Self-discovery a major theme in The Balconies' concept album

Many people may recall a time when concept albums were abundant.

In such releases, stories would unfold over several tracks and one song would segue perfectly into the next.

It's all about the ups and downs of being an artist.- Jacquie Neville

But as people's listening habits have changed, such musical undertakings are not so common.

Now, a Canadian indie rock band, The Balconies, have released a concept album called Rhonda.

It explores a myriad of musical and thematic material about its fictional heroine title character.

It's a story of hope, self-discovery and the struggle for authenticity.

Jacquie Neville and Liam Jaeger are members of the band.

"I get to recount our experiences as musicians," Neville explained in an interview with CBC Radio's Saskatchewan Weekend host Shauna Powers. "We have been through so much since the band has started — touring the world, creating multiple albums — it's all about the ups and downs of being an artist."

She said Rhonda is the manifestation of all they have experienced, but not an autobiographical album.

Jaeger added that Rhonda is not a literal interpretation of their lives, noting they "take some liberties and make it a little bit more fun".

Neville said creating the album was a very cathartic exercise. She said she has been especially moved by how audiences are reacting to the songs.

"Just hearing their own truth, finding their own meaning in the songs is really what excites me most," she said.

Entire album is a journey

Jaeger said it is an interesting time to be making a concept album, considering how many music providers focus on single tracks.

"I think there is a sort of duality going on right now with some people into just listening to one artist at a time and then other people [who] are getting back into listening to entire records — and that's who we're trying to reach with this one," he said. "We really wanted to come from a place that's bit more of a classic album approach. We want to have 10 good tracks that lead into each other and that creates phrasing throughout the entire record."

He said he hopes listeners will feel they have been on a journey, after listening to the album.

The Balconies have two stops in Saskatchewan on their current tour promoting Rhonda:

• Nov. 25 in Regina at The Artful Dodger.
• Dec. 10 in Saskatoon at Amigo's Cantina.