Essentials… with Big Wreck

By Jason Schneider

Each week, Essentials allows Canadian musicians to share the things that have helped them get through the pandemic, and why they still can’t live without them.

Beloved Canadian rockers Big Wreck are officially returning this Friday, Nov. 19 with Big Wreck: 7.1, the first EP of what will be an immersive three-volume collection released through Warner Music Canada. Big Wreck: 7.1 features five impressive new tracks from the band including the standout new single, Fields.

Produced by singer/guitarist Ian Thornley and Juno winner Eric Ratz (Billy Talent, Arkells), Big Wreck: 7.1 blends the raw, anthemic rock of the band’s early work—1997’s In Loving Memory Of... and 2001’s The Pleasure And the Greed—with the edgy eclecticism of their more recent offerings since reforming in 2012, including 2019’s dynamic ...But For The Sun.

Joining Thornley and longtime bassist Dave McMillan for the sessions is guitarist Chris Caddell, who joined the group in 2019 following the passing of founding guitarist Brian Doherty. Another fixture in the line-up is drummer Sekou Lumumba, who was a part of Thornley’s eponymous solo project and has played with a diverse group of other big names since.

In support of Big Wreck 7.1, the band is set to perform a handful of shows in Ontario with Monster Truck this December including a hometown play in Toronto on December 4 at HISTORY. The rest of the co-headline run, which was postponed due to Covid related concerns, has now been re-scheduled for March and April 2022. The 2022 Canadian dates will kick off in Sidney, BC on March 25th. Itinerary and ticket info here. Big Wreck 7.1 is available from your preferred digital service provider here. 

Essential Album:

Ian Thornley: It’s just never the same, and it’s impossible to nail down just one song or album. These days it’s tough to spend hours digesting music and getting ready for a tour, it’s a lot of practice, but I’ll always listen to anything by Genesis or Supertramp.

Dave McMillan: My two most recent purchases were David Lee Roth’s Eat ‘Em And Smile, and Jack Johnson by Miles Davis.

Essential Podcast:

Dave McMillan: I enjoy listening to The SBL Podcast—Scott’s Bass Lessons. It’s hosted by a great player and teacher named Scott Devine, and he chats with other great bassists from around the world. We’re all pretty deep into our craft, so naturally checking out what other drummers, bass players and guitarists are doing is always a rabbit hole for the whole band.

Ian Thornley: Rick Beato’s Sounding Off podcast is a good one. He does some insightful interviews and has some interesting opinions on music.

Essential TV:

Dave McMillan: Succession is for sure at the top of the list right now!

Ian Thornley: Really, I can get pulled into just about anything good, but like everyone, we took down Squid Game and have gotten into Money Heist. Earlier in the pandemic, Your Honour was a good one too. Dark, but good!

Essential Movie:

Ian Thornley: Movies seem to be an incredible swing. The whole band gets into vintage comedies on the road. Will Ferrell movies always get thumbs-up, and largely it’s a rabbit hole where Siskel and Ebert would be proud!