MuchMusic’s Gemini-nominated MuchOriginal breakout series DISBAND once again delivers rock ‘n roll glory. Following the success of DISBAND discovery Stereos, four artists featured on Season 2 of the series have now secured record label or management deals, giving them a head start in one of the most competitive industries in the world. Follow their journeys on MuchMusic’s upcoming DISBAND DISCOVERED specials. See airdates and information about where the bands are now below.
SAN SEBASTIAN
Hamilton-based band San Sebastian (who appeared on DISBAND under the name Pumps) signed a management deal with Last Gang, the same company that discovered Metric, Crystal Castles, and MSTRKRFT. They have since recorded their debut album produced by DISBAND Guru Greig Nori, and shot a video for first single “Wake Up”, the song which received the thumbs up from the DISBAND judges. San Sebastian is now signed to Universal Music Canada and The Agency Group for live bookings.
DISBAND DISCOVERED: SAN SEBASTIAN airs Wed., May 5 at 8 p.m. ET on MuchMusic. Watch San Sebastian interview, live performance and video premiere on MUCHONDEMAND Thurs., May 6 at 5 p.m. ET.
ABANDON ALL SHIPS
Abandon All Ships from Toronto signed a management deal with Underground Operations Management (Stereos, Protest The Hero) and a recording deal with Universal Music Canada/Underground Operations. They also signed a booking deal with The Agency Group Canada and USA (Colin Lewis/Dave Shapiro) and now have tour dates booked leading all the way up until October 2010. In the U.S., Abandon All Ships secured a record deal with Velocity/Rise Records (Devil Wears Prada, From First To Last, Bleeding Through). The band now is currently negotiating for booking and label deals in Europe, Australia, and Japan.
DISBAND DISCOVERED: ABANDON ALL SHIPS airs Wed., July 7 at 8 p.m. ET on MuchMusic. Watch Abandon All Ships interview and video premiere on MUCHONDEMAND Thurs., July 8 at 5 p.m. ET.
THESE KIDS WEAR CROWNS
These Kids Wear Crowns from Chilliwack, B.C. signed a management deal with U.S.-based TQ Management (Forever The Sickest Kids, Shorelines End, Vanilla Ice). TKWC have just finished recording their debut album in Dallas, Texas with producer, Geoff Rockwell and filmed their first video directed and produced by The Field on single “Break It Up”, sponsored by MuchFACT, in Vancouver. The band is booked by Jason Furman/SL Feldman and is touring with Faber Drive later this year. The band is quickly garnering interest from major labels.
DISBAND DISCOVERED: THESE KIDS WEAR CROWNS airs Wed., July 28 at 8 p.m. ET on MuchMusic. Watch These Kids Wear Crowns interview, live performance and video premiere on MUCHONDEMAND Thurs., July 29 at 5 p.m. ET.
MADDY RODRIGUEZ
Fifteen-year-old singer/songwriter Maddy Rodriguez from Etobicoke, Ontario has secured a development deal with Nettwerk (Avril Lavigne, Sum 41, Billy Talent, Barenaked Ladies, Coldplay) and Bunk Rock Entertainment. DISBAND Guru Greig Nori is co-writing and producing her upcoming debut record over the summer, due for release in the fall.
DISBAND DISCOVERED: MADDY RODRIGUEZ airs Wed., August 18 at 8 p.m. ET on MuchMusic. Watch Maddy Rodriguez’s interview, live performance and video premiere on MUCHONDEMAND Thurs., August 19 at 5 p.m. ET.
MuchOriginal series DISBAND helps develop young, struggling Canadian bands by providing them music industry exposure with honest critique. Artists from across the country are put through a one week rock star boot camp with DISBAND Guru Greig Nori followed by the biggest performance of their lives in front of the country’s music industry elite. After they take the stage, the artist is told whether they have what it takes to be in the music biz or if they should DISBAND.
The first season saw Edmonton band Stereos sign a major record deal and be certified platinum and a Juno Award nominee in less than a year. Fellow Season 1 alum, Dean Lickyer has toured the country, opened for KISS, and are now recording their sophomore album.
