The Fernie Book Bike took to the streets on June 19, manned by local musicians Shred Kelly. Celebrating the release of their newest album, Like a Rising Sun, the five artists cruised around town all day, blasting snippets of their latest tracks.
Despite pandemic restrictions cancelling scheduled tours and release shows, the vinyl-filled book bike was the band’s creative solution to promoting their latest album in an exciting, yet safe way. Though Shred Kelly hosted many live virtual shows throughout isolation, the bike tour was their first time physically together since isolation began in March. Riding through the streets on a sunny day, the band amped up the community over megaphones while offering pedestrians samples of their songs.
Within its first week, Like a Rising Sun climbed up to number four on the iTunes charts, nestled between big names like Billie Eilish and Imagine Dragons. The song, Roman Candle Eyes, also made Spotify’s Ready to Rock playlist, and is in rotation in Berlin’s top alternative radio station, a first for the band.
Though live music is typically the main source of revenue for artists, band member Sage McBride said that the best way fans can currently support their favourite artists is through purchasing albums, streaming music on iTunes and Spotify, Shazaming songs, sharing the tunes, and shopping on online stores.
“We have an online store with merchandise that’s really helpful in providing us support in times like these,” said McBride. “Streaming and sharing on social media to help get the word out there is also really powerful. Getting our music heard by more listeners, who share it with their families and friends, helps us continue to grow.”
Up next for Shred Kelly is an online, live streamed concert for Fernie’s Canada Day celebrations, where the band will be playing a set consisting of both new and old songs. They will also be hosting a virtual live ticketed release show on July 5, playing their new album in its entirety. For updates and tickets, visit Shred Kelly’s website or socials.
Like a Rising Sun is currently available on all streaming platforms, via Shred Kelly’s online store, and in person at Fernie’s Ace Ferguson Studio Bus.
Shred Kelly is also calling on locals to assist them with the creation of a Fernie Isolation Memory Video. In an effort to commemorate Fernie’s isolation experience, they are requesting five to 10 second, audio-less videos or photos depicting how residents spent their time at home. Whether that may be Zooming, making sourdough bread, cutting bangs, gardening, or exercising, all submissions can be sent to ferniestokefest@gmail.com.