While the name may not be pronounced “Never-rest”, it really is true for Spyros ‘Spee’ Chalkiotis, Mike Klose, Paul Loduca, and Brendan Colameco, who make up the Canadian pop-rock band Neverest. Fresh off a Canadian tour with the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block (NKOTBSB), the guys just wrapped up another joint tour with fellow Canadian pop singer Alyssa Reid in support of their EP ‘About Us’.
Neverest’s sound is infectious, their lyrics are relatable, and it’s no wonder their fans are hooked. The guys return the love by taking the time to connect with the fans after shows and via social media. One unique way they do this is by posting frequent YouTube blogs about their adventures to keep fans updated.
We chatted with Mike and Paul before the final show of their tour with Alyssa on November 5th in Toronto about Mount Everest and singing with a Backstreet Boy.
How did the band meet?
Mike: Spee and I met through some high school friends and we started doing the whole ‘let’s write some songs together and start a band’ [thing”]. Then we met our producer [Mike Kiofos] and through him we met Paul. And then Brendan, we found on Craigslist.
Paul: They shipped him in a drum case, came with bubble wrap and everything from Timmins.
Why Neverest? What is the significance behind the name?
Paul: Everybody has their own Mount Everest, their own goals they want to achieve. Our spin on it is that we will never rest until we reach our Everest and beyond. We put the N in front to throw that spin on it, so Neverest it became.
What is your favourite song off your EP ‘About Us’?
Mike & Paul: Our new single “The Chase”.
What can we expect from the upcoming full-length album?
Mike: More songs. Instead of 8 we’ll probably do 8+. I think it will be a great opportunity to see us as we grow as people, musicians and as a band. I am really excited for that.
Paul: We’ve been writing this full-length record the whole year. Even when the EP came out there were songs that we were picking and choosing just to go on there. There’s so much more material. It’s definitely going to be following that same Neverest sound. We’re really excited about it.
Do you have a favourite song that’s going to be on the album?
Mike: I don’t know if the song is going to be on the album, but there’s one [song we perform] acoustically on the tour – it’s called “Said and Done”. It has some very personal lyrics to Spee. It’s one of my favourites to play and sing.
Paul: “Alone”. It’s a really fun one.
Howie D from Backstreet Boys is your manager and you recently collaborated with him on his new single “Lie to Me”. What was that like?
Paul: An absolute privilege and honour to be able to work with him on a song. We’re singing with a Backstreet Boy! It still hits us.
Mike: On top of that, we had a whirlwind 48 hours where we went to New York City to perform with Howie on Good Day New York. It was very last minute. We practiced in the hotel room.
One of your biggest fans, Latifah, reminded me that November 9th is Neverest’s anniversary! Do you guys have any plans to celebrate?
Paul: [November 9th] was the official release date of About Us. We really cherish that. We should have a party…we’ll have a party.
What would your fans be surprised to know about you?
Mike: I don’t reveal much so there’s probably a lot.
Paul: I love Nutella. It’s a problem, it’s an issue. [Also,] we used to put on really heavy metal music and rock out to that before we [went] out on stage.
You’re just wrapping up a Canadian tour with Alyssa Reid. What’s next?
Paul: The whole tour with Alyssa has been amazing. She is very sweet and her band is great. Next, we are doing two We Day’s and the CityTV New Year’s show at Nathan Phillips Square. We’re performing three songs, one will be with Howie. Also, we have the new record coming out. [In the future,] we’d love to be selling out stadiums like the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block – that would be amazing.
Thank you Mike and Paul! Look for Neverest’s full-length album in stores early 2012!