<description>
        Hedley is a Canadian pop/punk rock band comprising of lead singer Jacob Hoggard, who was placed 3rd during the second season of the reality TV series Canadian Idol in 2004, Tommy Mac on bass, Dave Rosin on the guitar and Chris Crippin on drums. The current band retains the original name of Hoggard's pre-Canadian Idol group, although the membership has changed. The band originated in Abbotsford, British Columbia and was named after the town of Hedley, British Columbia, a name chosen after members heard that it was for sale for $346,000. While the idea of buying the town ran its course, the name remained.

The original band bet Hoggard $151 that he wouldn't audition for Canadian Idol. Following Hoggard's success on the series, he, with a reformed Hedley, was signed with Universal Music Canada. Their debut single "On My Own" reached number 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart and the follow-up "Trip" peaked at number 11. The singles "On My Own", "321", "Trip", and "Gunnin'" topped the MuchMusic Countdown. Their last single off of the debut album, "Street Fight", was successful on both the MuchMusic Countdown and the Canadian Singles Chart. Their first single from their new album "Famous Last Words", "She's So Sorry" achieved success on the MuchMusic Countdown. Their current single, "Old School," is climbing the charts. They have toured with Simple Plan, Faber Drive, MXPX, Bon Jovi, the Planet Smashers, Freddy Fender, the Idlesons and The Johnstones.

In the summer of 2006, they signed a record deal with Capitol Records in the United States where they completed a tour opening up for Yellowcard. Hedley released its latest album Famous Last Words on October 30, 2007. It went platinum ten days after release. The first single from the CD, "She's So Sorry", was released to radio on August 21, 2007. The video was shot in Toronto, Ontario, and premiered on MuchMusic on September 20, 2007.

An American compilation of singles was released in the US on May 19, 2009 entitled "Never Too Late" by Universal Music.

Visit Hedley:

Myspace: www.myspace.com/hedley
Official Website: www.hedleyonline.com
      </description>

Hedley is a Canadian pop/punk rock band comprising of lead singer Jacob Hoggard, who was placed 3...

Hedley is a Canadian pop/punk rock band comprising of lead singer Jacob Hoggard, who was placed 3rd during the second season of the reality TV series Canadian Idol in 2004, Tommy Mac on bass, Dave Rosin on the guitar and Chris Crippin on drums. The current band retains the original name of Hoggard's pre-Canadian Idol group, although the membership has changed. The band originated in Abbotsford, British Columbia and was named after the town of Hedley, British Columbia, a name chosen after members heard that it was for sale for $346,000. While the idea of buying the town ran its course, the name remained.

The original band bet Hoggard $151 that he wouldn't audition for Canadian Idol. Following Hoggard's success on the series, he, with a reformed Hedley, was signed with Universal Music Canada. Their debut single "On My Own" reached number 1 on the Canadian Singles Chart and the follow-up "Trip" peaked at number 11. The singles "On My Own", "321", "Trip", and "Gunnin'" topped the MuchMusic Countdown. Their last single off of the debut album, "Street Fight", was successful on both the MuchMusic Countdown and the Canadian Singles Chart. Their first single from their new album "Famous Last Words", "She's So Sorry" achieved success on the MuchMusic Countdown. Their current single, "Old School," is climbing the charts. They have toured with Simple Plan, Faber Drive, MXPX, Bon Jovi, the Planet Smashers, Freddy Fender, the Idlesons and The Johnstones.

In the summer of 2006, they signed a record deal with Capitol Records in the United States where they completed a tour opening up for Yellowcard. Hedley released its latest album Famous Last Words on October 30, 2007. It went platinum ten days after release. The first single from the CD, "She's So Sorry", was released to radio on August 21, 2007. The video was shot in Toronto, Ontario, and premiered on MuchMusic on September 20, 2007.

An American compilation of singles was released in the US on May 19, 2009 entitled "Never Too Late" by Universal Music.

