"SKOOKUM is a riff-rock PARTY! Hilarious anecdotes are regaled with engaging songs delivered by strong vocals, solid grooves, and a wall of sound that brings an audience to its feet!"

In the beginning there was a catastrophic boom … and, without the use of an epidural, SKOOKUM was born.

Out of the depths of a deep forested bush lumbered this monstrous behemoth of rawk! It had a thunderous bottom end and the animals gathered ‘round to hear its driving beats and infectious rhythms. This indescribable beast could only be known as SKOOKUM!

This was NO serious matter though, as the dreaded SKOOKUM would take to heavy fits of laughter, nocturnal musings and doses of a strange forest tea brewed from alder berries and rootmarm. Yet, you could always be sure that as it reared its big hairy head, you would be raising your fist to the air in an all out heavy rawkin’ salute. An awesome creature . . . SKOOKUM sounds like no other!

Oh yeah... and there’s these four guys who like to play infectious riff heavy rock. So, in the end… There's no denying it… they’re big and they rawk, they sound SKOOKUM!

CoryVan - Lead guitar/Lead Vocals
Audie - Bass guitar/backing vocals
Storm – Drums/backing vocals
Shiny - Guitar/vocals

The Southern Urge was born on Vancouver Island in a basement near the University of Victoria in early summer, 2005. Three local musicians were at their campus pub having beers and checking out the open mic players. They were already in a band known around Victoria but “creative differences” in the band had led to their search for a new singer. There they found Ryan Evans and asked him to come out to front the band. After a few practices in the basement they hit the bars at UVIC and in downtown Victoria. The story continues to unfold today…

The Southern Urge is Ryan Evans (vocals/guitar), Tony Garossino (lead guitar), Jonny Milstein (bass/congas/clave/harmonica/backup vocals), and Cameron Duron (drums).

Ryan, who was living in Halifax, had been frequenting the L.A. scene meeting with producer and friend Sheila E after she had taken notice of his songwrting skill a few years previous. During the summer in B.C., and after a couple of rehearsals with the Southern Urge, it was undeniable that there was a definite chemistry between the friends who embraced his songwriting; the L.A. scene would just have to wait.

With the speed of Jimmy Page and the originality of Trey Anastasio, Tony was able to add energy to the solid progressions penned by Ryan. Cam’s drumming style, reminiscent of Jazz-Fusion masters like Carter Beauford, Dennis Chambers, and Steve Gadd, is a rhythmic extension of Ryan’s aggressive acoustic playing. Add solid bass grooves locked to the beat by Jonny and you have an original song by The Southern Urge.

The band’s first EP entitled “…until it hurts” was recorded over one night at Vancouver’s Art Institute, and is scheduled for release this summer. The disc includes the songs, “I am a rolling wind”, “Gimme all your love”, “See you move”, “Better time”, and “Been around”.

All of the songs offer a diverse range of sounds, which is representative of the diversity in the group. From a rocker out of Halifax, to a guitar wizard from Texas, to a drumming inferno from Toronto, to a killer bass player from Vancouver – They all come together to produce something very special.

The band has had extensive experience in Victoria's live music scene. As a band with a social conscience they have headlined benefit concerts around Victoria for such organizations as: Rock for Rwanda, The Tsunami Relief Effort, Engineers Without Borders and Children of War. After securing an opening spot at Steamer’s Pub, one of the biggest and best know live music venues in the heart of downtown, the band has been a monthly headliner on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. Felicita’s, Uvic’s campus pub, has been a local home for the band. On January 21st 2006, UVic hosted it’s first ever winter SUB party. The entire Student Union Building was converted into a five-stage venue for 2,500 people. Some performers featured were Moka Only, Mobile, and The Armchair Cynics. The Southern Urge was given the longest time slot that night, playing for three full hours and ending the night for a sold out crowd.

Individual members have different amounts of recording experience. Ryan has recorded his own demo as a solo artist, working with session players and recording his own compositions. Jonny has had experience recording with two previous bands, as well as many other small session projects. Tony is familiar with home recording, and cam’s first major experience was the current EP.

Upcoming shows: April 11 – Darcy’s pub (Victoria)

Additional info/songs/pics: visit www.ryanevansmusic.com

•  Hard rock. Great Hook.
•  Great lyrics
•  Great song - mediocre recording

I was born in Weirton, WV (that's right, I'm a country boy) but I spent a good portion of my life everywhere else. The first three years are an unknown blur of moving, as my father was in the Marine Corp. The furthest back memory I can remember is in North Carolina. Spending twelve years of my life in NC, I grew up with a slight southern influence; but because of living right near a military base, the influences of my life are quite varying. I grew up with a relatively normal life, though often being the "weird" kid of the class, I found myself without friends until my later elementary years. Because of the solitude, I spent a good amount of my time writing, starting with poetry. Moving on to stories later on, and then finally to songs.

Song writing did not begin until a year before the faithful move that has done well to change the course of my life. With a slight depression following my mind after the move from my long time home of Jacksonville, NC to Bridgeport, WV; I was forcing myself away from people. It was an experience that will stay with me as long as I will live. Being a major influence in song-writing to this day, I often find myself going back to recluse, despite all of the wonderful friends I have made.

Now, at the age of 18, I find myself simply trying to live the life of a musician; while juggling the idea of remaining a high-school student. I am simply hoping to make a life of music, though not attempting to make some amazing impact on the world. With all of my life's experiences in mind, I pray that I'll soon find that sound that I've been searching for, for over three years now.

