Summer 2008-
Contents
Members
- Jessica Hochins - Vocals
- Shawn Hartviksen - Guitar
- Dustin Saarinen - Guitar
- Rob Hibberd - Bass
- Jimmy Wiggins - Drums
Biography
Amidst the pool of washed up artists and nouveau popular bands comes Vega, a breath of fresh air, bringing a new energy and atmosphere to melodic rock. Through the combined efforts of these five Thunder Bay music scene veterans, Vega layers melodic guitars over a driving rhythm section, soaring above it all is a voice filled with passion and innocence. Vega mixes the ambient sounds of Circa Survive, the energetic melodies of Paramore with the bone crunching riffs of Killswitch Engage to create an epic soundscape all their own.
Forming in June 2008, Vega immediately wrote, recorded and pressed a 4-track disc which they sold out of after only a handful of shows. With backgrounds in hardcore, metal and rock-a-billy, the members of Vega don't let certain labels or genres blur their visions.
"I think we have the ability to reach a broad audience because we blend so many genres together" says singer Jessica Hochins. "The music fits the lyrics well, so it allows us to write easily, yet from the heart."
The individuals who make up Vega are also very active in the Thunder Bay music scene. Drummer Jimmy Wiggins has been running his own promotion company (Wiggins Pro-Ductions) for several years, as well as the city's concert listing website (TBshows.com). Guitarist and core songwriter Shawn Hartviksen works at a local radio station (LU Radio 102.7FM) as the productions manager and programming assistant. Vega lets him express himself like none of these other outlets can.
"Writing this music has been an outlet for me to express a much softer side of myself," notes Shawn. "When I write for Vega, I find it important to capture a feeling. Through Vega, I have been able to express certain parts of my life musically, as well as progress as a songwriter: playing with layers, guitar interplay and textures. "
Coming from a wide range of past musical endeavors, members of Vega have not only recorded albums and toured with previous bands, but have also shared stages with such acts as Protest the Hero, As I Lay Dying, Finger Eleven, Ten Second Epic, Strung Out, Farewell to Freeway, Comeback Kid, Danko Jones, Robin Black and KMFDM among others.
2009 will see new music and much more from one of Ontario's best new melodic acts to watch for.
Discography
- 4-song demo (summer 2008)
Recorded and mixed by Ian Hibberd
Track List:
- A Lie in Your Hand
- Pulling Strings
- Accept the Truth
- The Deviant
Links
- Upcoming shows: http://www.tbshows.com/bands/vega
- Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/vegaaudio
- Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vega/13385679730
- Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13714344935
- Reverb Nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/vegaaudio
- Purevolume: http://www.purevolume.com/vegaaudio
- mp3.com: http://www.mp3.com/artist/vegaaudio
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/vegaaudio