Ten Second Epic

Dedication, perseverance and longevity are rare commodities these days in the world of music. It seems that often what you hear on radio or see on TV is gone as quickly as it arrives. With that being said, it’s not every day that a band emerges with their third independent full-length album, but that is precisely where Edmonton based Ten Second Epic find themselves now. The band are preparing for the release of “Better Off”, due out September 20th across Canada. The past 5 years have been a whirlwind for Ten Second Epic. In many ways, they have grown up along with their fans.

The band burst onto the scene with 2006’s “Count Yourself In”, which included the singles “Count Yourself In” and “Old Habits Die Hard”. This paved the way for 2009’s “Hometown”, including the singles “Life Times”, “Welcome To Wherever You Are” and “Every Day” (ft. Lights). This album garnered the band a 2010 Juno Award nomination for NewGroup of the year as well as numerous MuchMusic Video Award nominations. “Hometown” was also released internationally, giving the band a chance to tour in Europe and Japan alongside artists like You Me At Six, Kids In Glass Houses and more. With tens of thousands of records sold and hundreds of shows under their belts, they have solidified themselves as one of Canada’s most important independent groups – both domestically and abroad.

This new album saw the band return to Vancouver to record for the third time, however this time they got into studio with producer and songwriter Dave Genn, whose previous credits include artists like Hedley and Mariana’s Trench. Though the band had previous experience song writing with Dave, this would be their first opportunity to work with him as a producer.

“The new album explores each member’s musical personality. It is truly the most diverse and honest record the band has made,” explains guitarist Craig Spelliscy. “Better Off” maintains the band’s signature fusion of alternative and pop, but with a return to their more rock-focused roots. The lead single, “Young Classics” is proof, blowing the doors off with its riff-driven guitar hook and aggressive vocals. “Young Classics is a snapshot of the excitement and energy we have as a band. We wanted to write a song that right from the get go engaged the listener. Being fans of every style of rock music – punk, metal, classics – we understand the power of when a great riff and great melody come together,” Spelliscy continues.

This grittier approach is also apparent on tracks like “Runaway”, “Animal Choices”, “After Hours” and “Sanctuary”, which capture an energy reminiscent of older Ten Second Epic. The title track, “Better Off” and the album closer “Northstar” are more groove-centric songs, which provide important dynamic on the record. From front-to-back, Ten Second Epic have unleashed a meticulous and compelling record, and once again proven that they belong amongst the most respected musicians in Canada.

September will see the release of “Better Off” in Canada (Black Box), Europe (Hassle) and Japan (Bullion). This new album cycle will also give Ten Second Epic another opportunity to do what they do best – tour the world and play live. With over 200 shows under their belt during the Hometown record cycle, and having shared the stage with artists like Hedley, A Day To Remember, Silverstein, Theory of A Deadman, the band has established themselves as one of the hardest working groups in the country.

“As a band, we are very aware of what a crowd wants and what makes people move. We are very humbled that our childhood band is known all across the globe,” says Spelliscy. “This influenced us to make Better Off something we can take around the world and play night after night.”

Ten Second Epic have come a long way since their humble beginnings in Edmonton. But they attribute their sustained success directly to their brotherhood and camaraderie. “We pride ourselves most on our dedication to our band and dedication to one another. This band started as one of friends who loved to play their instruments. Through all the success and trials and tribulations we have stuck by one another. We are a down to earth people who love doing what we do,” explains Spelliscy.

“Better Off” is not just the product of writing sessions over the last year. It is the product of years of work and sacrifice, and of five brothers who have grown together and seen the world together. As they prepare for this new album’s release, they will continue to do all of these things, together.