Five Questions with Travis Alguire of Growing Fires

Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – In 2007, a group of three friends in Grade 8, Jeremy Farkas, Travis Alguire, and Bentley Roy, set out with a dream—to make music that would touch the hearts of others and share the stage with their idols. Their passion for music surpassed everything else, and they held on to this dream throughout high school. However, life took them in different directions, and their paths diverged shortly after graduation.

Over a decade later, destiny brought them back together. Fresh from his departure from Bearings, Jeremy Farkas decided it was time to forge a new musical journey. Thus, Growing Fires was born, with Travis Alguire joining him on bass guitar. Together, they entered the studio alongside Anton DeLost, producing a series of striking singles between 2018 and 2021. The world was opening its doors to them, but a crucial question loomed—who would complete their trio on drums?

Fate smiled upon them when their college friend, Nic Zevenbergen, stepped in to take the drumming seat, providing the perfect rhythm for their melodies. Yet, even with the trio formed, they couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still missing. That’s when their long-time best friend and former bandmate, Bentley Roy, returned to their lives, becoming the final piece that brought their quartet together.

Now reunited and stronger than ever, Growing Fires is set to blaze a trail through Ontario and Quebec with an incendiary tour this year. They are eager to showcase their new music, created from the collective passion and experiences that brought them back together. Growing Fires’ journey is a testament to the power of friendship, perseverance, and the flames of music that never truly die out. They are set out to tour Ontario and Quebec this year in support of new music.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – Tell us about your bandmates and what it’s like working with them.

“Jeremy is our live rig and songwriting mastermind. He takes care of our ideas musically, helps develop a vision we have with our music, and brings it to the next level; he’s the foundation of the band. Travis is the driving force behind the band; he’s the first one in, last one out kind of guy that inspires the whole band to bring their A-game when it’s time. Bentley is like our secret weapon; while he may seem like the quietest guy in the room, he’s probably the funniest member of the band, whether it’s a one-line zinger that makes the whole band laugh for hours on a road trip or shredding leads in the band he’s quite unexpected but super easy to work with. Nic is our handsome drummer and all-around good-time guy. He’s always in good spirits, so easygoing, and helps the band alleviate any stress we may have. Without his outgoing personality, it wouldn’t be the same; he helps bring the band out of our shell.” 

2 – How would you handle traveling and being away from your home for an extended period while on tour?

“We’ve done small runs, and it’s been really good. Starting small and working towards more strenuous tours will allow us to work out any kinks we could have. One thing we know not to do is let the drummer handle the keys to the van, but that’s a story for another time!”

3 – Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?

“Always watch what other musicians are doing, no matter how big or small they are. Whether it’s a live performance or social media, it pays to pay attention, as well as network within your scene. You make great friends with an open mind and welcome many greater opportunities when you do!”

4 – Describe your worst performance. What did you learn from this experience?

“The pandemic had slowly been lifting, and we got this great offer to share the stage with Gulfer and our great friends in Guest Room Status. It was a sold-out show and our first show ever as the full band. We just weren’t ready, to say the least. Looking back on it, I’d say we had to put in work to get an idea of the kind of show we wanted to present, and that all takes practice – lots of practice.”

5 – Describe your favorite venue for performing.

“Our favourite venue for performing has been La Maison in Cornwall. Before this past May, we hadn’t stepped foot on a stage in Cornwall for over ten years. We felt Ryan O’Neil, behind the board, handling lights and live sound, did an amazing job presenting us the way we always hoped to. Sharing the stage with our long-time friends in Us With Wolves was great. We can’t wait to go back!”

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Get ready for an explosive night of rock and roll at Brass Monkey in Ottawa on August 29th! The stage will be set on fire as two powerhouse bands, Supersuckers and Growing Fires, take the spotlight for an unforgettable concert experience. For more information on Growing Fires, follow them on social media.