Biography
From Grandpa I got my storytelling. His visits were rare, as he and grandma lived in St. Catherines Ontario, and we lived just outside Calgary, Alberta. They spoiled all 8 of us children (according to my dad) but the biggest gift Grandpa always gave us was to tell us bedtime stories of the “olden days”.

Grandpa’s stories usually involved exciting stuff like runaway teams of horses, shooting at wolves, or somebody getting body parts torn off. His tales were filled with gestures and sound effects. He really had a way of bringing them to life. And he listened when a kid told him a story. He made you feel your stories were important.

From Mom and Dad I got music. My Dad and my other Grandpa were both musicians. Grandpa Hubele (of whom I knew very little) was a very good organ player. My dad played fiddle in his early years, touring around southern Alberta with a country dance band. He and Mom would, very occasionally, play duets on fiddle and piano when we were little kids.

I can remember waiting til my parents went out. Since I was the oldest, I often babysat my brothers and sisters. I would sneak into Dad’s fiddle case to take out the fiddle and play it. Except I was always trying to make it sound like a guitar, and I played it like one.

We moved back and forth across the country, from Ontario to Alberta and back many times as I grew up. Dad kept trading up for jobs, and I was in a new school almost every year. I became a loner and a rebel. I turned to humor to make up for my small size. I’d find the biggest kid in class, figure out how to make him laugh, and I didn’t have to worry about the rest of the bullies. It pays to have friends in high places.

I believe I had an undiagnosed hearing problem caused by a trauma (now confirmed as a severe hearing loss). I never could quite understand the lyrics on the radio which was always on in our house, so I made up my own.

My earliest memories were of crossing the big empty fields which made up the neighborhoods of my youth, singing at the top of my lungs and making up words as I went along. My mom says she could pick me out of the flocks of kids coming home from school. I’d be waving my arms and singing to myself as I walked across the prairie.

I started writing songs in a serious way when I was 21 years old. A friend, who had been showing me how to play guitar, and I went out to live on the beach on Vancouver Island at Pacific Rim Park. I was picking away when a simple line kept repeating itself in my head. I wrote it down, and in ten minutes I had a song. It seemed to open flood gates, and for the next 2 or 3 years I wrote a song or two a week. I average about a song a month now. But, they are better songs.

(over)

Biography, page 2

To write successfully, I usually have to be alone, have all my chores done and time on my hands. Words and melody most often develop at the same time. It takes from 10 minutes to 1 hour to write a song. It takes me two weeks to learn it. I like to wrap a song around a good story line. They always come from my own experiences.

I was fascinated with the blues from the get-go. I came in through the back door. J.J. Cale, then Hot Tuna. Then B.B. King, Freddy King, and Muddy Waters.

When I heard Bonnie Raitt play slide guitar, I was gone. I had to learn how to do that. I followed her trail back to Mississippi Fred McDowell. “You want rock, you gonna have to put me in a rockin’ chair. I plays the straight and natural blues.”

I also paid attention to the songwriters, my favorites being Paul Simon, Harry Nillson, Willie Dixon, and Tom Waits.

My interest in jazz developed through my association with other musicians like Calgary’s late Chuck Tracy, a gruff, funny, kind of crazy lounge musician. He introduced me to Tom Waits, Mose Allison, and Fats Waller amongst others.

As well, it became a habit to listen to the great Alberta radio station CKUA on Saturdays. Bill Coull’s Jazz Show was a fifteen year course in ‘Everything You Should Know About Jazz’.

I also have a life-long addiction to comedy movies and comic books. One of my Dad’s jobs was as a projectionist in a small town. Once a week on Saturday night the local community hall was turned into a theatre. I was very young (3 years til 7 years old) but those old black and white 16mm movies of the Marx Bros, Chaplin, and W.C. Fields remain deep in my psyche.

I think this was a great influence on my writing. Most of my songs have a little humor and a strange twist to them.

I have worked as a laborer and heavy equipment operator and truck driver since leaving the University of Calgary after 4 years of unrelated courses and wandering interests. Previous to that, I had worked at the CPR as a ticket clerk. I began working at age 14 at the steel mill where my father worked. I did not graduate from high school.

