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Trevor James & The Perfect Gentlemen

Short Band Biography

Trevor James & The Perfect Gentlemen are a three piece rock outfit that fuse rootsy folk songs with a rock and roll edge. With influences ranging from Neil Young Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, to bands from the early 90s punk and grunge movements, TJPG’s sound is anything but one dimensional. Filled with an array of dynamics and raw emotion, this Montreal three piece will send chills up your spine and leave you singing in the shower. Comprised of just that, a balladeer front man, a jazz and funk influenced bassist and of course a rock and roll drummer, their undeniably unique sound is sure to turn heads wherever they go.

Band History

Trevor James began writing songs at the age of 12 years old. Born and raised in the suburbs of Canada’s Capital (Ottawa), James looked to any kind of art form as an expressive way out of his suburban wasteland. Having played in many different bands throughout high school, it wasn’t until his graduating year that he met a handful of like minded neighborhood musicians, that would later help him form his very first true musical project, The Architects. Trevor James joined forces with guitarist extraordinaire Blair Hogan and the two sought out other members. It was at that time that Trevor and Blair crossed paths with local bass player Tyson Hiseler. The Architects suffered from a revolving door syndrome when it came to securing full time members. They would however release one full length record ( entitled- This is about you C 2005) and would go on to tour across Canada twice, selling over 2000 copies of this independent release from the back of their van.

Upon The Architects disbandment, everyone decided to go there separate ways except for Tyson and Trevor. These two formed a solid bond both as players and as people. Their vision remained the same and still does to this day. They would later go on to form a new band called Travel By Owl, featuring Jamie Kronick on drums and Jordan Allen on lead guitar. TBO went on to record a three song demo and tour like crazy. After deciding to take a break from the road, the quartet opted to get right back in the studio to finish what they had started. Creative differences however, would inevitably be the lead balloon that ended Travel By Owl. Once again, with Tyson and Trevor still on board and still in love with what was being created, the two decided to hold open auditions for a new drummer. It was at this point that they met young Hamish Robertson. Hamish being a multi-instrumentalist helped Trevor and tyson with both drums and lead guitar parts in the studio. It was finally finished, the record had been recorded. It was at this point that the three thought it suitable to change the band name once and for all. Its always been Trevor James’ songwriting, and with all the line up changes and people jumping ship at the most inopportune times, James felt (as did the others) that the band should be named after him. Thus, Trevor James & The Perfect Gentlemen. Trevor felt that calling his band mates perfect gentlemen was quite fitting, seeing as they let him have his name in the title.

It was literally that day, that TJPG was approached at Ottawa’s famous Zaphod Beeblebrox, by Pop Culture Records (http://popcultrec.com/). PCR was a local record label with distribution through Fontana North. After being blown away to a packed house label CEO Dan Furlan decided to begin talks with TJPG. Contracts were thrown back and forth until finally the boys had a record deal. Their self-titled Trevor James & The Perfect Gentlemen hit stores September 6th 2008.

After touring hard off and on for a full year things began to spoil and go sour with PCR. Not getting the support they were promised both parties mutually decided not exercise the option for a second release, and part ways. Once again Trevor James and his loyal band mates hit a stalemate. It was at this time that Trevor decided a move was in order for him and his band. There were three viable options within Canada that the band had to choose from. Vancouver, which seemed just too far away, Toronto, which is way too assholy and Montreal which all three members were quite fond of already. The choice was easy and within months their bags were packed they were on route to their new home.

Before TJPG left for Montreal the three musicians made a laundry list of goals that they’d hoped to achieve within one year of living in this brand new town. The list was ambitious but realistic. The main goal was to network and meet the right engineer/producer to help them record a brand new EP, that they would write upon their arrival. It was only 6 months in, and the boys managed to link up with engineer producer Dan Lagace ( The Dears, STARS, Priestess). Working with Dan went splendidly and these three rockers now had what they do best on tape. All brand new material inspired by a brand new home and a brand new way of living.