Other bands who have played out in Banff
| On Project Opus since: | March 7, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Spygirl plays lush, melodic, elegant, and dark pop/rock. If Spygirl were a martini, they’d be equal parts sonic assault, naked duets and lush harmonies with a dash of drum & bass, and garnished with a twist of Canadiana - shaken vigorously, of course. If Spygirl were an outfit, you’d look geek-slick, full in all the right places and your ass would look hot. Spygirl recently completed their second full-length album, pieces of evidence, slated for national release March 2008. Spygirl was overjoyed to work once again with favourite musical wizard Tom Rothrock, who mixed a few songs on their 2000 self-titled debut. This time he came on board as Producer in full. Mr. Rothrock (who has also created records with some of popular music’s great recent innovators such as Beck, Elliott Smith, Elbow, Sloan, Badly Drawn Boy and James Blunt) helped the band create a spontaneous, relaxed and raw recording, due in part to his laid back mix of confidence, spontaneity, knowledge and love of music, and in part to recording much of the album live off the floor. The result is a group of songs that belong together, sharing a landscape that is lush, melodic, elegant and dark. This is the band’s 12th year. The Vancouver-based 6 piece group was born out of a musical bond between founders Koralee Tonack (lead vocals, guitar) and Jane Gowan (trumpet, keyboards). The two initially formed Time Waits - the acoustically charming mother of today’s luscious pop child. The group included Jon Roper (guitar), performing mostly original songs written by Gowan. Several recordings were released on cassette. Now those are hidden away in boxes...somewhere. Eventually James Ong (keyboards) and Eduardo Ottoni (drums) joined, and with a fuller sound developing, the band released their debut CD entitled This Thin Disguise. A collective desire to streamline the sound resulted in a less acoustic, more pop/rock sound. The viola da gamba and accordion, previously played by Ong and Gowan respectively, were abandoned in favour of keyboards, fender rhodes and trumpet. By this time other band members had begun contributing to the songwriting, creating excitement and freshness. As the direction of the music changed, so did the name, and the band’s self-titled debut (informally known as The Yellow Album) was recorded just as the transformation to Spygirl took place. The disc was nominated for a West Coast Music Award and also gained much positive media attention. In 2005 Al MacInnes (bass) joined the band to add substance to the style. Now with a full line-up to carry the tunes, Spygirl released a 5-song EP as a precursor to the full-length album in August, 2005. The songs on this disc are homages to the band’s constant quest for the perfect pop epic. All the tracks from this disc were re-recorded on pieces of evidence. Spygirl has toured in Canada and the UK, and plans to be out on the road again in early 2008 to support the new album. |
| Albums: | The Yellow Album,Pieces of Evidence,5 New Songs |
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| On Project Opus since: | March 9, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | photo by - Darlene Murray Melody Park originaly formed October 2004 in Terrace, BC, Canada. The group began recording in Terrace and later moved the project to Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver the summer of 2005. Once production was complete Melody Park released their debut CD "Playground of Sound" in January 2006. After a brief tour of northwest British Columbia, supported by Standard Radio "The Mix 590", the drummer and bass player left the group. The remaining members Christa (Melody) Klukas, Brian Condie and Rossano Valmonte moved the main base of operations to Calgary, AB, Canada in August after searching many markets in Canada for players. Melody Park emerged performing in the Calgary scene June of 2007 with bass player Randy Burton, while new drummer Greg Collins joined the band in February 2008. The band decided to diversify their business and incorporate a cover show based on artists the group sounds like to use it as a vehicle to showcase their original music. That decision has made Melody Park one of the most popular bands in the region, keeping them booked and working full-time. Performing the cover show has enabled Melody Park to expose and market their own music every night in clubs that don't book aspiring original bands. With people cheering and dancing to their songs everywhere they play, Melody Park is eager to take the show on tour in Canada and other International markets in 2008. Every audience is a chance to make new fans of the "Playground of Sound" and Melody Park. In 2007 Melody Park accomplished releasing their debut video for the single "Hello", track 1 from the "Playground of Sound" CD. The video's release had been delayed and somewhat bitter sweet as only 3 members remained since filming the production. However, the feedback and response to the video has been a welcome and learning experience which the group plans to utilize in a new video production sometime in 2008. Achievements - independant release 11 song CD "Playground of Sound" 2006 This is Melody Park |
| Albums: | Playground of Sound |
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| On Project Opus since: | June 5, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Ryan McMahon grew up in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where he began playing in local bars on Vancouver Island at the age of 17, under the moniker “Citizen Strange.” There, he befriended several promoters that allowed him opening support slots for bands coming through town such as Nickelback and Wide Mouth Mason, allowing him the opportunity to hone his craft alongside those already established. In 2003, Ryan moved to Vancouver and began playing with two musicians who would become his best friends, Mike Rogerson (who produces all of Ryan’s material) and Dustin Young, both of whom still play guitars for him to this day. Together they formed the band, “Ryan McMahon & the Dirty Five,” along with drummer Jesse Smith and bassist Thomas Dowding, and the band toured throughout British Columbia and Alberta, but was never really afforded the opportunity to take it further. Wanting change, and a more diversified sound, Ryan, Mike, and Dustin stuck together and headed to Baker Street Studios in North Vancouver, to begin work on what would become Ryan’s first solo album, “Better Days Gone By.” They recruited several friends throughout the music industry, including Hamish Thomson (the Hermit), Jon Frederiksen (the Hermit), Doug Elliott (the Odds), Pat Steward (Bryan Adams, Matthew Good, the Odds), Jesse Smith (Jeff Johnson, the Dirty Five), Thomas Dowding (the Dirty Five), and Craig Northey (the Odds). The result? A 12-song rock n’roll roots album that showcases Ryan’s love for playing rough, honest music, which people of all walks can easily relate to. With themes ranging from infidelities (“Liar”) to the music industry itself (“Song Says So”), “Better Days Gone By” is a well-rounded honest album that will surely communicate well in both the rock and acoustic formats. Rye’s dynamic, genuine personality, combined with his unique emotional style will definitely offer fans of roots rock a true kindred spirit. For a better tomorrow, vote Ryan McMahon. Contact Information: |
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