Keeping to the freestyling Social Code

First they broke the mold with their upbeat alt rock pop punk music. Now Social Code has been handpicked from scores of other Canadian bands to go on tour with FSX: International Freestyle Snowcross Fire and Ice World Tour. They hit the stage at CN Centre on Nov. 1. Travis Nesbitt, the group’s lead vocalist and founding member, told the Free Press Thursday they’re totally pumped about their new album Rock ‘N’ Roll and “over the top” about their eight-city tour.
“This show is going to be very different for us,” he said. “It will be exciting on stage with snowmobiles flying all around us. They’ll be doing big aerial flips and jumps, the whole works – and we’re playing on a stage that’s right in the middle of all that so while we’re playing there’s actually sleds jumping all over the place. A little nerve-wracking as well – (he laughs), I’m not going to lie to you.”
Just into the band’s first rehearsals in Alberta, Nesbitt says he’s seen the pros perform and is very impressed. “They definitely know what they’re doing. It’s different. That’s the thing that attracted us to this. These guys are real pros who’ve been doing these shows for 11 years. To incorporate a band into it is a new thing for them… We’ll see. Our first show is in Medicine Hat tomorrow (Oct. 9) so I’ll let you know.”
Nesbitt is referring to the show’s climax where Social Code performs their top singles in a choreographed rock concert while freestyle pro riders perform back flips and other freestyle tricks above the centre stage. How were they chosen?
“The FSX people approached our agent and other agents, lots of agents put their bands out there. When they were making their final decision they came to watch us play – we were playing Virgin Fest in Calgary. After the show, (the producer) came up to me and said, ‘you guys would be perfect for this.’ So it kind of happened the old fashioned way.”
Social Code’s line-up is Nesbitt, Logan Jacobs on bass, Morgan Gies on guitar and Ben Shillabber on drums (they’ve added a fifth, Steve Faulkner on rhythm guitar.) The band has released a new sound and refocus with Rock ‘n’ Roll released Sept. 1 and have kept busy touring with it. As well, they toured with Buckcherry last summer.
“The record is a real big turning point for our band,” Nesbitt said. “It was all about our four guys having a good time and writing music…and everybody getting on the same path, on the same track. We went back to why we got started as a band, why we do this … and our love for rock and roll. We’re the most proud of this (album) over anything we’ve done in our lives. It’s just come out and already is a success – but it’s not even about selling records – it’s brought the band together.”
The CN Centre show starts with a meet and greet where people with tickets can meet the pro athletes and band members of Social Code. At 7:30 p.m. the show kicks off with a hardcore knockout competition between the top riders who will fight for tour points to become the first World Champion of the FSX Fire and Ice World Tour. The choreographed rock concert features the explosive sounds of breakout band Social Code performing their top songs. Tickets for the FSX: International Freestyle Snowcross Fire and Ice World Tour are available at all Ticketmaster locations and CN Centre box office.