Stereos Appear On DisBand Finale Tonight

Edmonton's Stereos went from struggling to book local gigs to performing for packed venues, shooting an episode of MuchMusic's DisBand, being mentored by the likes of KISS' Gene Simmons and former Treble Charger frontman/Sum 41 manager/producer Greig Nori, and signing a deal with Universal Music Canada over the course of a few short months.

Stereos are the first group to sign with any label after a DisBand appearance.

"It's what we've always dreamed of," says lead vocalist Pat Kordyback. "We worked so hard for two years, just trying to eat."

Stereos, formerly known as Turn It Up, will appear on this season's final episode of DisBand tonight (Wednesday). They'll perform and premiere their new video for lead single "Summer Girl" (which recently became availble on iTunes) on Much On Demand on Thursday.

The "Summer Girl" video was directed by 25-year-old phenom Aaron A (Nelly Furtado, Jully Black). The treatment?

"We had maybe one shot at making a video, so we just decided to make our dream video," says Kordyback. "So it's just us and girls in bikinis. That's it."

Kordyback, guitarists Robby Chalifoux and Miles Holmwood, bassist Daniel Johnson and drummer Aaron Verdonk played in other bands and have pursued musical careers from a young age, but Holmwood says, "We finally have a combination of people that works perfectly."

Stereos made an impression on DisBand judge, Universal A&R rep and Underground Operations founder Mark Spicoluk, who encouraged them to move to Toronto.

"So far, it's been unreal," says Holmwood. "It's a completely different world here."

"The shows are well-attended, and we're a brand new band," adds Kordyback. "I really thought that nobody would be coming out, at first at least. And we headlined a show that was completely packed.

"It's been amazing for us out here. There's definitely no shortage of things to do. We're busy every day, so that's all we can ask for. That's all we want. To be completely honest, our personal lives are basically non-existent outside of the band right now, but that's the way we like it.

"When we have time, we're pretty much addicted to barbequing and playing football. Girls seem to be a lot nicer to us lately as well."

But few great opportunities come without difficulties.

"It was definitely tough to leave our families behind because they were always so close with us and supportive," says Kordyback. "It's weird to not have the option of seeing them whenever I want. We also miss our band puppy, Elvis, a lot, too."

The move has brought the five members closer together, though. They all live in the same house.

"We're not even just friends anymore, we're like brothers," says Kordyback. "We're so tight.

"It's something you can't really fake. Everyone in this band shares passion and work ethic."

Stereos have been working with Juno Award-winning producer Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Cancer Bats) and plan to release their debut album this fall.

But amidst all the activity, Stereos haven't forgotten about those less fortunate.

"Aaron, our drummer, is involved already with an event called Drummers For Darfur that is put on by War Child, and we're playing an anti-violence show in June," says Kordyback.

"On a personal level, my mom is a breast cancer survivor, so I'd love to get behind something associated with that in the future."

You can see Stereos here:

May 28 Toronto, ON @ MuchMusic (Much On Demand)
June 18 Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus w/Dragonette, Down With Webster and USS
June 19 Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean-Drapeau (Virgin Festival)
June 28 St. Catharines, ON @ S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival
Aug. 2 Kitchener, ON @ Bingeman's Fun Park (Cutting Edge Music Festival)