Visit Hedley:

Myspace: www.myspace.com/hedley
Official Website: www.hedleyonline.com

Interview with Chris Crippin of HEDLEY

<description>
        Aiden is an American post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington that formed in the spring of 2003. They took their name from the character in the movie The Ring, although with a different spelling with an 'e' instead of an 'a'. The current members are WiL Francis (vocals, guitar, piano, lyrics), Jake Davison (drums), Nick Wiggins (bass), and Angel Ibarra (lead guitar). WiL originally played bass but took over lead vocals when the original singer left.

Aiden's first full-length album "Our Gang's Dark Oath" was released on Dead Teenager Records in 2004. It was recorded while Jake Davison and Angel Ibarra were still in high school, being released shortly after they had left.

Later in 2005, the band was signed to Victory Records. Their second album and debut for Victory Records titled "Nightmare Anatomy" was released October 4, 2005.

Aiden's song "One Love" appears in Resident Evil: Extinction, and their song "We Sleep Forever" is featured in the motion picture Dead Silence.

The band's third studio album entitled "Conviction" was released August 21, 2007. It marks a complete change of style in the band's musical direction.

In addition, Aiden recorded their own version of Ashley Massaro's theme music "Let's Light a Fire Tonight" for the bonus edition of WWE The Music, Vol. 8.

On May 20, 2008 the band announced on their website that Jake Wambold was no longer a member of Aiden. They played their first live show as a four piece in Spokane, Washington on May 24, 2008.

Francis has started a website and a MySpace page for a side project called "William Control". William Control is a sort of alter-ego to WiL, and the album consists of dark content lyric-wise, which WiL stated in a Kerrang! interview did not suit Aiden. William Control's debut album, Hate Culture, was released on October 27, 2008 in the UK, and October 28 in the U.S. 

Aiden also appeared on the soundtrack to The Lost Boys: The Tribe, with a cover of the theme song "Cry Little Sister".

Ibarra has also begun a self-named side project, which had its first performance in Metro Seattle in late January of 2009. He has also announced a new side project with Davison, called Rock 'n Roll Weekend.

Aiden's recent offering, an album titled "Knives", was released on May 12th, 2009. It was recorded at the same studio WiL produced Hate Culture. "I think that a lot of people who hated "Conviction" will really like this one. But who knows and who really cares? We're just going to make the record we want to make."

On March 31, 2009, a new single, "Scavengers of the Damned", was made available through iTunes.

And speaking of iTunes, this is the response Wil Francis sent to Apple iTunes, with regards to Aiden's content being denied on the popular music download site: 

Dear Apple,

What can I really say that Trent Reznor hasn't? "I want to fuck you like an animal?" Oh wait, he said that. "I am a big man and I have a big gun. Got me a big ol’ dick and I like to have fun, held it against your forehead, I'll make you suck it, maybe I'll put a hole in your head, you know, just for the fuck of it." Yeah, he said that, too, all on a record called The Downward Spiral. I have purchased that album five times in my life. I first got it on Cassette when it came out in 1994, I bought it a couple of times on CD and last year I purchased it on iTunes right after I went out and picked up the vinyl. Why? Because it's a great fucking record. 

I don't want to go on the same rant as him, although I probably share the exact same feelings. 

So what if a crappy punk band from Seattle sings about the deception of religion as a whole? So what if they sing about Catholic priests molesting little boys? Who really cares at all if they wail about a Hungarian Countess that was born in the 1500's and killed over 600 women? Who Cares? The PMRC? Ted Haggard? Congress? Jesus? Oh wait, no… JESUS ISN’T FUCKING REAL. 

Yes, maybe we talked a little bit of shit while doing the commentary for the iPhone app about Christianity, about sex and about... Fuck I can't even remember because it's so fucking insignificant. Why don't you be a little clearer in what it was that we need to watch out for? Oh wait... I thought I lived in America where my freedom of speech right was protected by the constitution? 

That's right, I forgot. I actually live in Hell. Oops. Remind me to tell someone I have a complaint to submit in the box on the wall. 

Aside from the content issue, the app was also rejected because you want to "protect" the value of the iTunes store and having an app with embedded content "competes" with what is ultimately your monopoly. Ironic and hypocritical, no, since Apple owns both channels?

