ERIC'S TRIP INTERVIEW ARCHIVE January 29, 1996 - Moncton, New Brunswick

Interviewer(s)
Paul Cantin
Interviewee(s)
Mark Gaudet
Publisher Title Transcript
The Ottawa Sun Trip bound for separate holidays? Yes

Hot on the heels of the release of their most accomplished album to date, Moncton alternative group Eric's Trip is poised to call it quits, says drummer Mark Gaudet.

"If we break up, sorry to all the people who haven't seen us. It's kind of weird," Gaudet said.

"There actually is a good chance of it. It seems sad, because we just released a new album. It would be nice to go out and support Purple Blue, but if that isn't the case, our deepest apologies. And thanks to all the kids who supported us. They gave us one wild ride."

Gaudet expects he and guitarist Rick White will continue on with his side-project Elevator To Hell.

In their five-year career, Eric's Trip has managed to release around 20 LPs, cassettes and singles -- most recorded on low-fi equipment at the homes of various band members. The new record, Purple Blue, is their first full album recorded in a studio.

The band has endured the romantic split between White and bassist Julie Doiron, a process documented on many of the group's introspective, confessional songs. Last year, Doiron temporarily relocated to Ottawa, gave birth to a child and performed locally as Broken Girl before returning to the Eric's Trip fold.

"Every album we do is a document of what we were doing. If you put all our records together, you could piece our last five years together," explains Gaudet.

"Forever Again (released in 1994) was the break-up of Rick and Julie. Purple Blue stands for life after that. There's songs about the breakdown of communication between band members.

"There's been enough weird stuff to almost make us realize now is a good time (to split), rather than us continuing and starting to suck.

"We'd rather end off on a high point. We're starting to feel the end is nigh."

Ironically, the intra-band stress inspires their best work, he says.

"When we're going through our worst times, the best material can come out. It serves as inspiration, although it might not be happy."

© Paul Cantin, 1996