Walk Off the Earth March to Their Own Beat
The Canadian Expat Talks to Marshall from WOTE About Becoming Famous & Touring the World
Have you ever wanted to watch someone play the song “Rude” by Magic on a guitar bigger than he is? Or hear a cover of Adele’s “Hello” played using a surfboard, trouser zips, plastic tubes and a tap solo? If so, there is a Youtube channel you should be following.
Walk Off the Earth are a Canadian band who have rocketed to international fame with their unexpected and quirky covers. From filming low budget homemade videos to signing a record deal and touring the world, their journey is a fascinating one.
Although many videos feature guest appearances from other musicians, the core members of the band are Ryan Marshall, Sarah Blackwood, Gianni Luminati, Mike Taylor and Joel Cassady. They grew up in the same town together and all played in different bands over the years, until they eventually started working together. Originating in Burlington, Ontario, the five piece ensemble are known for goose-bump-inducing vocal harmonies and their creative ways of making a beat.
In one of their recent videos they cover "Shape of you” by Ed Sheeran with drainage pipes, children's toys and some cereal in a Tupperware container. (Keep watching the video for something awesome at the 3:05 mark).