I just want to say thank you Apple for not approving our iPhone app. Thank you so much. To celebrate this great occasion, I'm going to visit your iTunes Music Store and download The Slim Shady LP; I really want to hear that song he sings about killing his wife and dumping her body in the ocean. Awesome!!!

William Control / AIDEN

PS: Any by the way, we have sold over 325,000 albums so far in our career without widespread mainstream media exposure. So, we must be relevant to someone.

Below is our rejection confirmation:


"Dear XXXXXX,

Thank you for submitting Aiden to the App Store. We've reviewed Aiden and determined that we cannot post this version of your application to the App Store at this time. Because your app downloads media files that are not managed by the iTunes application, which also manages media files, we believe this would be confusing to the user. To avoid this customer confusion, we have chosen to not publish this type of application to the App Store.

In addition, we've reviewed Aiden and determined that we cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store because it contains objectionable content and is in violation of Section 3.3.12 from the iPhone SDK Agreement which states:

"Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple's reasonable judgement may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users."

If you believe you can make the necessary modifications to bring your application in compliance with iPhone Software License Agreement, we encourage you to do so and resubmit it for review.

Regards,

iPhone Developer Program"


*Please show your displeasure by contacting iTunes - this isn't just about Aiden, this is about all artists and how it effects them and us, because, if you like a band, if you like their music, but they are being handcuffed in what they are being allowed to express, in it's rawest art form, then what's the point?  Whatever happened to freedom of speech, freedom of expression?  It's bad enough Walmart has a monopoly on record sales and refuse to allow explicit content material to be sold in any of their stores, but now iTunes is doing the same thing to artists as well?  Give me a fucking break!  The loudest voices always get heard - we can make changes - together!!* 

Tina Peek

Visit Aiden here:

Myspace: www.myspace.com/aiden

Official Website: www.aiden.org/index2.php

Check out William Control here:

Myspace: www.myspace.com/williamcontrol  
      </description>

Aiden is an American post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington that formed in the spring of 200...

Aiden is an American post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington that formed in the spring of 2003. They took their name from the character in the movie The Ring, although with a different spelling with an 'e' instead of an 'a'. The current members are WiL Francis (vocals, guitar, piano, lyrics), Jake Davison (drums), Nick Wiggins (bass), and Angel Ibarra (lead guitar). WiL originally played bass but took over lead vocals when the original singer left.

Aiden's first full-length album "Our Gang's Dark Oath" was released on Dead Teenager Records in 2004. It was recorded while Jake Davison and Angel Ibarra were still in high school, being released shortly after they had left.

Later in 2005, the band was signed to Victory Records. Their second album and debut for Victory Records titled "Nightmare Anatomy" was released October 4, 2005.

Aiden's song "One Love" appears in Resident Evil: Extinction, and their song "We Sleep Forever" is featured in the motion picture Dead Silence.

The band's third studio album entitled "Conviction" was released August 21, 2007. It marks a complete change of style in the band's musical direction.

In addition, Aiden recorded their own version of Ashley Massaro's theme music "Let's Light a Fire Tonight" for the bonus edition of WWE The Music, Vol. 8.

On May 20, 2008 the band announced on their website that Jake Wambold was no longer a member of Aiden. They played their first live show as a four piece in Spokane, Washington on May 24, 2008.

Francis has started a website and a MySpace page for a side project called "William Control". William Control is a sort of alter-ego to WiL, and the album consists of dark content lyric-wise, which WiL stated in a Kerrang! interview did not suit Aiden. William Control's debut album, Hate Culture, was released on October 27, 2008 in the UK, and October 28 in the U.S. 

Aiden also appeared on the soundtrack to The Lost Boys: The Tribe, with a cover of the theme song "Cry Little Sister".

Ibarra has also begun a self-named side project, which had its first performance in Metro Seattle in late January of 2009. He has also announced a new side project with Davison, called Rock 'n Roll Weekend.

Aiden's recent offering, an album titled "Knives", was released on May 12th, 2009. It was recorded at the same studio WiL produced Hate Culture. "I think that a lot of people who hated "Conviction" will really like this one. But who knows and who really cares? We're just going to make the record we want to make."

