Broken Social Scene reflect on creating Remember The Humans, their first album in nearly a decade
Broken Social Scene has emerged with their long-awaited new album, Remember The Humans, their first release in nine years since the acclaimed Hug of Thunder in 2017. The band’s core members recently gathered for a rehearsal in Charles Spearin’s backyard, basking in the sunny ambiance of a spring afternoon. Amidst a spread of cheese and prosciutto, the group shared insights into the creation process of the album.
Reflecting upon the track “And I Think Of You,” drummer Justin Peroff recalled a moment during the initial stages of the song’s development when he sensed emotion building in singer Kevin Drew’s vocals. This prompted a candid discussion within the band, with Brendan Canning conveying the group’s reservations about Drew’s performance on the track. However, with the guidance of producer David Newfeld, who had previously collaborated with the band on their early albums, a transformative version of the song emerged, showcasing a poignant wall of sound that perfectly matched Drew’s heartfelt delivery.
The collaborative dynamics within Broken Social Scene were further illuminated during the album’s production, with each member contributing their unique talents to enrich the musical tapestry. For instance, Spearin’s bass playing on “And I Think Of You” added a distinctive layer to the final track. Drew emphasized the band’s evolution over the years, highlighting their growth as individuals and musicians as they navigated the complexities of balancing personal lives with artistic endeavors.
Described as a “sprawling collective,” Broken Social Scene exemplifies a diverse and multifaceted musical ensemble with members pursuing solo careers and side projects. Despite the challenges of managing various schedules and commitments, the band continues to reunite for live performances and recording projects. Their recent release of a live recording from the 2018 Pickathon music festival underscores their enduring dedication to creating music that resonates with audiences.
The reunion of producer David Newfeld with Kevin Drew marked a significant milestone in the band’s journey, reigniting a creative partnership that had endured its share of tensions and conflicts in the past. Newfeld’s collaborative role in shaping the band’s signature sound has been instrumental in defining their distinctive indie-rock aesthetic, and his return to the fold brought fresh energy and inspiration to the recording sessions.
As Broken Social Scene embarked on the creative process for Remember The Humans, they consciously embraced a more introspective and contemplative approach, eschewing the anthemic grandeur of their previous releases in favor of a more nuanced and reflective sound. Drew underscored the importance of capturing the essence of hope and resilience in a climate marked by division and uncertainty, channeling those themes into the album’s evocative compositions.
With Remember The Humans, Broken Social Scene invites listeners on a journey of introspection and connection, weaving together heartfelt melodies and thoughtful lyricism to create a musical experience that resonates on a profound emotional level. The album stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines the band’s dynamic evolution over the years, capturing the essence of their collective identity in each poignant note and shimmering chord.