Photo by Bertrand, via Wikimedia Commons
Claudio Zelaya/Contributing Writer
Walk Off The Earth is an innovative Canadian rock band originating from Burlington, Ontario. Since 2006, this band has toured all over the United States and Canada with their brand of rock ‘n’ roll mixed with reggae. They have released two original albums, “R.E.V.O” and “Smooth Like Stone On A Beach”, as well as two volumes of covers. In the new age of social media, Walk Off The Earth has embraced the opportunities that advertising through YouTube brings, by putting out creative versions of chart topping singles like “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye. In this interview, Ryan Marshall, guitarist and vocalist, talks briefly of how the band started and their success in the music industry.
How did all the members meet and create the brainchild that is Walk Off the Earth?
Gianni and I started the band and then began recruiting: similar to what happened with the Miami Heat.
What were some important influences for you growing up that can be seen in what you’ve released?
A lot of Police, Bob Dylan, and reggae were in the mix for me. I think you can hear those styles in our music.
Each of you knows how to play more than one instrument. Who or what inspired you to pick up any instrument and take the path that you have?
Mrs. Smith, my grade 6 music teacher, was very influential. She helped me stick to the arts in school and not worry about what anyone said about it.
Do your Florida shows have a different kind of energy for you than in other states?
Warm weather definitely elevates our level of enthusiasm.
What was it that swayed you away from the conventional way of promoting the band and turning to social media?
It was the only avenue we could control and not have to wait for someone to help us or call in a favour.
As a band whose success was made not only through talent but also the internet, how crucial is social media in today’s music scene?
It’s likely the most important part next to having good music. No matter how great you can be in social media, if your songs stink or you don’t have talent it’s not going to help you.
Did you expect the response that you got from the “Somebody That I Used To Know” cover with currently more than 152 million views?
No one can ever predict a viral video. We pour our hearts into every video we do and Stiuk was just another video when we did it. Obviously it became more than that.
With the success of all your videos do you feel pressured to come up with the next video? Or is the process frustrating?
We don’t overthink videos or try to beat anything we’ve done. We just try to have fun and continue to love what we do.
How was the transition from being independent artists, and successful ones at that, to now having the spotlight on you more than you might want it to be?
We love the spotlight. I don’t really feel we have it yet, but we are ready for it if it finds us.
What do you think the fate of the band would’ve been without YouTube or social media in general?
Who knows? It would have been a different avenue, but I feel the people in this band would have found a way to succeed with or without it.
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