I have written songs for 32 years. Recording began for me in 1978 with the Acme Sausage Company with Holger Petersen broadcast on CKUA. Since then, I have been on countless radio and tv programs. I have recorded 6 albums of original material, and I just finished recording my demo for the 7th, and most exciting, CD - ‘Down In Davis Bay’.

•  Somewhere down the midnight cafe

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.

•  Powerful voice. Melancholic sounds.
•  Hauntingly powerful
•  honey and sugar

Emo LeBlanc is a singer/song writer who writes for the people with songs like 280 days( for truckers), Bring out the beer (heart broken guys), and Good Bye America (displaced workers from out-sourcing). Emo appreciates the simple things in life and writes about them in his songs. This is why so many people identify with Emo’s music. It doesn’t matter if you are from the South or the East Coast you are going to enjoy Emo’s show. With a firm grasp on Country, Emo’s father would always bring him along on many of his Country Music outings. Seeing such stars as Dolly Parton & Porter Wagner, Ferron Young, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Red Sovine long before any of these stars made it big. Emo was even lucky enough to see a performance by the great Ernest Tubb. With great stars carrying on the tradition of Country music in the “Roots” or “Traditional”, Emo is one of those who believes that Traditional Country Music should be preserved. Emo is getting Airplay on a regular rotation in the USA (140 stations) and in Europe (130 Stations). He remains optimistic that soon he’ll be getting Airplay in Canada. Currently, Emo is charting on indiecharts.com. He has maintained he ranking for sometime now. Emo is 7th in Americana and 37th in Country music. Emo is also charting on soundclick.com . With a 4th CD on the way, Emo is proud of the music that he has already produced but realizes that it is a learning and growth process and the music will only keep getting better. With new song such as Good Bye America. Mama was right, Man I’ve become Emo see only great thing happening in the future with this CD.

'Soulful. Unique. Amazing.'

This is how listeners describe Heidi McCurdy’s voice.

'Sultry jazz-pop with groove and an attitude.'

This is how they describe her songs.

With hip rhythms, thick harmonies, clever lyrics and an eclectic array of influences (soul, jazz, world) Heidi’s music enchants listeners, and compels them to sing along. Her song Fickle Mind won first place in the Write On ’97 songwriting contest. In May 2004, her song Placebo earned Honorable Mention with international Song of the Year. She has won numerous awards on Garageband.com including Best Female Vocals and Track of the Day.

In the early ‘90’s, Heidi co-founded the world/funk band Yellow Belly, which released an independent CD, completed two cross-Canada tours, and had several songs top the charts on MP3.com and college radio. Yellow Belly shared stages with The Bare Naked Ladies, Papa Wemba, Steele Pulse, and 54-40.

Following that project, Heidi created her own ensemble of top musicians, and has been performing funky originals, jazz standards and neo-soul favourites ever since. She has also been a featured vocalist with the Alexander Browne Orchestra and Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine, and a guest with Brickhouse, Soul Stream, Jason Mitchell and Kia Kadiri. She has performed in Europe, the U.S.A., and Canada, including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in 2005.

Audiences love Heidi for her unpretentious persona and soulful performance, her winning blend of natural talent and professional skill. Listeners everywhere are instantly transformed into long-term and loyal fans.

•  One of the best
•  Where has this girl been...
•  Poppitty pop
•  pick it up and move...
• Great Song!

Rio Bent is carving a new niche in the genre of punk rock. With powerful female vocals, intense guitars and explosive percussion Rio Bent is kicking out elegant raunch for the ages.

Winning over audiences wherever they play with a riveting ‘can’t take your eyes off them’ stage show.

They’ve appeared nation-wide on Much Music, toured from Vancouver to Montreal and shared the stage with such indie-punk greats as the Mad Caddies and the Black Halos.

Rio Bent is on the brink of releasing their debut full length CD, produced, recorded and mixed by Paul Forgues (Slayer, Hatebreed), Blair Calibaba (NoMeansNo, Propaghandhi) and Dave Rave Ogilvie (Nine Inch Nails, 54-40).

Graceful, tasteful and highly attractive,
Rio Bent is the grit and glory you’ve been waiting for.