On March 31, 2009, a new single, "Scavengers of the Damned", was made available through iTunes.

And speaking of iTunes, this is the response Wil Francis sent to Apple iTunes, with regards to Aiden's content being denied on the popular music download site: 

Dear Apple,

What can I really say that Trent Reznor hasn't? "I want to fuck you like an animal?" Oh wait, he said that. "I am a big man and I have a big gun. Got me a big ol’ dick and I like to have fun, held it against your forehead, I'll make you suck it, maybe I'll put a hole in your head, you know, just for the fuck of it." Yeah, he said that, too, all on a record called The Downward Spiral. I have purchased that album five times in my life. I first got it on Cassette when it came out in 1994, I bought it a couple of times on CD and last year I purchased it on iTunes right after I went out and picked up the vinyl. Why? Because it's a great fucking record. 

I don't want to go on the same rant as him, although I probably share the exact same feelings. 

So what if a crappy punk band from Seattle sings about the deception of religion as a whole? So what if they sing about Catholic priests molesting little boys? Who really cares at all if they wail about a Hungarian Countess that was born in the 1500's and killed over 600 women? Who Cares? The PMRC? Ted Haggard? Congress? Jesus? Oh wait, no… JESUS ISN’T FUCKING REAL. 

Yes, maybe we talked a little bit of shit while d(continued)

Interview with Wil Francis of Aiden

<description>
        James Kottak

In 1996, James Kottak became a member of the Scorpions. 

Prior to joining Scorpions, James was the drummer for Kingdom Come, The Cult, Wild Horses, Montrose, MSG, Warrant, Buster Brown, and countless others. In addition, James has performed on over 120 albums. 

James also plays (vocals and guitar) in KOTTAK, formerly known as KrunK.

Athena Kottak

Before KrunK she was with the all girl band Hardly Dangerous and the punk group Butt Trumpet. Aside from her musical career, Athena has also been a celebrity guest commentator on VH-1's Behind the Music and E! True Hollywood Story.

In the 7th Annual L.A Music Awards, Athena was nominated for "BEST DRUMMER" (Males and Females) category. She was the first female ever nominated in the history of the L.A. Music Awards.

KOTTAK

JAMES KOTTAK AKA JIMMY RATCHITT/vocals &amp;amp; guitar and ATHENA KOTTAK/drums (lil’ sis of Tommy Lee), describe KOTTAK music as ‘Cheap Trick meets Green Day on a bad day.’ “Throw in a dash of Social Distortion and Papa Roach and you have a recipe for a freight train barreling right through the arena!” says Ratchitt. Johnny Lucas/lead guitar and Price/bass round out KOTTAK’S line up. Kottak has just finished six new trax with producer Tommy Henriksen (Daughtry, BC Jean). 'Don't Wanna Go Home', Drunk Unkle Pete, &amp;amp; 'Sunset Blvd' are a few titles. 

With it’s debut CD ‘Greatist Hits’ and critically acclaimed follow up ‘Therupy,’ KOTTAK (formerly KrunK) has established itself as more than just a band with a spelling problem. Several tours of Japan, Europe, Mexico, and countless west coast runs have yielded a reputation as a rock solid act. 

Whether headlining, sharing the stage with Motley Crue or as a guest on The Warped Tour, KOTTAK’S live shows deliver a ‘one-two punk &amp;amp; roll hit between the eyes’ while incorporating a few classics from the Scorpions. Based in Los Angeles, KOTTAK is currently working on a third CD and looking forward to shows throughout 2009 across the USA and around the world. 

KOTTAK Myspace: www.myspace.com/kottak   
KOTTAK Website: www.kottak.net
James Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialjameskottak
Athena Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/athenakottak
Scorpions Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialscorpions
      </description>

James Kottak

In 1996, James Kottak became a member of the Scorpions. 

Prior to joining Scor...

James Kottak

In 1996, James Kottak became a member of the Scorpions. 

Prior to joining Scorpions, James was the drummer for Kingdom Come, The Cult, Wild Horses, Montrose, MSG, Warrant, Buster Brown, and countless others. In addition, James has performed on over 120 albums. 

