State of Shock: “Canadian Melodic-Rockers Set Their Sights on the States”

State Of Shock has brought a storm of energy and spirit to the hard-rock music scene with their American debut album, Life, Love, & Lies, from Universal Republic. This five piece group, consisting of Cameron Melnyk (vocals), Jesse Wainwright (guitar), Simon “Kadooh” Clow (guitar), Alison Toews (bass), and Johnny Philippon (drums), is a Canadian based band that has taken the rock scene to a whole new level with their smash hit, “Money Honey.” This single quickly rose to the top of the Canadian charts, clearing out other stand out artists such as Arcade Fire and Feist. “Money Honey” has become a major rock anthem, established as platinum in Canada, and has secured many Top 10 spots on multiple Canadian radio stations. The band has also landed three major Canadian awards, such as Best New Group, Best New Group at the CHR format, and the Canadian 2008 ‘Indie’ Award for Favorite Single of the Year. The band has maintained a spot on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for almost a year. With their major debut album, State of Shock has been touring extensively creating a strong fan base that follow the band religiously whether online or live. Drummer, Johnny Philippon, stated, “We love our fans for believing in us. Our philosophy from the start has been to nurture that support and also to believe in ourselves, and If anyone ever gives us a chance, good things will happen.”

The band formed in the late 1990s with Cameron, Jesse, and Johnny as the core of the group. “We all go back a ways,” says Cameron. “Jesse and I have been playing in bands together since we were kids. So even though we all have different influences, there is a trust level when it comes to adding elements to the music that brings it all together.” The band has gone through some changes after their official start with Cameron leaving the group to attend college, but soon he returned to his musical past and the singer was quickly welcomed back by the others, and officially State of Shock was born. Cameron stated, “The return was accidental, in a way. I had gone to one of their shows, but just as a fan. Next thing I know Jesse calls me up and asked me to come into the studio with them. But I was itching to go. There was one particular song I knew I just had to sing, even practiced it in my dad’s office before I went in to the studio and gave it a try.”

In 2003, after frustrating no-responses for an ad for the open bassist position, the band decided to re-create the ad for a female bassist. “Alison Toews was the first one that answered,” recalls Guitarist and songwriter Jesse Wainwright. “We just liked her spirit, and how well we all seem to click from the start.” Guitarist Simon Clow would eventually come on the scene creating the current SOS line up.

The band really kicked off the ground in 2004 when they conquered an influential Canadian Radio contest which expanded their exposure into Western Canada. The band took off touring for the next two years, continuing to explore their musical interests and talents as individuals within the band. “We have always enjoyed working as one. Creating something out of nothing,” says Cameron. “We write about real things that happen to us. We’re family and friends but we are also survivors, so we know what stories to tell.” Cameron mentions each members musical influence on the band – ‘Jesse loves his country and Guns N’ Roses/Johnny his Top 40/I like a little bit of everything: Beatles, Black Crowes, Jeff Buckley…,’ and surmises that the eclectic connection between them and the other SOS members – Simon and Alison – ‘all fuses together to create that certain ‘something’ in the end.’ Adds Johnny: “Bands write, record, tour and all of that, but once that whole thing is done, we’ll all sit down and write again. We always have notepads kicking around and we’re always writing down ideas, so the juices are always flowing.”

SOS’s creative talent and enthusiasm landed them two rock production Aces to guide them in the making of their 2007 breakthrough album, Life, Love & Lies. Canadian producer Jeff Dawson (Tal Bachman) and well-known rock mixer/engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica) came together perfectly to help create the perfect studio situation for SOS. “Jeff and Mike were both able to capture the raw enthusiasm we have for this music.” With the help of these two talented individuals, SOS has set the stage of many for accomplishments in 2008, which will be a strong force to compete with for the other hit-making Canadians veterans.

SOS’s second single, “Hearts That Bleed,” became a smash hit with its upbeat tempo and anthem for a chorus defining the depth that the band brings to their record. Cameron points out, “Different Day,” is a song that reflects the band’s elaborate cut and thrust, both as songwriters and as storytellers. “You can break that song down and see it very clearly. It means a lot to all of us, the story behind it as well as the overall ‘feeling’ our fans seem to take away from that one.” “Best I Ever Had,” confirms the album as a well put piece of work. With the strong core of the album, SOS has had the fortunate opportunity for opening of for rock giants such as Aerosmith, and an opening slot in Nickelback’s sold-out Canadian summer tour.

For now, who knows what is in store for the band and their future. Life, Love, & Lies displays an intricate look into music and the people that make up band. This band has a strong future and should be looked out for in the next upcoming months, which will leave every listener in a State of Shock.

Article by: Benjamin Farber