Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Kevin Pinto - Vocals, Guitar
Adam Furukawa - Drums
Al Quinn Alquinto - Guitar, Vocals
Bryan Brocoy - Bass, Vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to River Groves? How long has the band been around?

Kevin and Adam were playing guitar together for years before they started River Groves as a three-piece around 2010/2011. Meanwhile, Al and Bryan played in a bunch of bands together for several years without really getting anywhere. Kevin met Al in college and invited him to jam, since he and Adam were having trouble finding a committed third member. Al in turn offered to invite Bryan, and from the very first jam the chemistry was remarkable. This lineup played its first show in June of 2012, and has been plugging away in the local scene ever since.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

River Grove Avenue is a street that runs through the neighbourhood where Adam and Kevin grew up. They stuck with the name since starting the band years ago, and changing the name isn't really something that's ever been considered as it means a lot to them.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Usually one of us will bring an idea -- a riff, a melody, etc. -- to the table and the rest of us will feel it out and build around it. The writing process is a four-way decision and is very democratic. Kevin writes the lyrics, and a lot of the content on our last record, Workhorse, had to do with our experiences in 9 to 5 work situations. 

A lot of stuff has changed since we wrote those songs, and we've been through a lot of stuff both as individuals and as a band, and I think there are a lot of darker feelings and emotions that we all currently have that are beginning to course through our newer material. We are working on a split with Stockholm Siesta right now, and I think a lot of people are going to be surprised with how the new songs sound.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Between the four of us, our backgrounds are very diverse. We listen to so many different kinds of music that the focus of our influence is constantly shifting. Some of the artists that have stuck with us as influences are Arcade Fire, PUP, Thrice, and Arctic Monkeys. Recently some of us have been really into Julien Baker, Charles Bradley, and Bruce Springsteen.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Billy Talent has always been an inspiration for us. They're from our hometown and we've always admired how they built themselves from a local, DIY band into international superstars. It's humbling to think that a band can go from playing basement shows in Streetsville to selling out arenas. Of course it takes time, but they have proved that it is possible if you work for it.


What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc…

We usually start by chugging a big ol' cup of coffee, followed by 20 jumping jacks and a pagan prayer circle. Usually does the job.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

In 2013 we opened for PUP in our hometown of Mississauga. It was in the basement of a small community hall known as Masonic Lodge, and it was absolutely packed. Last year we opened for Gob and earlier this year we played Canadian Music Week.


If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

The Strokes seem like they'd be a lot of fun back in the day. Currently Jeff Rosenstock and Chris Farren seem like they'd be interesting to be on tour with -- I hear they are good guys.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you're in the Toronto area, we'll be playing a free show at Horseshoe Tavern on August 16. Come out and have a beer with us. Also, our last record Workhorse is free to download/stream on our Bandcamp. Check it out, it's alright