James also plays (vocals and guitar) in KOTTAK, formerly known as KrunK.

Athena Kottak

Before KrunK she was with the all girl band Hardly Dangerous and the punk group Butt Trumpet. Aside from her musical career, Athena has also been a celebrity guest commentator on VH-1's Behind the Music and E! True Hollywood Story.

In the 7th Annual L.A Music Awards, Athena was nominated for "BEST DRUMMER" (Males and Females) category. She was the first female ever nominated in the history of the L.A. Music Awards.

KOTTAK

JAMES KOTTAK AKA JIMMY RATCHITT/vocals & guitar and ATHENA KOTTAK/drums (lil’ sis of Tommy Lee), describe KOTTAK music as ‘Cheap Trick meets Green Day on a bad day.’ “Throw in a dash of Social Distortion and Papa Roach and you have a recipe for a freight train barreling right through the arena!” says Ratchitt. Johnny Lucas/lead guitar and Price/bass round out KOTTAK’S line up. Kottak has just finished six new trax with producer Tommy Henriksen (Daughtry, BC Jean). 'Don't Wanna Go Home', Drunk Unkle Pete, & 'Sunset Blvd' are a few titles. 

With it’s debut CD ‘Greatist Hits’ and critically acclaimed follow up ‘Therupy,’ KOTTAK (formerly KrunK) has established itself as more than just a band with a spelling problem. Several tours of Japan, Europe, Mexico, and countless west coast runs have yielded a reputation as a rock solid act. 

Whether headlining, sharing the stage with Motley Crue or as a guest on The Warped Tour, KOTTAK’S live shows deliver a ‘one-two punk & roll hit between the eyes’ while incorporating a few classics from the Scorpions. Based in Los Angeles, KOTTAK is currently working on a third CD and looking forward to shows throughout 2009 across the USA and around the world. 

KOTTAK Myspace: www.myspace.com/kottak   
KOTTAK Website: www.kottak.net
James Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialjameskottak
Athena Kottak Myspace: www.myspace.com/athenakottak
Scorpions Myspace: www.myspace.com/officialscorpions

Interview with James & Athena Kottak of the band KOTTAK

<description>
        “Freedom from convention, music with intention.” This has been the motto for Spiral Trance since day one. It is this very motto that has set the indie-metal quartet at the forefront of their peers, ringing true louder than ever with their Rat Pak Records debut release, All In Due Time. Without regard for any one specific genre, Spiral Trance has seamlessly carved out a niche for themselves introducing a progressive, indie element to the modern, hard-rock world. 

On the back of several EP’s and three national tours, Spiral Trance has emerged from the studio to deliver their most diverse, yet cohesive offering to date. It explores the vast realms of the psyche, while showing the influence of decades of great music. The lyrics of Paul Karcz range from the anger of songs like Lard Ass and Offering, to the hopes and dreams of the title track All In Due Time and Dead Set, even delving into the dual personalities of The Me You See. From the gorgeous piano melodies and speed metal guitar attack of opening track This Time, to the relentless guitar riffing and sing-a-long chorus hooks of the closing track, Project And Release, hard-rock and metal fans alike will have something truly unique to embrace. 

All In Due Time combines ten beautifully scorched tracks into a single camera snapshot. It captures a band full of hunger and fire laying out their blueprint for the looming, infinite horizon ahead. Spiral Trance is the epitome of a band rooted in determination and persistence; performing as a finely tuned machine and continually working toward a groove that only occurs when energy is focused in solidarity. Dead Set on making you insane…

Visit the band here:
Rat Pak Records-Spiral Trance: www.ratpakrecords.com/spiraltrance.cfm

Myspace: www.myspace.com/spiraltrance
      </description>

“Freedom from convention, music with intention.” This has been the motto for Spiral Trance since ...

“Freedom from convention, music with intention.” This has been the motto for Spiral Trance since day one. It is this very motto that has set the indie-metal quartet at the forefront of their peers, ringing true louder than ever with their Rat Pak Records debut release, All In Due Time. Without regard for any one specific genre, Spiral Trance has seamlessly carved out a niche for themselves introducing a progressive, indie element to the modern, hard-rock world. 

