Juno nominees are hitting Newfoundland and Labrador this Spring. The tour, which includes guests Karate Kactus, Levi Rowan and is hosted by DJJO of the JO Zone on OZFM, includes stops at Clarenville’s Events Centre on May 2nd, the Arts and Culture Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor on May 4th, Hotel Ballroom in Marystown on May 7th, and Arts and Culture Centre Dates in Gander (May 8), Corner Brook (May 9) and Stephenville (May 10).
Neon Dreams spent their first few years pushing boundaries and experimenting with different musical styles, with which they achieved tremendous success. Despite racking up over 20 million streams, a gold record and accumulating an ever-growing fan base, something was missing.
“Even with the kindness I’ve gotten from so many people, there was a part of me that felt like I never really had a voice for myself until about a year ago,” admits frontman Frank Kadillac.
Neon Dreams needed to make a change, so Kadillac headed to a healing retreat in Sedona, Arizona, where he was encouraged to open up about his troubled childhood. “It was the most painful thing ever.”
But the experience made Kadillac realize the power he holds as a songwriter, one who has reached millions of listeners. “I always think, ‘What does the world need? Will this help someone get through the day? Will this make them feel better?’”
The duo’s debut album, Sweet Dreams till Sunbeams, finds Kadillac and drummer Adrian Morris tweaking their sound to accommodate their newfound musical perspective. While their signature brand of energetic pop hasn’t dwindled, Kadillac’s lyrics have taken centre stage across the LP’s eight songs.
Featuring the singles “High School Dropout,” an uplifting EDM-pop anthem detailing Kadillac’s struggle through High School, and “About You,” a true song of the summer candidate, the album embarks on a journey to deliver a set that heals, empowers and motivates the listener.
From the inspirational opener, “Life Without Fantasies,” through to the cathartic closure of the title track, Sweet Dreams till Sunbeams establishes a vibe that more than anything defines this second chapter of Neon Dreams.
“A well-told story, a beautiful melody and some emotional chords are what we aim for” has been the Neon Dreams motto since day one, but now they’re approaching music on a much wider scale.
“I’m hoping that my personal stories can give our fans the happiness they deserve, if they are missing it,” says Kadillac. “I used to think making music was just a cool thing to do and a way to make myself feel better. But then I realized just how much it affects people’s everyday lives. This album is the start of me building a home for myself and anyone else who is looking for shelter under my relatable stories.”
Tickets are $15 early bird, $20 regular, $25 after May 1st and $30 on the day of the show and are available the respective box offices or online at neondreams.ca beginning tomorrow Friday February 28th!