Calgary's The Fast Romantics' first foray into the American music market was definitely a memorable one.
They were selectd as finalists for Free The Noise, a global battle of the bands contest sponsored by fashion designer John Varvatos, SPIN Earth and Island Records. They traveled to New York in mid-September to compete against Chile's Howlers and American group Reckless Sons.
"To be perfectly honest, once we entered it, we forgot all about it," admits guitarist Matthew Kliewer. "There are so many of these contests out there for indie bands and we've entered many of them, almost always hearing that we didn't make the final cut."
This time was obviously different. After their plane landed, their driver (who had just dropped off Jay-Z at the airport) took them to their posh hotel. They checked in and then headed out for a night of food and drink with Perry Farrell, music photographer Mick Rock and Varvatos.
The Free The Noise showcase gig took place at John Varvatos 315 Bowery (the former space for famed live venue CBGB). A trailer stocked with beverages was placed outside the boutique for the groups to use to prepare for their live performances.
"The band played incredible that night," says Kliewer. "When they introduced us, they claimed that we were one of the 'top three' unsigned bands in the world, so immediately we felt good.
"There were apparently 950 people there. I heard that Dennis Quaid was there, but I couldn't see if he was jumping up and down, checking his watch, or trying to save the planet."
Although Reckless Sons were awarded the grand prize of a development deal with Island Records and involvement in Varvatos' next international advertising campaign, The Fast Romantics didn't leave totally empty handed.
All the members were given a $1,000 shopping spree at the John Varvatos 315 Bowery shop and a bottle of cologne. They also received some great comments from the event's judges that should help build a buzz for their next appearance in New York on October 24 at the Bowery Poetry Club as part of the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival.
"It wasn't really about winning this contest for us," explains Kliewer. "It was about the experience and just playing a good set to a good crowd in a great city.
"I didn't realize that they were going to set it up like American Idol with a judging panel right off the side of the stage prepared to give feedback. Thankfully, they were all pretty into our set and for the most part we were praised. John Varvatos said, 'Now I know why there is so much buzz north of the border about you guys. Now you have to bring it down south.' Mick Rock's microphone wasn't working so he stood up and gave us two thumbs up."
The Fast Romantics issued their debut eponymous full-length at the end of the summer. The album is filled with post-punk accented indie pop and was mixed by Mike Fraser (Sam Roberts, AC/DC, Franz Ferdinand) and mastered by Adam Ayan (Sarah McLachlan, Foo Fighters).
"I think my most favourite thing about this record is that it's honest," offers vocalist Matthew Angus. "In our past bands, or I think most bands in general, it's often about posturing. People want to sound like this, or look like that, or fill this role.
"On this record, we let loose. So no matter what happens, we win. Four million people could buy it, or maybe just 1,000, but either way, we've got this thing on our shelf now, and every time we look at it, we get to smile."
