The Clearing

Independent acoustic-rock band, The Clearing, have been keeping busy this past year, and have an even busier year ahead of them. They credit their successful formula to rolling with the unpredictable nature of their chosen path.

In the years following their 2010 release of their debut EP, Comfort In A Sound, The Clearing have been sharing their energetic brand of pop-rock to an unusually diverse audience. From playing at tiny pubs to opening slots at dance festivals, rock shows, house parties, weddings, conferences and radio stations, the Toronto-based minstrels are becoming known for their adaptibility. The only predictable thing about being a musician is that you can never predict whats around the next corner, says singer Stephan LaCasse. Were always seeking out new audiences from different scenes.

LaCasse along with guitarist Eric Boucher and bass-player and percussionist, Jay Starr, all played in separate, touring, hard-rock and punk bands for years. The Clearing started as an innocent, acoustic side-project; a way for them to simply play their own music without the hassle of a trailer-full of heavy gear, banners and merch. We started out playing the open-mic nights at the corner pub with a couple acoustic guitars. Boucher claims. Sometimes wed take the streetcar to our own shows, it was awesome. Just show up and play!

Boucher and Starr originally hail from the small east-coast town of Bathurst, NB. LaCasse moved from the small city of Vernon, BC. All three musicians came to Ontario with the same purpose: To play music and enjoy the ride, wherever it takes them.

This past winter, The Clearing has been wrapping up production on their next release, Right Here at Home, a full-band, full-production EP they recorded at Torontos famous Iguana Studios with producer Vic Branco. Vic took simple acoustic songs and showed us that they could be fully-produced hits. Starr explains. 

The gentle ballad Isnt It Love from the upcoming release is currently available for free download on their website. The next single out of the gate is a pop-rock song called Hold On Tight, about a couple leaving Earth for a new life. Sorta like what we have planned for this year LaCasse jokes. The Clearings positive spirit and dedication is sure take them on an interesting path. Hold on tight!