Straight from Vancouver, B.C., 7th Sunn shines rays of success. The band is made up of four young men fresh out of British Columbia: Kevin Christie (lead vocalist), Luc Michaud (bass), Vik Orellana (drums), and Ryan Shields (guitar), but it was not always like that. First, it was just Michaud and Shields. They had been high school friends getting themselves into “various band situations.” However, when the band first came together, just two years ago, the line up was without Orellana. Instead, Ryan Cliff was the drummer for 7th Sunn. Unfortunately, things did not work out with Cliff. “It gradually became apparent to all of us that Mr. Cliff had different aspirations for the band than the rest of us did. So we found Vik Orellana to replace him,” says Shields, the guitarist. Obviously, 7th Sunn really does aim “to be a really hardworking band” and will not be deterred from their visions and goals they have set for themselves.

With influences like Chimaira, Deftones, Norma Jean and Lamb of God, it’s hard not to be a great band with great music. Even if it leads to some serious injuries, 7th Sunn is known to have fantastic live performances. Moreover, why shouldn’t they when their fans flock to see them wherever they perform? After touring for two years with the same songs, their newest achievement will be born: 7th Sunn’s upcoming album in the spring of 2006. When asked about the new album, Shields responded, “The new songs are a lot better than the old ones.” Now imagine: a spectacular live performance plus new songs from an awesome band equal very pleased fans. PopYOUlarity.com interviewed 7th Sunn’s guitarist, Ryan Shields, about the band. He seemed to have a lot to say.

Ryan Shields: First off, thanks for your interest in the band! I was working on some demo tracks just a few minutes ago.
PopYOUlarity.com: You’re welcome! My first question is, how did 7th Sunn become the band’s name?
S: The new album elaborates on the name a little bit. You’ll have to check that out when the album is available early next year. Hopefully I’m building some suspense here. Am I building suspense? Sorry, I’ll let you ask the questions.

P: So, most bands and teams have mottos or rituals. Does 7th Sunn have a motto that they play by? If so, what is it?
S: We want to make [some] really awesome songs that we like and we hope that some other people will like them as well. We push ourselves pretty hard to put on an energetic and entertaining live show.

We do have a little ritual that we do before each show, though. It’s a little strange. We all put in a fist and do the one, two, three, then where most teams or whatever would say their name, or some cheer word, or something like that, we say ‘meat’. It started as a joke but it seems to have stuck with us, so that’s what we do.

As you can see, 7th Sunn is all about music and sharing one mind with one vision for their future. Fame and wealth is obviously not a motive for making quality music. In fact, Shields also said, “I don’t think that any of us in the band expected to be received as well as we have been.” 7th Sunn has toured western Canada, and the north western part of the United States. The band has already made two EP records: a 2003 hardcopy and an online release shortly after. Their latest and probably greatest production will be their upcoming album.

To all the 7th Sunn fans, here’s a final word from Ryan Shields, the drummer. “Thanks to everyone that has supported us. We’re planning an awesome release party for this record in Vancouver sometime in the New Year, and we hope to see all of you there!” So there you have it, your own personal invitation to see one of the best bands in B.C.

To contact 7th Sunn, the best way to do so is through e-mail. The general address for the band is info@7thsunn.com To reach individual band members, their e-mails are their names @7thsunn.com (i.e.: Kevin@7thsunn.co, ryan@7thsunn.com, etc.). The band is also open to talk to fans at shows too. They’re even willing to visit your city! For more information about the release party, e-mail the band at the general address. Check out their site at 7thSunn.com