By Jackie Klym
Nectar has skyrocketed in popularity since it first headlined at Barrymore’s Music Hall in November 1997.
The foursome comprised of Chris Volk, Greg Sherlock, Steve Volk and Gerard Tweedy has had a busy year.
Last New Year’s Eve, the band headlined a sold-out show at Zaphod Beeblebrox in the Byward Market. Since then, the group has headlined six other local events and produced and released its debut CD.
The result, Ambrosia, is an 11-song album filled with the eclectic sound that has come to define the band. Chris Volk, lead guitarist, says the band spared no expense since its philosophy was to “create the best CD possible.”
Volk says the success in production had to do with producer Marty Jones. By recording parts of the music and then leaving the material for a few weeks, the band was able “to take the time to listen to our dubs and make the best CD we could.”.
The band held a CD-release concert at Barrymore’s Nov. 7. The event packed the Bank Street venue with over 600 people. With guest performers, go-go dancers, and extra lighting and props, it was quite the event, says Jim Walton, the head doorman.
“Nectar is a good band. They have a unique, tight sound. It was a packed concert,” Walton says. Volk says the band was overwhelmed.
“It was one of those nights where everything kicked. The sound was great. The whole night was awesome. That’s the only way to describe it,” he says.
The crowd called them on for a second encore, but Nectar had played all its original material.
“We had no more music so we played a cover,” Volk says. “We had planned for one encore. We just never expected a second one,” he chuckles.
Eugene Haslam, owner of the two bars where Nectar plays, says the band owes part of its success to its hard work and grassroots promotion.
“They are very hands-on at planning their concerts,” Haslam says. “Every time they play, they have done the groundwork themselves.”
Haslam also attributes Nectar’s success to the band’s decision to pick and choose when and where they play. He says by not playing every weekend, Nectar turn its concerts into events. As for success in the community, Haslam says the numbers speak for themselves.
“It’s undeniable if people show up to the concert,” Haslam says.
Andrea Lançtot, manager of Zaphod’s, says the guy’s appeal comes from their “fun, poppy sound. They are not your typical rock band. They’re different.”
Lançtot also credits the nature of the members for their success.
“When you have musicians in the community that are such great guys, rather than difficult people, it just makes it so much easier to book them,” she says.
Nectar is pleased with its success, but plans to take it further.
“Right now we all still work — some part-time, some full-time. I’d like to make it into a career,” Volk says optimistically.
He says the band still has potential to grow.
“I think we have to because we don’t want to get locked into a groove,” Volk says. “We don’t want to become stale.”
The band’s latest gig is opening for the Grapes of Wrath at Barrymore’s Dec. 2. After that, members are hoping for a video contract and to gain fame outside of Ottawa.
“I’d like to be able to take it as far as we can,” Volk says.
The Nectar file
The issue: Nectar is a local band whose reputation has grown in the last year.
What’s new: They recently released their debut album, Ambrosia, Nov. 7.
What it means: With over 600 people at the release concert, Nectar’s popularity has jumped.
What’s next: Nectar is hoping to make a video to promote the album.