1) Yonder has been signed to Toronto label Sparks Music. It will re-release Skywalk to Crescent Town early in the new year.

2) During the recording of Skywalk in 2006, other musicians, besides the initial five, were brought in to fill out the sound; and that larger band played at gigs throughout 2008 after the album’s original release. Now, however, the band has been pared back down to five members. This has caused some more changes…including a name change. According to Zach…

Since we have made the decision to stick to a smaller group of 5, our sound has changed a bit. We made the decision to change the name. Yonder is the name of at least three other bands in the world so we’re just asking for legal troubles with that one. I’ve also found that it’s pigeonholed us as a country band. Although we do have a strong country influence, I wouldn’t want to limit our sound. We have decided on Tin Star Orphans. I made up the name. See, Gold Star Orphans are real. They are children who lost a parent who went off to war. So, Tin Star Orphans would be like children who’s dads [were] a sheriff or deputy who were killed by outlaws!

The band’s final gig as Yonder will take place on Saturday at the Rivoli. (See sidebar.)

UPDATE (12/4): This week’s NOW Toronto has a short bit about all this, too.

“Definitely a group of city slickers to keep your eye on…”

Meanwhile, Season 1 of The Border will be available this November October 31, and is up for pre-order now at Amazon Canada. (Zach guest starred in the episode “Civil Disobedience”.)

Check out the chart for yourself! (For posterity, here’s a screengrab.)

The actor admits he was nervous about his first death scene, which had him lying moribund on a shelf in a real morgue. “The smell was unbelievable, its the first thing that hits you when you come near the morgue itself,” Bennett says. Despite the potency of the odour, he says his surroundings inspired a sort of eery calm.

“I found it oddly peaceful to be in there with a lot of death,” Benett says. “It wasn’t scary in any way - it was very very cold and stinky but also it really put life into perspective.”

Homecoming is going to screen at this year’s Worldwide Short Film Festival in Toronto, as part of the Father’s Day selection, on June 12 (9:15 pm, Cumberland Cinema 4) and on Father’s Day itself (June 15 at 4 pm, also at Cumberland Cinema 4). The festival itself runs June 10-15.

Interview: Felix King goes six feet under

(Hat-tip to Christopher for sending me the link.)

More information on Everest

1) Skywalk to Crescent Town was NOT recorded in Havelock, ON; it was recorded at Chemical Sound in Toronto. Their three-track demo EP Jesus Freaks, on the other hand, was recorded in Havelock; and “Let You Down” was not one of the tracks on the EP.

2) Grant called the track “Lay You Down”. The title is “LET You Down”. (The on-site playlist shows the correct title. It’s accessible on the Radio 3 website by clicking on “Podcasts/Shows” and then selecting “Read More” under “The CBC Radio 3 Podcast”. After this week, select “#151 - Winnersleep” from the large drop-down menu.)

All the same, congratulations, everyone!