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Kevin Laing grew up in Kincardine and is now part of an Indie Rock Band, The Besnard Lakes, which has been nominated for the Polaris Award for the best album in Canada.

"I've been the drummer in the band since 2004," says Laing. "The other members are husband-and-wife Olga Goreas and Jace Lasek, and guitarist Richard White."

Laing took music at Kincardine District Secondary School and had some great local mentors - Ian Burbidge and Craig Calhoun. But from there, he was basically self-taught, learning to play by practising and playing with the band.

The Besnard Lakes music is put together from many influences, such as 1970s rock, Brit pop, as well as many others, says Laing. "We are very loud."

The band has had an exceptional year, touring North America and Europe, including a stop in St. Malo, France, opening for the Smashing Pumpkins, and playing to 100 people in Italy on a beach, as well as an appearance on the Jimmy Fallon Show on March 25.

"We have a performance on Oct. 23 at London Music Hall, in London, Ontario," says Laing, "and we plan to finish the year in China which is exciting for us."

The Polaris Award is for the best album in Canada, based on a vote by a jury made up of people in music media, says Laing. The award will be presented Sept. 20 and broadcast Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. on MuchMusic.

Laing, 35, son of Eric and June Laing of Kincardine, now lives in Montreal. His brother, Ian, is also a musician.

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Saturday, September 18, 2010