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By BRIAN DARNELL
Staff Writer

Waxbills are currently in the studio producing their second album and I, for one, couldn’t be happier. Their debut offering, “The Way it Goes” was an amazing album that clearly came from a group of experienced musicians doing what they love.

The Waxbills are a three-piece indie-rock band based out of Niagara Falls, Canada. Nathan Warriner (guitars, vocals), Johnny Albers (bass/vocals) and Brandon Ainsley (drums) have been playing in and out of different bands for years but once they decided to form the Waxbills, things really began to gel.

The Waxbills officially took flight in early 2008 after previously touring under the moniker, "The Nathan Warriner Band”. They immediately went into the studio and the guidance of veteran producer Joe Shugan, recorded their first full length record "The Way It Goes".

They toured in support of their debut album throughout Ontario playing as many live shows as possible. With the help of a loyal fan base they really began to make their mark. “The Way it Goes” won ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2009 Niagara Music Awards and the band won ‘Original Band of the Year’.

Their music is difficult to neatly categorize. There are different sounds on this album but it is extremely cohesive; all tracks belong. Never does one get the sense that they are listening to anything but a carefully conceived, well written and instrumented album.

Since the Waxbills are a relatively new band to me, it often helps me to compare them to what I have heard before. Not that this does them justice of course because they are clearly unique. The song, “Take It” for instance, seems like a cross between “The Strokes” and “Oasis”. It is a great tune with a catchy guitar lick but also has the sort of vocals that make it sound current and give it a real raw indie feel.

“The News” reminds me of the “Tragically Hip” meets the “Grapes of Wrath” – both great bands.

The title track from the album, “The Way it Goes” moves smoothly between soft vocals and bursting fully into a rich melody as the entire band plays. It is clear that the Waxbills possess keen control over all elements of their performance. Sometimes the sound is spare others it blooms aurally. I have heard songs LIKE this before but not very often have I heard one this damn good. It is deserved of its stature as the albums namesake.

Regardless of the comparisons, the Waxbills is a great band. I can’t wait to hear more from them.

As much as I can say about the band, it is more interesting to hear from the band themelves. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Nathan Warriner, guitarist and vocalist for the Waxbills. He was candid and forthcoming in the interview and had much to say about the Waxbills and their future.

BD: How would you describe the music you play?
NW: Basically we are primarily a 3 piece rock band. We play music that we think sounds good and which we hope can relate to all ages of people. Whether it be an edgy rock song or a softer acoustic ballad, as long as the music comes from an honest place and has some sort of soul then we feel we've achieved a good song.

BD: The name of the band: who came up with that? Is there a significance to it?
NW: Brandon our drummer came up with it. We thought it had a good ring.

BD: Who are your musical influences?
NW: We have several musical influences, probably too many too mention but I will name a couple bands that you may hear playing on the tape deck of our van.... The Kinks(#1 under rated band of all time) Of course the Stones and The Beatles and all the other good genuine classic Rock and roll..Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Johnny Cash, Oasis, Joy Division, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sam Roberts, The Clash, Lead Belly, Beck...tons of other stuff.. Basically we listen to anything as long as it doesn't suck.

BD: Who writes the songs?
NW: I write all the songs. I bring them to the guys and they write all their parts and we work out all the kinks and arrange them together.

BD: Do you enjoy the song-writing process or do you prefer playing the music?
NW: I enjoy all aspects of making music whether it be the creative writing process, jamming live or recording. I guess playing live to an attentive crowd is the best reward though. Nothing beats it.

BD: How do you promote your band and shows?
NW: Internet, Television, Radio, News Print, Word of mouth...you know all the traditional ways..

BD: Do you think that winning “Album of the Year” and “Band of the Year” at the 2009 Niagara Music Awards has helped your exposure? Has it opened any doors?
NW: Winning those awards had definitely helped us for our exposure. The NMA's was a very cool event that reached alot of people this year and will continue to do so in the years to come. Its great to get recognized for our hard work and efforts and it's always great to know that people are into what we are doing.

BD: What motivates you to play music: love of the music, fame, money, girls... ?
NW: I’d say loving the music and the fact that we never want to punch in to a day job.. Oh and the fame the girls and the money as well...

BD: Have your families been supportive? How has that helped/hindered you?
NW: Our families are very supportive of what we do. They've been putting up with our racket in their basements for years now. They always encourage us and also like our music as well.

BD: What advice would you give to fellow bands?
NW: Work hard and write honest music.

BD: What are some of your pet peeves?
NW: The business side of music; that’s a big one. Unfortunately it’s not always just about the ‘pickin’ and grinnin’.’

BD: What is the biggest obstacle for the Waxbills?
NW: The recession. The music industry is taking quite a hit right now - but it will come around.

BD: How much touring have you done? Are there any memorable experiences in regards to a particular venue or city/location that you would like to share?
NW: We've done a fair amount of touring throughout the years, I guess one of our best road trips was when myself and Johnny flew to Amsterdam played a few shows there and then Flew over to Liverpool England where we played the Legendary Cavern Club a handfull of times. That was pretty cool.

BD: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
NW: Our next show is in Toronto on May the 4th at Fynn’s of Temple. If you love music and want to catch something fresh, then you should come! We are also in the midst of setting up a Canadian West Coast tour so keep your eyes open for that.