The Strumbellas chat with SWOMP prior to headlining set at Revelree 2025

Lindsay, Ontario indie rockers The Strumbellas headlined the second night of the Revelree Music Festival in Sarnia, Ontario on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Prior to their set, Jon Hembrey (guitar) and Isabel Ritchie (violin) caught up with SWOMP backstage for an interview.

Ever since forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album, 2012’s My Father and the Hunter, two-time JUNO award-winning alternative group The Strumbellas have steadily released follow-ups containing every ounce of stomping, hand-clapping, alt-country gusto, from 2013's We Still Move on Dance Floors to 2016's Hopeto 2019's Rattlesnake.

Now with Jimmy Chauveau on board as lead vocalist, The Strumbellas continue their long-standing tradition of blending anthemic, brightly coloured compositions with yearning, contemplative lyrics.

“I think people often feel like things are escaping them, or they're trying to grab on to something —happiness, gratitude, professional or personal goals —and for some reason, they just can't get there,” says David Ritter, who handles piano, organ, percussion, and vocals. “Even if they get the thing they want, it doesn't feel the way they thought it would.”

Follow the band at https://thestrumbellas.ca/.