Danika M. Hebert
Observer Reporter
Success hasn’t come quickly to Down With Webster who are at the Prince George Civic Centre, July 29.
Formed in Grade 8 band class in 1998, Down With Webster received recording offers from musical heavyweights such as Timbaland and Gene Simmons, but eventually decided to sign with Universal Motown in 2009.
Since then, they have been touring the country, released the album Time to Win (vol. 1) and worked on a second album, Time to Win (vol. 2).
Along the way they opened for bands such as KISS, the Black Eyed Peas and 3OH!3 and headlined their own tour.
Time To Win (vol. 1) earned the Toronto-native band three certified platinum singles and three Juno nominations. After 13 years together, Down With Webster are still friends and the secret, drummer Andrew (Marty) Martino said, is keeping things in perspective.
“We all have the same goal, we all do the same thing, we just happen to be friends as well,” Martino said.
The band knows they need to keep the same long-term goals.
“We all have different opinions all the time,” he said.
“We have to deal with six different opinions, most bands have four, some five and I think compromise is a magical word for the six of us.”
Having six different opinions, Martino believes, is what keeps the band sound fresh. The different styles and influences have helped the band create a unique sound, a mix of rock, pop and rap.
When asked to describe a typical Down With Webster show, Martino was quick to respond.
“High energy, controlled chaos and fun,” he said.
“We’re always excited to take the stage, even when we’re sick.”
Of the songs on the Down With Webster set list, Martino points to Whoa Is Me as his favourite, describing the song as being, “more bad ass and fun to play live.”
Martino said the band is looking forward to their tour dates in B.C., including Prince George and hopes the band delivers a great show.
“I hope we don’t disappoint you,” Martino said.
If the show comes anything close to Martino’s description, disappointment is unlikely.
Supporting acts are DJ Afreakwent, sparethelove spoilthechild and Verbz in tha Mix.
Doors at the Prince George Civic Centre open at 7 p.m. Down With Webster take the stage at 9:30 p.m.
You can catch Down With Webster before the concert at the Pine Centre Mall, 4 – 5 p.m. for an autograph session.