On the back of several EP’s and three national tours, Spiral Trance has emerged from the studio to deliver their most diverse, yet cohesive offering to date. It explores the vast realms of the psyche, while showing the influence of decades of great music. The lyrics of Paul Karcz range from the anger of songs like Lard Ass and Offering, to the hopes and dreams of the title track All In Due Time and Dead Set, even delving into the dual personalities of The Me You See. From the gorgeous piano melodies and speed metal guitar attack of opening track This Time, to the relentless guitar riffing and sing-a-long chorus hooks of the closing track, Project And Release, hard-rock and metal fans alike will have something truly unique to embrace. 

All In Due Time combines ten beautifully scorched tracks into a single camera snapshot. It captures a band full of hunger and fire laying out their blueprint for the looming, infinite horizon ahead. Spiral Trance is the epitome of a band rooted in determination and persistence; performing as a finely tuned machine and continually working toward a groove that only occurs when energy is focused in solidarity. Dead Set on making you insane…

Visit the band here:
Rat Pak Records-Spiral Trance: www.ratpakrecords.com/spiraltrance.cfm

Myspace: www.myspace.com/spiraltrance

Interview with Spiral Trance

<description>
        

KILLER DWARFS

Formed in late 1981 by Russ and Darrell Dwarf, the Killer Dwarfs released their self-titled debut album in 1983. The award-winning band established a solid following in Canada, while achieving modest worldwide sales.

The break through in the United States came when San Antonio based radio personality Joe Anthony started spinning their album on a regular basis, much to the delight of hard rocking Texans. This planted the seeds for what would result in Killer Dwarfs receiving a lot of attention South of Canada's border.


Released in 1986 by Maze/A&amp;amp;M in Canada and Grudge in the USA, "Stand Tall" was embraced by American Rock radio. The first single, "Keep the Spirit Alive," was an anthem of the times. The accompanying video was added to regular rotation on MTV and the newly born Much Music. By spring of 1987, the video became the most requested video on MTV, setting a record that would take years to overcome. A second video for the title track was greeted with nearly equal accolades. This wide exposure allowed the group to tour coast to coast in the US and Canada with such acts as Saxon and Accept, selling unprecedented 80,000 copies of Stand Tall. It also led to serious interest from a number of American record labels.

Along with Rush and Helix, they were one of the few Canadian hard rock acts to achieve international success.

AUTOMAN

Automan was formed in 2002 by writing partners Darrell "Dwarf" Millar (vocals) and Carleton Lockheart (guitar) and is a genuinely pure 70's/80's influenced kick-ass "rawk" band in the essence of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and others.  Their distinctive, upbeat brand of modern classic rock can best be described as coming straight out of a music time capsule, yet it's altogether fresh, current and timeless.

Darrell-a lifelong professional musician is internationally reknown as the former drummer for the multi-million selling hard rock act "Killer Dwarfs", as well as for the Nikki Sixx produced southern rock act "Laidlaw".  As one of the most high-profile and well-travelled drummers of the 80's-90's hard rock era, he's shared concert stages worldwide with the likes of Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, ZZ Top, Pantera, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more.  In formulating Automan, he vacated the drums for frontman duties and it's his high-energy persona that fuels Automan's performances, both live and on record.

Carleton-a master guitarist capable of playing all styles of rock and jazz, has been mesmerizing musicians and fans alike for years on the independant circuit with his unique style of playing pick-less, left-handed and upside-down.  Those who witness his stellar performances are astounded at his jaw-dropping techniques.  Undoubtedly, Carleton's incomparable approach to guitar is a key ingredient of the Automan sound.

In 2004, Automan was rounded out with the additions of bassist John Fenton and drummer Adrian Cavan.  Touring extensively throughout Southern Ontario has polished the band into a tight, highly entertaining professional act.

Their recently released full-length CD, titled "Pocket Change" was produced by Darrell and co-produced by Greg Looper (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers/Mudcrutch) and is fuelled by their first single titled "Back In The Sun", which is now available for radio.

