Inner City Elegance loves life on the road

If there is one thing that pop-punk trio Inner City Elegance knows well, it is life on the road. The Toronto-based trio, comprised of band members Bruno Rodrigues on guitar and vocals, bassist Justin Parsons and drummer Spencer Kathrens, estimates that they have been away from home for end to 3 months when we spoke with them before this week from a tour stop in Newfoundland.

"We have been from one end of the area to the former in the preceding 3 months," Parsons says. "We have played everywhere from the Northwest Territories to Newfoundland. It is such an exciting way to see the commonwealth and see what each part has to offer."

Formed in 2008, the members of Inner City Elegance formed as if drawn together by fate.

Take into score the fact that vocalist Rodrigues was a native of Brazil who relocated to Canada when he was 20 years old. Parsons was natural and elevated in Newfoundland, relocating to Calgary when he was 15. It was in school there that Parsons forged a friendship with Kathrens, and he ended up meeting Rodrigues in university, soon suggesting they get a lot together. The rest, as they say, is history.

Inner City Elegance released their five-song Hot and Dangerous EP to much acclaim and an ever-growing fan base in 2009. The next year, the circle made the somewhat difficult decision to relocate from their Prairie home ground to Toronto, a choice fueled mainly by the group`s desire to act as much as they could. While they know that being a fish in a pool of the size of Toronto is a little more daunting than if they had stayed in Calgary, the benefits of having moved far outweigh the cons in their opinions.

"We make no regrets about having moved," Parsons says. "The decent thing about being in southern Ontario is that there are so many more town and cities within a reasonable driving distance that we can do in. Plus, it has been awesome having the chance to see this position of the country."

Included in his address to "this position of the land" is the Maritime region, of course. The circle makes no bones about their passion for Atlantic Canada. In fact, their appearance at Plan B tonight is the group`s second Moncton show since July.

"So many bands tend to nullify the Maritimes and Newfoundland just wish they avoid going to Vancouver Island the Northwest Territories," Parsons says. "The Maritimes are great, though. We love playing here."

Once the group finally returns to their adopted home ground of Toronto, they are hoping to crouch down to finally begin recording their debut full-length effort which they desire to take on store shelves in form of following year. Though many details are still up in the air, the grouping is convinced that they will receive the route that works better for them.

"We have had the chance to play with some producers," Rodrigues shares, "and though it is too early to say who we would care to play with, I remember we will probably prevent the conversation with them going to see where things lead."

Article published in September 30, 2011 edition of the Times & Transcript