Formed in Kingston, Ontario by four High School friends, Everlea spent a few years developing their infectious sound, harnessing the power of their live shows and gathering experiences that would make up the bulk of their material. Originally called Saucepan Heroes, “an unfortunate title” as they reminisce about it today, they lost the name, but kept the melodic sensibilities and heart-felt lyrics that have become a staple of lead singer Justin Dube’s writing style. “Each song starts as an idea,” says Dube, “then once I am excited about a certain part of it, I take it to demo in my basement, building the song structure around a drum machine before introducing it to the band.” The band then learns the song together, morphing it into a textured three minute, cohesive piece.
Their first release came in 2004, the short playing EP “Friends Hurt Friends.” The lyrical content is what would be expected from a young, genuine band that wears their hearts on their sleeves; honest, relatable tales of youthful innocence and heartbreak, the changes we all have to go through growing up. Combined with a live show that leverages the passionate vocal hooks of lead singer/rhythm guitarist Justin Dube, the kinetic energy of lead guitarist Casey Shea, and the hard hitting fills from drummer Brendan Soares, you have a one-two punch that propelled the band to the forefront of Ontario’s independent music scene.
High profile gigs at the 10th Anniversary S.C.E.N.E. Festival and Bedlam Society’s 4-Year Anniversary Party helped them gain attention and exposure from media outlets including Boston-based music community PureVolume, Canadian college radio, and CIKR K-ROCK 105.7, which chose “Over This” as one of the “Best 105 Rock Songs of 2005.” It was inevitable that showcases and awards from the region’s best would follow; “Best Non-Local Band” Indie Week Toronto 2005, “National Pick” M.E.A.N.Y. Fest 2005, showcases at NXNE 2006, and the 10th Annual Millennium Music Conference 2006.
With the arrival of 2007 came a 16 track, self-titled release and a proud return to New York City’s M.E.A.N.Y. Festival where they caught the eyes and ears of Glassnote Entertainment Group’s A&R Executive, Diane Passage. They were signed to the newly founded independent record label soon thereafter, impressing all with their material, live show, and obsessive work ethic. Everlea released their self entitled album on Glassnote with producer Brian McTiernan (Thrice, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, From Autumn To Ashes), and today continue to self release new music and tour for their growing dedicated fanbase.
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