The Veer Union finds success going ‘Against the Grain’

Veer: To change direction or change from one course to another. Union: A number of people joined or associated together for a common purpose.

It’s what’s helped the Canadian rock band The Veer Union grow since its inception in 2004.

When summing up the music career of the band, look no further than the closing lyrics of their first single “Seasons” on their album “Against the Grain” set to be released April 21.

“I’m turning the page for something new, I’m finding my way through life it knew.”

The song has become the band’s official credo since its five members decided to veer away from the politics of their previous bands to become a “union,” according to frontman, Mohawk wearing Crispin Earl.

“It’s my favorite song on the new album, and it’s fitting that it is our first single,” he said. “The song is about having a journey through life and going through hard times and then going, ‘You know what, I’m not going to let all of this negativity and baggage that I’ve taken with me go to the next level. I’m going to start my life over right now.”

For the first time in their young musical careers, the band ventures to Louisiana with Framing Hanley, whose rock cover of the popular Lil’ Wayne song “Lollipop” has become a top hit on radio stations across the country. Their two-night stint in the state begins in Baton Rouge at the Varsity on April 3 and finishes the next night at Houma’s City Club (formerly the Post Office) April 4.

“We’ve driven through (Louisiana), but we haven’t played there yet,” the lead singer said. “We’re looking forward to it. It should be very cool, and we can’t wait to put on a good show for everyone.”

Earl and guitarist Eric Schraeder formed the band. Growing up together as friends in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island in Canada, the two shared a common bond, which encouraged them to venture out on their own and start something new.

Earl, who was the frontman of a popular band from his hometown called Everything Affair, received a phone call from Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger about working with Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee on his solo record, “Tommyland: The Ride.” Earl used the money from that album to get in the studio and start his own gig.

He reunited with Schraeder, who gave up his stint in Los Angeles playing with 40 Foot Echo to return home. The two started writing music and shared similar visions. Earl said the two were hungry for something new.

“We had played in bands together, and we were both living out of our rehearsal studios in downtown East Vancouver,” Earl recalls.

While in the studio recording material for the new album, they were introduced to bassist Mark Roots and lead guitarist James Fiddler through a mutual friend.

The four quickly became friends. The last member to join the fold was drummer Neil Beaton from Langley, British Columbia, who replaced The Veer Union’s original drummer.

Earl said with all the players in place and a play list of original material, The Veer Union made the trek to the U.S. Gigs were easy to come by at American schools as part of the You Can Be Anything Foundation. The non-profit organization provides funding, instruments, workshops and other youth-oriented services aimed at arts programs to middle and high school students.

Earl admits that touring high schools has validated the years of hard work.

“It’s opened our eyes to how important it is to have music in school because of the people we’ve inspired and touched,” he said. “Really, we’re just a rock band doing what we love doing. We have people that’ll say, ‘Because of you guys, I now pick up a guitar every single day. I know what I want to do in my life.’ It’s a really great feeling knowing that we’ve inspired people.”

Two years later, the band – which had once vowed to only do independent work and never sign with a big label – inked a contract with Universal/Motown Records.

That’s when “Against the Grain” was officially recorded under the production of Greg Archilla, who is most commonly known for his work on albums by Collective Soul, Matchbox 20 and Buckcherry. One cut on the CD, a crossover rock cover of the popular R&B song “Umbrella” by Rhianna, has garnered The Veer Union critical acclaim.

“We’ve been very fortunate that we set out with this mindset to do our own thing and we had a record label come in and say, ‘We love what you’re doing, we’d love to take what you’re doing and not change it but make it bigger,'” Earl said. “They asked if we were cool with that. We said absolutely. And it’s gone exactly that way.”

Brian Howes, who worked with Hinder, Hedley, Daughtry and Rev Theory, also produced a couple of songs on the album.

Since signing with Universal, the band has had the opportunity to open for Seether, Hinder, Rev Theory, The Killers, Black Stone Cherry and Framing Hanley.

Earl said having the chance to open for those bands has helped The Veer Union grow its fan base.

“Every time you watch another band play, there are always little things you pick up,” he said. “Whether it’s just a good vibe or an energy. I would say Black Stone Cherry has one of the most impressive live sets I have ever seen. And the lead singer from Hinder is one of the best frontmen I have ever seen.”

“For me, it’s just the vibe. I see them and I say, ‘Hey, I want to be as strong with my live performances as these bands,'” Earl added. “That’s what we strive to do.”