The Wind Up Radio Sessions are gearing up for their record release this Friday, where they will be hitting the stage with Sunfields and Kieran Blake as part of this month's Midnight Poutine showcase concert. In the meantime, the band have put their forthcoming album, Bird Eyes, online for all to hear before the big date. Take a listen to it here and check out to the show's event page here.

I also took a moment to chat with the band about their first cross-Canada tour, their formation, the album, and tour bus music.

How did you form The Wind Up Radio Sessions?

The band formed when I met Dan about 4 years ago. He'd been playing with his brother Marc as Ewok Folk Sessions since they were teenagers, and Wind Up's was an evolution of that project.

What kind of musical style are you going for?

Dan recently described it as folk music with the ability to get loud, which I think is a pretty good description. We start with the basis of a song, be it a chord pattern, a melodic hook or a lyric, and then we build layers on top of it. Sometimes it stays quiet and minimalist, and other times it turns into something a lot bigger.

Where did you record the new album?

The album was recorded at Digital Bird Studios with Tyler Crawford of Reversing Falls. We know Tyler from years ago, and thought it'd be fun to record not just with a friend, but with somebody whose ear for music we all have faith in.

How is the cross-Canada tour going?

The tour has been wonderful. We've had great experiences and met some amazing and extremely hospitable people. The shows have for the most part been very positive and we haven't killed each other yet. In other words, a success.

What have been your favourite and least favourite drives?

The favourite for me was probably driving through Jasper National Park, completely surrounded by mountains and lakes. We drove past mountain goats and bears, and camped there overnight. The whole experience was lovely. I wouldn't say that any of the drives were bad, although the novelty of how flat the prairies are kind of wears thin after a couple of hours.

What are you listening to in the tour bus?

Aside from diverse Ipod playlists, we've amassed a huge tape collection, and have been listening to a lot of Roy Orbison, Everly Brothers, and The Band. Lots of great voices.

What's next? Any touring or writing or recording plans? Or just taking a big rest?

The hope is to start working on material for another album and begin recording before the end of the year. Ideally we'd like to have things ready for another big tour next summer, so we'll see if time is on our side.

The Wind Up Radio Sessions play with Sunfields and Kieran Blake on Friday, July 13, at Cabaret Playhouse, 5454 Ave. du Parc. FIrst band 10pm.