Raleigh is one of those rare bands that infuses classical elements into their music while maintaining a modern or even futuristic sound. The band – made up of Clea Anaïs (vocals, cello, keys), Brock Geiger (vocals, guitar and bass) and Matt Doherty (drums) – is from Calgary, Alberta and released their first full-length album last summer. It obviously won over critics and fans alike, because since then, the band has been on the go, touring and playing in venues big and small.

Geiger had time to talk to me over the phone on November 16:

How would you describe your sound?
"I like the way other people have described it: 'quirky, ornate, folkpop,' and sometimes even 'orchestral' because of the cello and the string loops we do. I think the more adjectives that you can fit in, the better."

With the release of your first full-length album this past summer, can you describe what it was like playing shows at the venues like Calgary Folk Festival and Sled Island Music Fest?
"It was definitely nice to play some of those bigger-scale festivals. You know, they are the real deal and you get treated really well. It was also nice to reach a demographic that isn't your typical club scene, which is usually what we are normally doing. It was a real treat for sure."

What did you learn the most from touring?
"Well, the three of us have all been in other bands and playing in bands now for a long time, so it wasn't our first time on the road. But I think it's really important to try to enjoy every trip out. Don't treat a show like it's more important than another and give the people who came out to the show – whether it's 300 people or 20 – a good show. I think that's what we have learned from touring so far."

You can catch Raleigh live in London, on December 2 at APK Live. For more information on the band and to hear some of the tracks off their recent album, visit raleigh.bandcamp.com.