After studying at different Canadian universities, Ryan Peters, Josh Gladstone and Daniel Draper are reuniting to perform old favourites at an acoustic show. To call Sunday night a reunion would be an understatement because some of their high school friends haven’t seen each other in over four years. The low-key concert (promoted through a Facebook event) will offer a chance for Familiar Strangers’ fans to reconnect over drinks at an uptown bar in Toronto.
In honour of #FlashbackFriday, here are some exclusive insights about Familiar Strangers’ music and the band’s aspirations. Consider this a commercial-free digital spin-off of E! True Hollywood Story and enjoy.
Ryan (piano and vocals) plans to become a teacher, so he’s studying education at U of T and Daniel (guitar) is travelling for eight months before moving to Calgary for a consulting job. Meanwhile, Josh (guitar, cello, recorder and oboe) is a Project Specialist in Bell’s rotational program for new graduates.
Ryan Peters (2011)
Daniel Draper (2011)
Daniel Draper & Josh Gladstone (2006)
Growing up, they enjoyed playing music at summer camp. “We wrote a couple Familiar Strangers songs by the campfire,” explains Josh. Likewise, Daniel’s counsellors influenced his taste in music and they introduced him to some of the tracks he plays on repeat today.
In high school, they liked listening to Billy Joel, Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer. Back in the day, Daniel sent Ryan music via MSN Messenger, but now that’s merely something they’re nostalgic about. Ryan mainly listens to Top 40 and show tunes, “as nerdy as that makes me.” Josh discovers new music through streaming apps like 8tracks, as well as satellite radio. If you subscribe to SiriusXM, Josh recommends listening to The Pulse and The Blend. He’s also a huge fan of Mumford and Sons. “Opening for Mumford and Sons in front of a big crowd at the Molson Amphitheatre is the dream.”
If their dreams come true, then Familiar Strangers’ music will be featured on primetime TV. Ryan believes their “music would take any HBO show to the next level.” If a Game of Thrones producer includes their music in an upcoming episode, “it would be the greatest thing ever,” adds Josh.
Familiar Strangers: Daniel Draper, Ryan Peters & Josh Gladstone (2014)
Familiar Strangers’ music can be described as catchy, poppy and thoughtful. “We always think about how our words will come across,” shares Daniel. “The way we perform live is very intentional.”
According to Ryan, the band’s name represents “the characters you see on an everyday basis like a traffic cop, bank teller or bus driver – the familiar strangers who you encounter…” They all agree that future album art should have a montage of faces. More specifically, Daniel would like to see the design include cityscapes and nature. “It would be great to have a shot of fifty people together on a bus who all have their headphones on.”
As far as the band’s legacy is concerned, they want to be known for creating a strong sense of community among fans. “I want people to think back and remember us as that high school band that brought a lot of people together,” says Ryan.
If the Familiar Strangers release new music in the near future, you can bet Josh will be their ringleader. “As we get older, I’ve realized that time is one of those precious things we don’t have much of, but I would love to make music with these guys again.”
This is Part 1 of Hot On The Street’s Behind The Band interview with Familiar Strangers.