When you pop the No Days EP in, you're hit by the first track, Change, that will suck you in and make you want more. They are a four piece from Toronto, with Stephen Tauro as vox, Krist Ladva behind the kit, Jonathan Lindsay on guitar and Mike Ojala on bass. They are catchy and well put together, but only in the positive sense. This is a band I am genuinely anxious to see live. Stephen did an email interview with me in May about how No Days got together, the work behind the new EP, and what they're up to now.
This band is the brainchild of Stephen, something he's been wanting to get going for the last four years, 'I knew I wanted to make it in the industry and I wanted to make a kick ass rock album,' says Stephen. 'Though during the following years I was a part of a few bands, nothing really solid nor true to my vision amounted. In early 2005 I was introduced to Haydain Neale (Jacksoul) who gave me confidence to seek out what it is that I want and start to create my monster.' It was after the EP was made, in late 2005 that Stephen hooked up with the other 3/4 of No Days.
Once he finished the album, Stephen posted ads everywhere.
'I held some pretty long and interesting auditions, in which I was really
fortunate to meet a lot of talented musicians and people that shared the
same passion and dream as me. I believe I first met Jonathan and he came
in nailed his parts and just blew the 'judges' away,' says Stephen.
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Stephen
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'After Jonathan left Krist walked in the door and it was just magic. It was one of those things that you can't explain, you spend hours looking for your band and within the same 30 minutes the two go-to guys happen to walk in to my life. The audition process was a little more rough in terms of finding a bass player. So I decided to hold the first practice without one and in that rehearsal Krist had told me of his friend, Mike, who was looking to play. So again, its just fate I guess.'
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This lineup is working out, and Stephen attributes it to the shared passion for music and 'an openness to learn and experiment and the love of performing,' as he puts it. 'It's a pretty powerful thing really. That coupled with the fact that I was able to handpick the members based on an intense audition process as well as that little touch of 'fate' or whatever unseen power that exists. I found exactly what I wanted - No Days.'
Songwriting for this release started in May of last year, 'it was a really interesting time for me,' says Stephen, 'where I was extremely lucky enough to work with one of Canada's best singer/song writer/ producers Haydain Neale (Jacksoul). We basically met a few times a week to go through ideas for riffs, lyrics and what not. It was a very fluid process as Haydain is really laid back and amazing to work with. I was fortunate to learn so much from him while the writing process took place. By the end of July we had the four songs fully written but due to studio booking we were not able to go into the studio until September.'
September 2005 marks the beginning of recording, done at Megawatt Studios in the Sony BMG building. Busy as the studio is, the album wasn't ready for mastering until November. 'The recording process for me was a huge learning experience and actually the first time I stepped behind a mic as prepared as I was. I spent hours practicing and perfecting lines,' says Stephen on the process. Shortly before that Stephen hooked with vocal coach Elaine Overholt.
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Stephen on recording...
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'The recording process for me was a huge learning experience and actually the first time I stepped behind a mic as prepared as I was. I spent hours practicing and perfecting lines.'
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Noted earlier, Stephen worked closely with Haydain Neale, who has had a wonderful impact on him. 'Time and time again I will say this; Haydain Neale is a huge reason why I am confident in No Days and confident in the EP. He has inspired, coached, produced, and every other positive verb that you can think of that involves being a huge part of this project,' explains Stephen. 'He is the Man. Working with him is something that I will hold on to for the rest of my life and I really hope I will be able to work with him again, maybe on my full album.'
Promo for the EP is focused on the website, which also has a forum that Stephen put together to link his fans to each other. 'You see at a lot of shows people are huddled into their own little groups and it seems each one has this impermeable shield around them that destroys any type of outside interaction. It would be nice to get rid of that,' says Stephen, and really, I think we can all attest to shows like this, we've all seen it. 'Other than the website there is always the heavily used Myspace which has become the stamp in modern promotion,' he continues. 'I also have a few things in the works with college radio stations and hope to get that going real soon, some frequent spins would help a lot in getting out the music and word of the band. And of course, how could I forget the wonderful world of Zines, especially Virus. They are an awesome way to promote the band and get people at least aware of the existence of the band.'
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Stephen is the sort of person that is involved in every step of every process related to his band, which makes good sense. 'I think that non musical aspects of the band are just as important as the music,' replies Stephen when asked how important being involved in the promo/other non music aspects of No Days is to him. 'Those aspects help create what is the band, it completes the whole package. That's the thing, you'll find continuity with all aspects of No Days just because I have my hands in it all. I don't see it happening any other way, for now at least. It's not that I am a dictator or a megalomaniac it's just that it's a business, it involves paperwork, web sites, promotion, booking, and performing. I truly love what I do, I love music, I love the business, I love the promotion and I love the countless hours of work. That's why I'm in it, and all of these aspects add up to make the total package of No Days.' This is why the font on the site is the same as the notes in the CD booklet, he pays really close attention to detail and it really makes a difference.
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I think it's fair to say that the difference it makes
will go a long way in their pursuit of a deal. 'I am currently sending
out promo packs to the major record labels and for sure am looking for
their support. With their support I will be able to document and polish
one of my main goals - a full length album,' explains Stephen. 'I have
songs, I have ideas, I just need some financial backing and that all
powerful label support. That would also lead to a lot bigger tours and
world wide exposure. Plus I will have time to really experiment with
the music and try out things I have never before, just because the technology
will be at my finger tips. Plus I really love business and am so fascinated
with the whole engine so I would love to see it work first hand.'
No Days has launched their new website this month, with new photos, the entire EP, and a message board. Check out the tunes and you'll be hooked.
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The Playlist
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Stephen's Playlist
1. Audioslave - Show Me How to Live
2. Godsmack - Speak
3. Three Days Grace - Animal I Have Become
4. Incubus - 11 am
5. Thornley - Come Again
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