Up-and-coming band Imaginary Cities are proving that Canada has more to offer than just maple syrup and Mounties. Sultry-voiced Marti Sarbit leads the indie band, supported by Rusty Matyas on guitar and vocals, Zack Antel on keyboard, David Landreth on bass and Ryan Voth rocking out the drums. The band’s debut album, Temporary Resident, caught worldwide attention and won the Western Canada Music Award for Best Pop Album of the Year.

Having gotten their start using Campus Radio in Canada, Sarbit has learned to appreciate radio, technology and U.S. media. Although they are influenced by American media, she believes that their success is partly thanks to their healthy level of self-confidence before tackling the U.S. music industry. “I think we’ve run an interesting route because we made a name for ourselves here before even trying in the U.S.,” explains Sarbit. “But I think that already having our own sense of identity in Canada probably helped us get to, what seems like, the next level. I do notice that there are some people in the U.S. that listen to Canadian radio stations, which is interesting. And that blows my mind.”

The come-hither allure of Sarbit’s voice has sparked comparisons between Imaginary Cities and artists like Amy Winehouse and Norah Jones. “I can’t tell them that they’re wrong, because it’s their own opinion and perception of us. But, I guess there have been some odd ones that have made me cock my head to the side and wonder where it came from. But for the most part, it’s usually a compliment because it’s someone that they like. And you can’t really go wrong with that,” she confesses.

With their new album, Fall of Romance, finally released as of May, this Canadian pop band is playing on their ethereal quality and stretching the definition of what it means to be "pop." Although the feedback so far has been positive, the band is reserving judgment for the time being. “It’s still in the beginning stages, so hopefully by the end of the summer we’ll know how people took to it.”

With a summer tour full of festivals and shows, Imaginary Cities are building up an international following. With so many positive reviews and adoring fans, Sarbit isn’t worried about the fame going to the band’s head.

“This is our job, so it’s like anybody goes about their job. Some days are really awesome and some days you don’t have anything to do. And we’re not super famous either,” she laughs, “So we’re in a nice spot.”