•  the kids are alright
•  Pure Punk

With life spinning out of control on tour in the UK as "The Ryecatchers," Danny and Mark decided it was time for a change… Returning to Vancouver, Danny bumped into an old flame, Shannon, and after a few drinks she decided she would rather be in a band than a relationship with him. Danny reluctantly agreed, phoned Mark, and formed Danny Echo in the fall of 2005! Since then the Vancouver music scene has embraced the incredible vibe of Danny Echos’ rock and rollio presence. “Half the audience knows the words better than I do,” Danny said at a recent Railway club show. And even if they don’t know the songs, audiences still get into the energy and sounds of Danny Echo. With influences drawing from the greats like The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Beatles, Radiohead, Oasis, and U2, Danny Echo reverberates with all that is melodic, all that is catchy, and all that is rock and roll. As Mark observed, "it's all that it should be, damn it!! In between rockin' out around Western Canada and playing around Vancouver, a 5 song EP has been recorded and is now available for download at dannyecho.com. The full length album is currently being written and arranged, and will be out in time for Christmas - but only if you behave yourselves, you spoiled little brats!

photo by - Darlene Murray


Melody Park is a female fronted band with an eclectic collection of rock and pop music. This full-time professional group captivate an audience with their high energy live performance that breathes life into songs filled with catchy choruses and melody. The rich and powerful vocals flow through the music and tight performance of the band inducing sonics that find a place ringing over and over in your head. Melody Park has been compared to classic artists such as Blondie and Pat Benatar while resembling modern artists Bif Naked, Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, and Kelly Clarkson.

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.
Amidst all the video planning and live performing, Melody Park is also busy writing and developing new music for future singles and eventually a full length CD.The group already has 40+ songs in pre-production but there is presently no set timeline for completion of a new CD. However, the band would like to record and release some new music to fans before the end of the year.

Achievements

- independant release 11 song CD "Playground of Sound" 2006
- independant music video production, "Hello" 2007 (Playground of Sound 2006)
- airplay on "The Mix 590" Standard Radio / Northern British Columbia division
- airplay on CFNR 92.1 / Canada's First Nations Radio : British Columbia
- airplay on "The Kong Radio 93.5FM" in Kaui, Hawaii
- airplay on "Music Radio 97FM" in Trinidad & Tobago
- album available at ITunes, Napster, Emusic, Sony Connect and many more popular digital sources
- over 1500 CD's sold at shows and online since the 2006 printing
- 80 live shows in 2007

This is Melody Park

•  
•  An excellent album

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:
Geoff Goddard @ Fronstide Promotions - 604-648-2782
Ryan McMahon - 778-892-6974

www.ryanmcmahon.com
www.myspace.com/mcmahonryan

•  Like it lots
•  just found it again
•  This scratches my musical itch
•  A wonderful song!
•  Catchy

It took a while, but Elese grew up. She grew up tall, she grew up proud, she grew up singing. And, of course (as in every good story) she grew up restless. So she sold her problems for a penny, put her hopes in her pocket, and set out to embrace the world.
But each corner of that world had problems of it's own. One was too hard, one was too hot, one was too cold and one just didn't speak her language. Thus, left with no recourse, she voiced her frustration at displacement with her only available weapon: music. The powers that be heard, and granted her a land of her own, Song. So, tired and satisfied, she emptied out her suitcase and from the sand at the bottom, made diamonds.

"To me, music is passion - without this passion, I have nothing. It is the universal language. Emotions can be brought out by a voice, a song, a sound... I'm just doing what I love to do. Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you enjoy my music just as much as I've enjoyed writing it. It is an ongoing journey of life." XO Elese

"At The Stroke of Madness" is an Edmonton Alberta Canada based band, that was formed in the winter of 2003 as an acoustic duo. while looking for the right supporting members Steve(bass/vocals) & Scot(guitars/vocals) dedicated themselves to writing music and playing open stages around the Edmonton area. It took a year or so until they found a drummer with the right stuff and started playing shows. Soon however they soon found out that there drummer was not really that dedicated and completley uncomitted, which was to bad because she was a great drummer. In the end they parted ways but the momentum never really stopped. within a few weeks they where once again a 3 peice and out doing shows again. In the early fall of 2006 At The Stroke of Madness recorded there debut EP at SOUND EXTRACTORS STUDIO's in edmonton and with the help of the one and only Stew Kirkwood(producer) and the amazing chris(uncle skip)(mastering/drummer). This debut EP is what you would call a true throw back to the time when Rock'n'Roll was simple and straight forward. At The Stroke of Madness keeps a no nonsense approach to there music and does not believe there music needs blazing lead guitars and fancy finger picking. They believe in letting there Music do the talking, and what you see is what you get. You will not find mind numbing sensless lead or the constant clinking of keyboards.You will find driving rythym guitars, pounding drum beats, & grooving rolling bass lines that will have you tapping your feet and screaming for more. This is a band on the rise and you should make sure you take the oppotunity to see them live. Because they like to put the Rock in Rock 'n' Roll. To contact At The Stroke of Madness e-mail us at:

