Q&A with Canadian Folk/Pop Band I, The Mountain

Easily recognized by their crisp harmonies, clever hooks, and high-energy performances, I, the Mountain is a Canadian band on the rise. Having established themselves as the staple openers for acts such as The Strumbellas, The Wooden Sky, and Elliot Brood, I, The Mountain is set to bring their trademark indie-folk sound to mainstages across Canada. Fresh off their recent studio collaborations with Canadian music icons Simon Ward (The Strumbellas) and Jonas Bonetta (Evening Hymns), they have released “The Boat” – an upbeat, punchy fusion of folk and pop that is undeniably catchy. We caught up with them to ask about the new single, the story behind their music, and their plans for the future.

What inspired “The Boat”?

The inspiration for “The Boat” came from Canadian author Alistair McLeod’s short story of the same name. The story is embedded with East Coast imagery and details the struggles of a family residing in a small-town fishing community. After meeting with Simon Ward of The Strumbellas, Matt Lamers and Simon took the “The Boat” in a new direction. The song became an anthem of hope, perseverance, and pushing through adversity. 

What’s your favorite lyrical line in the song?

“I’m walking sleepless pushing through the storm ahead”

Why is your band called I, The Mountain? What’s the inspiration behind your name?

I had a dream I was in a band called Between the Mountain and Me, but that was a little too close to Between the Buried and Me (a metal band). Matt Rappolt and Matt Lamers brain-stormed and came up with every possible combination of the name including The Mountain and Me, Me, the Mountain, Me and the Mountain and eventually I, the Mountain. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

This is a genuinely difficult question! I often describe us as Indie-Folk-Pop or Pop with Folk roots or maybe Folk with a Pop sensibility. We often get compared to bands like the Lumineers, The Strumbellas, and recently have been compared to The Bare Naked Ladies. No complaints on our end! haha

What’s your process for creating new music?

Matt Lamers or Matt Rappolt will often come up with a skeletal version of a song and bring it to the band. We then work on instrumental arrangements and often switch some melodies/add harmonies until things feel right. We’re constantly being critical of our music to ensure it is our very best effort. 

What current artists inspire you and influence your sound? What past artists?

Definitely bands like The Strumbellas, Arkells, Wintersleep, Said the Whale and many other great Canadian artists. Many of us in the band have a history with metal/hardcore music and that’s bound to influence in some way.

What’s next for I, The Mountain?

We’re releasing a new single and recording our first full-length album in July. After that, we have a month long Canadian tour in September. Ultimately more shows, more songs, more of what we love to do.

Connect with I, The Mountain:

Instagram . Twitter . Spotify .

Instagram . Twitter . Spotify .