By Vanessa Lee
As bassist Josh Latour stood alone on stage accepting the Juno Award for best alternative album on his group’s behalf, the biggest thing on his mind was disbelief.
“My jaw dropped when I heard our name announced as the winner. We didn’t think we had a chance. I was just going there to enjoy the evening,” says Latour.
Latour plays with the Wooden Stars, who teamed up with Montreal artist Julie Doiron to produce the Juno-award winning album, Julie Doiron and the Wooden Stars.
He was the only one at the awards as guitarist/vocalist Mike Feuerstack and Doiron were on tour with their own projects, drummer Andrew McCormack was in Victoria, and guitarist/vocalist Julian Beillard had no interest in going. The annual Juno Awards honour achievements in Canadian music.
The Wooden Stars, who are all Centretown residents, were up against Thrush Hermit, Tricky Woo and Danko Jones.
Their biggest surprise was their win over popular band Len, whose songs are frequently heard on mainstream radio.
“They’ve probably sold a million copies in the States, I don’t know if we’ve sold two thousand,” says Latour.
“I’ve always had reservations as to reasons in which Junos were picked. I thought they were very market-driven and political, but this proves that it is not the case.”
The band members, all in their mid-20s, have been together for six years.
“Obviously it’s a great recognition. I’m in the process of figuring out if we can develop something out of this win. Maybe tours and grants will come easier. It’s hard to say,” says Latour.
Feuerstack adds while it’s nice for the album to be recognized, the Juno also proves that hard work pays off.
“I’ve spent the past 10 years playing in crappy nightclubs and going from job to job,” says Feuerstack. “Winning a Juno is a sign that I might be moving in the right direction, that it might all be worthwhile.”
Latour also thinks things may be different now, had he not attended the awards.
“Our presence would not have been there,” says Latour. “I met a lot of people and it definitely helped in people remembering us.”
As far as whether or not the Juno is going to give the band an ego, Susie Burpee, Latour’s girlfriend, says the band is down-to-earth.
“They’ve never wanted to get into the big rock star lifestyle or anything. They just want to make good music, and they are amazing artists,” she says.
At the awards, Latour had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Heritage Minister Sheila Copps, MuchMusic Veejay Sook-Yin Lee, and guitarist Dave Grohl of the American group Foo Fighters.
“Funny how when I asked my friends if they wanted to go, they turned me down,” said Latour. “I bet they regret it a little now.”
The Wooden Stars are currently on sabbatical, but they plan to finish a new album they have been working on.They will be releasing the album in the fall.