•  Reminds me of something...
•  moody cool

Naomi Carmack's doing something with music that you just don't see enough of today - playing rock as a female.

The 27 year old has been singing professionally since the age of 12.

Naomi wrote and recorded a dance single called "Be My Baby" in 1991, and entered it in a contest with Edmonton radio station, Power 92.5 FM. She won a coveted spot on the "Powermix" compilation CD.

The CD was remixed by Canadian DJ Chris Sheppard, and sold at Edmonton record stores in 1995.

Naomi was honoured by the Alberta Recording Industry Association with a nomination for the "Best Dance/Rap/Rhythm Artist" award.

Naomi has also won other singing contests in recent history. Her vocals are edgy. Some are surprised with the grittiness and power she carries when she takes the microphone.

With her focus now primarily on a rock career, she cites Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Default, Alanis Morissette, and Sass Jordan as a few of her biggest influences. Naomi has been writing and recording in the studio for the past 5 years, working with local producers to make her talent heard.

Naomi will be spending early 2007 in the studio, promoting the songs, and lining up a backing band to perform in and around Edmonton.

BIOGRAPHY

There was a house in Calgary with its own name, “Rock Central"... 1997…

It was an old house; however, for the individuals living there, it was affordable. Cheap living, more beer, music - it made sense. There were pimps and hookers outside. There were crack addicts. No one complained about anything though. There wasn’t any reason to.

The Dudes played loudly and endlessly in their filthy basement.

They were in close proximity to the infamous ‘Calgary Stampede Headquarters’. Customers attending the Rodeo would park in the streets, the back alleys, and on front lawns. The Dudes realized that for one day, they’d have an attentive audience for their four rock songs (or what they called ‘songs’).

They built a stage in their backyard, and they put on a Do-It-Yourself rock show. ‘Rock Central’ was, and continued to be a yearly event. People would enjoy free pancakes. They also brought beer.

Soon after putting on the first ‘Rock Central’ show, The Dudes became the ‘fill-in’ band for a nearby pub. They would play for a pitcher of beer as payment.

In the beginning, the band’s shows would closely resemble a circus. Rubber tire tubes were harnessed around each Dude, and fastened to wherever a screw could be drilled in. The members would lean forward at an impossible angle, and be sprung back, all while rocking out on whatever was awesome.

They also had a mascot. The ‘Dude Bomb’ wore a large blimp-like creation on his head. It was constructed out of left-over couch cushions, tape, and an orange blanket. The band had fully embraced the DIY entertainment of those that had inspired them, they had no limits.

With a growing indie fan base, The Dudes began recording on an old reel-to-reel. In 2001 the band released their first limited-press CD, titled ‘This Guy’s the Limit’. They achieved University Radio airplay.

They also realized that they had an extremely well-crafted songwriter in their midst. Dan Vacon, the lead guitar player began stepping-up to the plate – and local and national indie audiences began to notice the band.

The Dudes went through an array of drummers including the host of a day-time children’s show, a country troubadour, and a ‘prince of nacho chips’. The band finally settled with Scott Ross, who has done a great deal in developing the band’s current sound.

Soon the band found themselves chosen to share the stage with bands like mudhoney, 54-40, Joel Plaskett, The Supersuckers. They had success, and great possibilities were being presented to them.

In 2005 the band signed with Load Music, and up-and-coming player on the independent music scene. Russ Broom, a Juno-nominated producer, engineer and songwriter, was contacted, and the band launched into there most promising recording they’ve made to date.

Armed with their new CD, Titled ‘Brain Heart Guitar’, The Dudes are determined to inspire and uplift their fellow humans.

Though, before that ever happens, a name change took place. (extend).

