MEET THE BAND

‘CJ SLEEZ’ was originally formed in Hamilton by CJ, who re-located to Toronto in 2000. A Leo known for her individualism, creativity, enthusiasm, and disdain for anything weak-willed or lazy, CJ lists some of her musical influences as ‘GNR’, The Stooges, L7, Nirvana, The Sex Pistols, Faith No More and Motley Crue. Her all-time favorite song is ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ and suggests that ‘Natural Born Killers’ was the best movie ever made because it’s romantic, comedic, horrific and thought provoking with an amazing soundtrack. Her other interests include photography and painting and she considers her best traits to be her bold fearlessness, determination and ability to think big. CJ’s favorite quote is “Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today” by James Dean.

Slick Nick Lemieux plays a Fender and an Ibanez bass through an Ampeg amp and joined the group in the fall of 2008. He credits his musical roots to classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Who, while he currently listens mainly to metal (Megadeath, Slayer & Opeth). He considers ‘Kill ‘em all’ by Metallica to be his most personally influential album. “Burton debuted on that album and that inspired me to become a metal bass player”, Nick explains. He likes green eyed girls and wearing his leather jacket. A passionate Scorpio with a good-humored, magnetic personality, Nick lists his best character traits as his thick lustrous hair, physical determination and loyalty to those he loves. When asked to share one thing about himself that he dislikes, Nick responded “What’s not to like?”

Errol, a Virgo (meticulous, reliable, analytical and diligent) originally from Morden, Manitoba plays a Gibson Les Paul Standard gold top through a Marshal head and cabs. He boasts a broad range of musical influences, from Randy Rhodes, George Harrison and Neil Young to the Hellacopters, AD/DC and Motorhead. He prefers the cool, dry air of autumn, the (non)-colour black because it goes with everything (just like him), and shares that 'the Shining' is his favorite movie. Errol's also a professionally trained chef. He considers his most prized traits to be his 'give it 'till it hurts… then give more attitude, and his ability to (physically) take a hit, while disliking his own over-critical, perfectionist tendencies.

Smokin' Joe uses a wah with his modified Stratocaster guitars and plays through an '87 Marshall Jubilee 4x12 half stack. An intelligent and practical Virgo, Joe loves long days on the beach, hot summer nights, cool shoes and freaky girls. Joe's musical influences include Hendrix, the Stones, Sabbath, the Clash, MC5, the Misfits and Fear. His favorite movie is 'Baby Snakes' starring Frank Zappa and highly recommends the novel 'Arthropod Bioacoustics' by Arthur W. Ewing. Along with backing CJ, he also plays guitar in Toronto based punk band 'The Dirty Decibels'.

Drummer Dave Shye rides a silver Harley Davidson and enjoys smoking fine cigars. Born and raised in Toronto, he's inspired by musicians such as Neil Peart, John Bonham and Phil Rudd. An imaginative, sensitive Cancer, Dave loves any song that "brings out emotion" but claims is all-time favorite album is a toss-up between 2112 and Detroit Rock City. He most values his luck and "one other thing he can't say" (Awe, how sweet), while admitting that his anger can occasionally get the better of him.