De Roover's Windows and Doors “houses” eclectic talent
Believe it or not, the normal-looking case flips, folds and slides into a little 3D house.
This creative marketing method is more than a fun coffee table ornament. It's also full of meaning.
The album, Windows and Doors, is about choices, said De Roover. These choices are symbolized by the sides of the house — a door which is all about “realistic” decisions, and a window surrounded by brambles pushing through the house boards representing more “idealistic…creative” choices, he explained.
De Roover, who was born in Thunder Bay then raised in Africa, Asia and South America, had been struggling with his own choices before the CD was developed. He was deciding between pursuing a master's degree or focusing on music full-time.
He was eventually offered funding for the degree, which also helped produce the album.
That time of transition, change and choice is reflected throughout his album with its packaging as well as the contents — he has the “ordinary” and expected CD, along with the more creative DVD option — and throughout the music.
“There's always a choice. Lyrically the tracks mention the decision to go in either direction,” said De Roover.
In addition to being influenced by life's crossroads, his diverse upbringing is also much like his music — eclectic and unexpected.
“Radio wasn't what you hear over here,” he said. “I cannot list or play a Rolling Stones song. Everyone knows the Tragically Hip but you don't get the Tragically Hip in Africa.”
“Out of touch with popular culture,” he explained about himself, adding that it's rare he “gets influence from the hottest acts.”
The self-managed De Roover prefers to do things on his own music-wise — which means not sticking to one direction. His album features straightforward radio-friendly pop, like “Fix,” experimental and dark tracks, heavy metal and even ends with some acapella.
