rebel Rebel, which wrapped up in late 2012. In early, 2013 Mr. Hazelton joined us, and we became Navy Skies. We recorded a two-song EP in February 2012, and since then have just been playing as much as possible. Touring has been limited to weekend missions to London/Ottawa/Montreal but we’re planning on taking some longer trips in 2014. Recording the new EP was sort of a summary of everything we’ve learnt about playing together as a band over the past year.”
What is your latest release and how would you best describe it to someone who hasn’t heard your band?
Paul: “Our latest release is The New War EP, which was released on April 8. In terms of the sound, we all grew up on late ‘90s/early 2000s punk rock and all of its sub-genres (everything from Fat Wreck Chords, to Doghouse, to Bridge 9 and back again). We’ve also acknowledged that the ‘alternative’ mid-90s bands we listened to before we got into more independent stuff had an undeniable influence on us as musicians. I think we wear that wide variety of influences on our collective sleeve, but ultimately the core of our music is Travis’ songwriting, which I would say comes from a slightly more traditional place. Overall, this has lead to an album with a sound that we try to summarize as aggressive indie rock.”
When making an album, which aspect of the process do you put the most time into and why?
Paul: “I would say rehearsing. As I mentioned, Travis brings the core of the songs to the band and sort of lets things loose. We spend a lot of time arranging the songs – they often go in a few different directions before we find a sound that we are all comfortable with. I try to find spots to lock everyone up with a fill or break. This can be an arduous process, but when it’s going well – which it always ends up doing at some point – we enjoy it.”
What is the best part about your band and why?
Paul: “Tough question. We definitely try to give it everything we’ve got every time we play, and leave it all on stage.”
Bryan: “We all love playing live, for me it is about putting everything you feel into your live show…dance and have as much fun as possible.”
What makes your band unique from the rest?
Paul: I think we represent a slightly different set of influences than a lot of current Toronto bands – we’re a little faster and a little 
thrashier than what’s generally popular right now. At the same time, our focus is fully on the melodic and harmonic progression of a song.”
How does your band survive the challenges of touring/gigging?
Paul: “Coffee, coffee, and coffee. Except for Travis. Travis eats one meal a week and sleeps two hours a night. Our touring vehicles are powered by his will power alone.”
Would you rather be critically-acclaimed; rich and famous; or an under-the-radar band with a dedicated fan base?
Paul: “I think we’re all pretty happy to keep doing what we’re doing regardless of the financial outcome.”
Bryan: “We take our music seriously. However, I think it is amazing that I get to hang out with my friends each week, have a few beers, and create something collectively. If people pick up on that vibe and like what we have to offer, then that is just a bonus.”
If you’d have to compare your band to another one out there, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Paul: “For me it’s Hot Water Music, but I’m sure everyone in the band would tell you something different.”
Which band/musician would you like to share many drinks with? What would you talk about?
Paul: “I’m a huge fan of Iron Chic so that would be cool.”
Bryan: “Frank Turner. I would love to have a pint with that guy and talk about bands like Saetia and Mineral.”
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