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
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