Hello, Lovies, and welcome!

I'm a nutty musician who somehow got herself known in the European metal scene, even though I'm not really a super-mega-metal-diva girl. But that's not a secret. Not one I'm keeping, anyway!

You might know me from the various work I've done with other bands, but you might be surprised at what else I have to offer and I invite you to look around, have a listen and let me know what you think!

OK, now on to the more serious, official stuff. Enjoy!

xx
Amanda

Singer-songwriter with a razorblade edge.

In a business where image often overshadows substance, Amanda Somerville gives the industry CPR with a breath of sincerity through music that is so real, it's goosebump-inducing. The windows to this songwriter's soul are her songs, which are ambient and groovy, yet extremely radio-friendly. Combining heart and soul with hit songwriting, you're bound to be moved.

Since 2000, Amanda has resided and worked mainly in Germany and the Netherlands . In that time, she has independently sold over 7,000 CDs of her solo work and gained thousands of fans all over the world. She is currently engaged in both studio and live work in Europe and is exploring options for her latest solo album, "Windows."

Discography

Solo:
-In the Beginning there was... (Debut Album, 2000)
-Blue Nothing (EP, 2000)
-Never Alone (EP, 2003) sold approx. 5,000 copies in Germany .
-Aina: Days of Rising Doom (2003) - wrote concept and all lyrics, co-wrote music, worked as vocalist, vocal coach. Sold approx. 40,000 copies and garnered many new fans world-wide. Included several famous guest musicians such as Glenn Hughes, Sass Jordan, T.M. Stevens.
-Windows (release date unspecified) new solo album currently being finished

Other bands & projects:
-HDK - System Overload (due in 2008); co-writer, vocalist, co-producer, engineer
-Avantasia - The Scarecrow (due in 2007); vocalist
-Andre Matos - Time To Be Free (due in 2007); worked as vocalist, engineer
-Epica - The Phantom Agony (2003), We Will Take You With Us (2004), Consign To Oblivion (2005), The Road to Paradiso (due in 2007), The Divine Conspiracy (due in 2007); worked as vocal coach, vocalist, co-writer, engineer, producer
-After Forever - Invisible Circles (2004), Remagine (2005); worked as lyric editor, co-writer, vocal coach, vocalist, producer; After Forever (2007); worked as lyric editor and vocalist.
-Asrai - Touch in the Dark (2004): worked as lyrical editor; Pearls In Dirt (due in 2007); worked as songwriter, vocalist
-Ebony Ark - Decoder (2006); worked as vocalist, producer
-Kamelot - Black Halo (2005), Ghost Opera (2007); worked as vocalist, lyrical editor
-Phaeno Science Center (2005); commissioned to write and perform song about and for the grand opening of science center by Zaha Hadid, Frank Oppenheimer and Joe Ansel
-Boehringer Ingelheim (2005); commissioned to write 2 jingles for new swine vaccine:)
-Edguy - Hellfire Club (2003), Rocket Ride (2005); worked as vocalist, lyrical editor
-Shaman - Ritual (2002), Reason (2005); worked as vocalist, lyrical editor
-Mob Rules - Hallowed Be Thy Name (2002), Ethnolution A.D. (2006); worked as vocalist
-Luca Turilli (Rhapsody) - Prophet of the Last Eclipse (2002); worked as vocalist
-Virgo - Virgo (2001); worked as vocalist, lyrical editor
-Various other bands (Felony, Reverend Right Time and the First Cousins of Funk, Lunatica, Brainstorm, etc.)

• great song
•  Amazingly powerful
•  Haunting, yet sincere

Welcome! Grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and have a browse through her pages.

Carmen has been hard at work promoting, recording, rehearsing, booking and performing over the past few years. After so much hard work and due to a growing fanbase, she has decided to get some help from Marketing/Promotions Manager, Melanie Tromp.

In 2005 she wrapped recording her latest EP with Producer, John Webster (Tom Cochrane, David Bowie, Cher, Aerosmith). The EP is now available to buy (see the MUSIC page of this site). Listen to clips in the new music player above or use the play button beside track titles on the music page. Feel free to drop Carmen a line to let her know which tune is your favorite! Music from the Ep was showcased on BFBS Radio in the UK this week! Click link to listen (Carmen comes in at 12:22).

She is currently completing the full length album with Producer Hayden Cyr. She chose to work with Hayden because she fell in love with his song Breath on My Hand and felt he would understand the direction she was planning to take with the newest tracks.

You can help support Carmen's work directly by ordering in advance a copy of the upcoming album "WINDOW SEAT" at www.carmenhillary.com!! Every 8th person to order will receive a full refund!!! (CD will include the three songs found here on MySpace!)
$15.99 Canadian (all shipping/handling & taxes included)
All currencies accepted
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Echeck, PayPal (you don't have to become a PayPal member to order)

Carmen's music will be appearing in two movies which are slated to come out within the year. One is an action movie and the other a romantic comedy. More information to come...

Watch for Carmen's next co-writing project with Singer/Songwriter/Actress, Anet Ducharme. Anet is known for writing chart topping songs like "Sinking Like a Sunset" - performed by Tom Cochrane and writing for Artists such as Amanda Marshall and Larry Gowan.

•  Great potential
•  This rocks
•  Yummy...