The days of chugging beer and performing drinking songs are far from over for an Okotoks band known for partying it up, but things have become a lot more serious.

Puttin’ on the Foil signed an independent label record deal with Blackstream Records through Universal Music, which will take the three-member band across Canada and the United States on the heels of the release of its new album “Sing-a-long Drinkin’ Songs” on Feb. 19.

Lead singer and bass player Kevin Rowland, vocalist and guitarist Tim Restoule and Calgary drummer Jordan Stubbs will join hardcore punk Vancouver band D.O.A. on its week-long Alberta farewell tour starting Feb. 20.

“It’s kind of surreal,” said Rowland. “I kind of believe it, but it’s hard to comprehend.”

Rowland said it’s a dream come true opening for the band he listened to growing up.

“They are one of the first punk rock bands in the late ’70s in Canada,” he said. “They influenced a ton of musicians in Canada and the States. They sell out their shows, which have a good 400 to 500 people.”

Rowland said Puttin’ on the Foil played gigs across Alberta for years, but is ready to make a living off its sing-a-long songs.

“It’s all beer drinking party music,” he said. “There are a few f-bombs in there but not in a bad way. It’s fun stuff with a punk rock kind of feel and lots of energy.”

Their hillbilly punk and rock sound with an old school country flavour entertained fans at 152 shows across western Canada last year.

“It’s just a fun atmosphere,” he said. “We put smiles on everyone’s faces that watch us. That’s all we want to do is make people smile and dance and have fun.”

Their energy and love of partying is evident on stage. Rowland said Puttin’ on the Foil showed everyone a good time at Calgary’s Republik Nightclub on Dec. 29.

Rowland said the band’s only prop, a portable ’70s bar loaded with beer, was a huge hit.

“At first it was intimidating because the headline band rented a huge lighting rig and everything was programmed, but we went in there and kicked the crap out of (the other bands) just because we have a lot of energy,” he said. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world when you finish playing and people are waiting in line to buy T-shirts and a CD. You can’t beat that.”

For Rowland life is about having a good time and living life to the fullest.

The self-proclaimed class clown is eager to tour across Canada, the United States and even Europe.

“We’ve got to start creating some momentum here and get more exposure,” he said. “Every time I start second guessing myself I put our CD on and go, ‘Wow, this is fun.’ I just feel the energy.”

Alex Whitcombe, managing partner with Blackstream Records, said he sees a bright future for the Okotoks band.

“The guys have been making great headway of late and we expect big things from them in the coming months,” he said. “They’ve been generating a bit of a buzz.”

It’s Puttin’ on the Foil’s positive, upbeat energy which most impressed Whitcombe.

“It’s Motorhead meets the Allman Brothers kind of sound, which is pretty unique,” he said. “We really like it.”

Whitcombe said he expects their music to be big among young adults.

“The college market is really good for that type of music,” he said. “We have a lot of support from the university crowd. We’re considering a university tour.”

Whitcombe also plans to play Puttin’ on the Foil’s single “Drunk and Stupid” on college and university radio stations across Canada and the United States.

Blackstream Records, a three-year-old Canadian company with offices in Vancouver and Calgary, also signed deals with Plug in Baby of Vancouver, Calgary’s Dreams of Reason and RM 4 and are closing deals with two more Alberta bands, said Whitcombe.

“We are looking at rock bands, guys that are breaking some ground and not doing what the radio is doing,” he said. “We really rely on bands that are actively out there pursuing their own careers.”

Whitcombe said he envisions the Okotoks band headlining its own tours in the future.

Puttin’ on the Foil is performing at the Beef ‘n’ Brew Pub in High River on Feb. 15 and will host a CD release party with its new album available for purchase at Foxy’s Bar and Grill in Okotoks on Feb. 22.

“Sing-a-long Drinkin’ Songs” will be available for purchase at Foxy’s Bar and Grill John Henry’s Pub and the Starcast Dance Academy in Okotoks and on iTunes following its release.

For more information about Puttin’ on the Foil go to www.puttinonthefoil.net

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