Going "old school" with just 8 tracks of "all killer/no filler" Automan's easy on the senses, aurally-appealing sound will surely attract and connect to, a wide-ranging audience fan base.

If your desire is for blues-based rock in it's truest form, yet with it's own distinctive up-to-date qualities, then spare some time to check out Automan's "Pocket Change"!!

Visit Automan Here:

Automan Website: www.automan.ca
Automan on Myspace: www.myspace.com/automanca
   



      </description>



KILLER DWARFS

Formed in late 1981 by Russ and Darrell Dwarf, the Killer Dwarfs released th...



KILLER DWARFS

Formed in late 1981 by Russ and Darrell Dwarf, the Killer Dwarfs released their self-titled debut album in 1983. The award-winning band established a solid following in Canada, while achieving modest worldwide sales.

The break through in the United States came when San Antonio based radio personality Joe Anthony started spinning their album on a regular basis, much to the delight of hard rocking Texans. This planted the seeds for what would result in Killer Dwarfs receiving a lot of attention South of Canada's border.


Released in 1986 by Maze/A&M in Canada and Grudge in the USA, "Stand Tall" was embraced by American Rock radio. The first single, "Keep the Spirit Alive," was an anthem of the times. The accompanying video was added to regular rotation on MTV and the newly born Much Music. By spring of 1987, the video became the most requested video on MTV, setting a record that would take years to overcome. A second video for the title track was greeted with nearly equal accolades. This wide exposure allowed the group to tour coast to coast in the US and Canada with such acts as Saxon and Accept, selling unprecedented 80,000 copies of Stand Tall. It also led to serious interest from a number of American record labels.

Along with Rush and Helix, they were one of the few Canadian hard rock acts to achieve international success.

AUTOMAN

Automan was formed in 2002 by writing partners Darrell "Dwarf" Millar (vocals) and Carleton Lockheart (guitar) and is a genuinely pure 70's/80's influenced kick-ass "rawk" band in the essence of Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC and others.  Their distinctive, upbeat brand of modern classic rock can best be described as coming straight out of a music time capsule, yet it's altogether fresh, current and timeless.

Darrell-a lifelong professional musician is internationally reknown as the former drummer for the multi-million selling hard rock act "Killer Dwarfs", as well as for the Nikki Sixx produced southern rock act "Laidlaw".  As one of the most high-profile and well-travelled drummers of the 80's-90's hard rock era, he's shared concert stages worldwide with the likes of Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, ZZ Top, Pantera, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more.  In formulating Automan, he vacated the drums for frontman duties and it's his high-energy persona that fuels Automan's performances, both live and on record.

Carleton-a master guitarist capable of playing all styles of rock and jazz, has been mesmerizing musicians and fans alike for years on the independant circuit with his unique style of playing pick-less, left-handed and upside-down.  Those who witness his stellar performances are astounded at his jaw-dropping techniques.  Undoubtedly, Carleton's incomparable approach to guitar is a key ingredient of the Automan sound.

In 2004, Automan was rounded out with the additions of bassist John Fenton and drummer Adrian Cavan.  Touring extensively throughout Southern Ontario has polished the band into a tight, highly entertaining professional act.

Their recently released full-length CD, titled "Pocket Change" was produced by Darrell and co-produced by Greg Looper (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers/Mudcrutch) and is fuelled by their first single titled "Back In The Sun", which is now available for radio.

Going "old school" with just 8 tracks of "all killer/no filler" Automan's easy on the senses, aurally-appealing sound will surely attract and connect to, a wide-ranging audience fan base.

If your desire is for blues-based rock in it's truest form, yet with it's own distinctive up-to-date qualities, then spare some time to check out Automan's "Pocket Change"!!

Visit Automan Here:

Automan Website: www.automan.ca
Automan on Myspace: www.myspace.com/automanca
   




Interview with Darrell "Dwarf" Millar of Automan (ex-Killer Dwarfs)


      One on one, in-depth interviews with hard rock and metal artists, includes new music!
    

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