The Dudes will do whatever they can to bring the music to the people, and they mean it, honestly and sincerely.

•  Slick!
•  Thanks to Stewie
•  Good Song: Perfect Summer Tune
•  Perfect Pop

Bella are a trio whose music gets you all tangled up in a West coast indie pop synth dream, replete with soaring guitars and unique vocals. Bella are known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows that feature multiple instrument swaps and hip-shaking dance moves to entice the audience. They have been critically acclaimed by local music magazines across the country, and Britain's NME called their song "Didn't Mean to Break Our Love" a "standout tune"... Currently working on their second full-length album, Bella are sure to deliver another pop gem for the kids to dance to! -Exclaim!

Bella has performed with bands such as Pretty Girls Make Graves, The New Pornographers, Imperial Teen, and Phoenix. Please visit the official bella site or myspace for more info www.bellamusic.org

•  Fun song

We have survived
6 albums, 2 ep's and 12 singles, 5 different vocalists, 1 major label, 2 songs in Billboard and 1 in Rolling Stone, 1 tour with Zymox and gigs with Pete Shelley, The Fixx and The Cramps, 1 AWOL singer, 1 drunk guitar player shooting a gun outside our tour bus in Tijuana, 1 album with producer John Fryer (Wire, Fad Gadget, Love & Rockets), 1 nice letter from producer Martin Hannett (Joy Division), countless samples and endless laughter.

•  Killer Track
•  80's Feel
•  I thought this was New...
•  A killer tune
•  Awesome stuff, Tom!

•  Post Punk Fun
•  Fun 100!

If you have been waiting for a sound that is innovative and eclectic (it’s soulful… it's jazzy...it's bluesy...it’s funky…), yet savvy enough to ride the waves of popular radio, look no further. This is a dynamic artist in touch with modern culture and carrying a message that is impacting those who encounter it.

The soulful sound of singer/songwriter/musician Greg Sczebel (“suh-bell”) is steadily capturing the attention of a wide range of music enthusiasts. From the moment you first hear the rhythms of his piano you will be intrigued. His talent is obvious...but then the vocals glide onto the scene and you see that there is more to this artist than just a good beat. His lyrics are intelligent, showing a mature depth, and he doesn’t sacrifice the musicality for catchy hooks. Greg is passionately committed to making good music.

And it's obvious others are catching on. He has been recognized for his outstanding talent as an artist, having been honored with many remarkable opportunities and awards. He has shared the stage with a variety of the entertainment industries’ top performers, including Grammy Award-Winning Producer, David Foster, jazz crooner, Michael Bublé, 6–time Juno Award Winner, Colin James - as well as Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer), Bebo Norman, Carolyn Arends, Out of Eden, Shawn McDonald and more.

The end of 2004 brought Sczebel a Canadian Urban Music Award nomination, four CGMA (Covenant Award) nominations, and ultimately two CGMA awards (‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year’), as well as an Okanagan Musician Award for ‘Gospel Artist of the Year’ for the second year in a row.

In 2005 Sczebel continued to gain momentum by picking up a JUNO AWARD (Canada’s Grammy©) for his debut album “Here to Stay” in the category of ‘Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.’ Shortly after, Sczebel was nominated for a grand total of five Shai (“shay”) Awards (Canada’s Gospel Music People’s Choice Awards) – ultimately taking home 3 of these - ‘Pop/Contemporary Album,’ ‘Urban/Soul Album’ and ‘Song of the Year’ for his single “In the Pocket”. In addition, Sczebel was a grand prize–winner in the international 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Competition, for his title track, “Here to Stay” and more recently was a finalist in the R & B category for the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Competition for his song “You’ve Got It”.

At the close of 2005 Greg was also privileged to sign exclusive endorsement deals with both Audix Microphones and Yamaha USA Pianos & Keyboards.

And this is just the beginning of what is quickly becoming a well-established music career. But in spite of the acclaim, Sczebel still finds the most value in the personal connection between music fans and his songs. "To be validated by the awards and opportunities is always encouraging. The most exciting thing though, is hearing that my music is connecting with people. If I can continue creating music that impacts those who listen to it, I'd love to still be doing this 40 years from now." If the present is any indication to the future, Greg Sczebel is well on his way to reaching his goal.

