Anyone familiar with the Canadian rock scene can tell you that there hasn't been a lot of noise coming from the community of Applewood - a small suburb of Mississauga, Ontario. (Hell, most people have never even heard of Applewood.) But now that Applewood-based ska-punk band KEEPIN' 6 are starting to become one of the most buzzed about bands in the Southern Ontario punk scene, it looks like that's all about to change.
Formed in 2003 by 4 lifelong friends; drummer Matt "Phatty" Wilki... (more)
Anyone familiar with the Canadian rock scene can tell you that there hasn't been a lot of noise coming from the community of Applewood - a small suburb of Mississauga, Ontario. (Hell, most people have never even heard of Applewood.) But now that Applewood-based ska-punk band KEEPIN' 6 are starting to become one of the most buzzed about bands in the Southern Ontario punk scene, it looks like that's all about to change.
Formed in 2003 by 4 lifelong friends; drummer Matt "Phatty" Wilkinson, guitarist Jason Wilford, bassist Dan Renwick and vocalist Bryan Hotchkiss, KEEPIN' 6 is a band who's high energy, and hook-heavy songs blend the best of influences ranging from The Police to Operation Ivy to the Foo Fighters. And truth be told, if there's a band that can sonically bridge the gap between Billy Talent and Sublime, well that band is definitely KEEPIN' 6.
In late 2004 the band released their first indie CD/EP "KEEPIN' 6 6-PACK". Tracks from that release have been featured on EDGE 102.1 (Toronto) and charted at Ontario College radio.
In 2005, the band teamed up with local ska-punk buzz band The Johnstones in a collaborative effort and released a split EP, "The Johnstones Vs. Keepin' 6". The release quickly sold over 1000 copies and fan reviews of the split EP have been nothing short of amazing - including praise from local DJ's such as Barry Taylor (Punk-o-rama - Edge102), and DJskip (SkaParty - CIUT 89.5).
Throughout 2006, KEEPIN' 6 kept busy with a non-stop tour schedule which saw appearances at countless rec centres, community halls, basements and all ages clubs - always making hundreds of new fans at every show. (The band now have a dedicated fan base that many major label acts would kill for!)
Somehow in late 2006, the band also found time to return to the studio - this time with renowned local producer Steve Rizun (Hostage Life / The Creepshow / illScarlett) to record their debut full length album. Showing remarkable growth as both performers and songwriters, the album (slated for a 2007 late-spring release) is a collection of songs that move and flow effortlessly from kick-ass high energy punk tracks to modern rock leaning hooks and anthemic choruses. But the album's biggest surprise may just be the band's newly discovered ability to turn the amps down a bit and showcase a more traditional pop-song vibe. (Don't be scared though... trust us, the album rocks start-to-finish!)
With another non-stop tour schedule already in the planning - and the imminent release of their debut album - 2007 will undoubtedly be the year that KEEEPIN' 6 finds legions of new fans world-wide.
...Far beyond the winding suburban streets of Applewood, Ontario.
Source: Stereo Dynamite