Career Highlights:
-2006 International Songwriting Competition Finalist for the song, “In the Pocket”
-2006 Multiple performances at the 2006 Winter NAMM Show - Anaheim, CA
-2005 Signs exclusive endorsement deal with Yamaha USA Pianos & Keyboards
-2005 Signs exclusive endorsement deal with AUDIX USA Microphones
-2005 Guest performer on CMT Canada’s “Paul Brandt & Friends: A Rocky Mountain Christmas in Banff” TV Special
-2005 Extensive touring throughout Canada; 6-week cross-country tour in April/May
-2005 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Finalist for the song, "You’ve Got It"; R & B Category
-2005 Western Canadian Music Award – “Outstanding Christian Recording”
-2005 Covenant Award – “Urban Song of the Year” for the song, “Everybody”
-2005 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations, including “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Producer of the Year’
-2005 Juno Award - “Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year”
-2005 3 Shai Awards – “Song of the Year” for the song “In the Pocket”, “Pop/Contemporary Album”, “Urban/Soul Album”
-2005 Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
-2005 5 time SHAI Award Nominee, including “Artist of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Male Soloist of the Year”
-2004 John Lennon International Songwriting Contest Grand Prize Winner for the song, “Here to Stay”;
Gospel/Inspirational Category
-2004 “Here to Stay” charts as the #1 selling release by an independent artist to Canadian Christian retailers in 2004.
-2004 Title track, "Here to Stay" featured on episode of UPN's hit TV series "Kevin Hill", starring Taye Diggs
-2004 Reunites with Producer, David Foster to perform at Foster Foundation charity event
-2004 Canadian Urban Music Award Nominee - "Gospel Recording of the Year"
-2004 2 CGMA (Covenant) Awards - “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance” ("Lights Are Comin' On")
-2004 4 CGMA (Covenant Award) Nominations
-2004 Re-records Bee Gees' hit, "Lonely Days" for major ad campaign by Lifetime Television, New York, NY
-2004 Winner, Okanagan Musician Award – “Gospel Artist of the Year”
-2004 Featured on Sonicbids compilation CD – Chosen out of 20,000 entries
-2003 Named “Best Emerging Artist” by VIBE Gospel Music
-2003 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Song Competition Regional Winner (for the song "Perhaps")
-2002 Performs with Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster as a winner in Foster’s BC -wide talent search

QUOTES:

PAUL BRANDT, AWARD WINNING COUNTRY RECORDING ARTIST
"Greg Sczebel is just one of those artists with "It". He's got that X-factor, that undefinable thing that you need to be a successful in this business. It's undeniable that God has gifted him with an incredible talent to communicate to people's hearts and minds through music. I'm glad I got to know him before the rest of the world discovers him, because someday I'll be able to brag about how I knew him before he became a superstar."

KEVIN EDELMAN, MUSIC SUPERVISOR - METALMAN MEDIA INC.
"Greg is an incredible talent. One of the best young artists I’ve heard. His style and voice are unique and inspiring."

CAROLYN ARENDS, DOVE AND SHAI AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER
"Greg Sczebel floors me. He sings with "soul" in every sense of the word. He writes insanely hooky, deeply moving songs about important things. It’s tempting to use phrases like "Next Big Thing", but Greg Sczebel isn’t the next anything. He’s now, and his music is truly great."

DIONNE SMITH, PRESIDENT, VIBE GOSPEL MUSIC
"I do not hesitate in the least to suggest that Greg Sczebel, will not only be one of Canada’s future leading gospel artists, but that his impact will go far beyond our borders."

HEATHER CLARK, HEATHERCLARKBAND
"Greg is an extremely gifted vocalist with a great ability to write and arrange music. His devotion to his gift is strong and undivided. His musicality along with his ability to reach an audience makes him a pleasure to both listen to and experience."

JAYLENE JOHNSON, SINGER / SONGWRITER
"When Greg Sczebel plays, joy electric runs through the crowd. Here is someone who not only inspires with a fresh lyrical approach in his songwriting, but who can also deliver the goods vocally and instrumentally. Most engaging, however, is his unassuming and humble posture...here is one to watch and watch closely, because he is going to fly..."

•  Sing It Stevie Wonder!

Modern blues band with heart and soul.

•  I dig it
•  This is good