About Lizband
Lizband have have thrived through sixteen years as an independent Newfoundland rock band. Hailing from the capital city of St. Johns and fronted by the multi-dimensional Liz Solo (formerly Pickguard), Lizband features the longstanding and intrepid lineup of Mike Kean on bass and Marcel Levandier on guitars. Brian Downton is the current Lizband drummer, taking over from from Mikey-Mike Clarke in 2002 after Mikey Mike was courted by and ultimately joined the Trad band Shannygannock. Lizband's original drummer was Paul Curnew and Steve Hussey played guitar with the band from 1993 to 1997, both playing on Lizband's first CD in 1994. Lizband remain a strong force on the East Coast independent music scene. Liz has been dubbed the Matriarch of Newfoundland Rock and Lizband has been touted as "The vanguard of East Coast indie rock".
See also The Black Bags
Lizband released their fourth CD self-titled in June 2005. Featuring ten original songs it was recorded and mixed by Ron Anonsen at Rock Can Roll Studios and the Goat Palace in St. Johnصs. A video for "Nature", created by Liz Solo, was released in the Winter of 2006. Lizband also have three other independent CDs released on their own label - Sniz Wreckerds ذ with co-production from other indie labels. Devotion 2002 (Sniz Wreckerds), i've been here before 1998 (Sniz Wreckerds/No Records/Alice Productions), and Six Songs 1994 (Sniz Wrckerds). They also have four video releases and have contributed to many Newfoundland compilation projects, most recently releasing a track "Man Who Can Go (I Need A..)" on Rock Can Roll Records Compilation: Volume One.
Our fourth CD - self-titled - Hear a few MP3s or visit iTunes and look for more Lizband there.
Through the years Lizband have toured the East Coast of Canada many times, played every Industry showcase this side of Winnipeg and have made special appearances and/or provided sound for local and national film, radio, television and live theatrical and dance performance projects. Through the years Lizband have played hundreds of live shows including many showcases and festivals making appearances at - the East Coast Music Awards, Canada Music Week, Halifax Pop Explosion, Summersault, Gobblefest, Peace-A-Chord, NXNE, Sound Symposium and the Atlantic Scene Festival in Ottawa. They continue to be a mainstay on the Newfoundland scene and are working on their fifth record.
What they say:
"This album tells concrete stories while exploring the tangible devotions that bind us. With full toned voice that is all at once a little girl's complaint and the rage of every woman, Pickard is an experience in herself" Soundcheck Magazine
"Their music defies classification; maybe a hybrid of blues, country, early punk - you might hear heavy metal crashing through somewhere. With Pickard's throaty wail bouncing off the walls, you wouldn't be shocked to hear Patsy Cline coming from the speakers" - the Express
"The Lizband have been at the forefront of the St. John's scene since day one" - Granite Magazine
"Liz lets her full vocal range come into play, from soft floating melodies down to the gutter with hard edges and spikes" - The Telegram
"..the Lizband has grown to become a pillar of east coast independence and one of the longest lasting 'non-traditional' bands from St. John's" - Reverb Magazine
"This is an honest and understated rock album which doesn't betray any of the grit of the band's live performance... definitely worth the cover charge." - What's Goin' On
Selected Discography
- Six Songs, recorded and mixed by Don Ellis, Sniz/Best Dressed, 1994
- ive been here before, recorded by Don Ellis, mixed by Don Ellis and Ross Murray, Sniz/Alice/No Records,1998
- Devotion, recorded by Don Ellis, mixed by Ron Anonsen, Sniz, 2002
- Lizband, recorded mixed and mastered by Ron Anonsen at Rock Can Roll Studios and The Goat Palace in St. John's. Sniz/Rock Can Roll Records, 2005
- Rock Can Roll Records Compilation: Volume One- Lizband track - "Man Who Can Go (I Need A..)". Released on Rock Can Roll Records, 2004
- Danger Falling Rock - Best Dressed Records - "Powerful" - 1995
- Cover Story - Newfoundland Bands cover Newfoundland Bands - "Curve of Heaven" by Mike Wade - Alice - 1997
- Liz has made guest appearances on releases from:
- Gearbox - Liz on "One Away" - 1999
- 11:11 Newfoundland Women Sing - Ron and Connie Hynes Compilation Liz on "Picture To Hollywood" - 1999
- Fur Packed Action, The Dull Thud of Fur, Liz on "Everything Else", 2000
- Colleen Power - Lucky You Are - Liz as a member of Live Girlz on "Car" and "Liar, Cheater, Loser", 2001
- Emily, created by Liz Pickguard and Justin Hall. Produced by Sniz Studios, 1999
- Song of Encouragement, directed by Liz Pickguard. Produced by NIFCO/Sniz Studios 2001
- EvenNow, directed by Liz Pickguard. Produced by NIFCO/Sniz Studios, 2002
- Good Goodbye, directed by Liz Pickguard. Produced by Sniz Studios, 2003
- Nature, created by Liz Solo. Produced by Sniz Studios/Solo Media, 2006.
Releases
Compilations etc
Videography
Network Stuff
“and it's hard to leave, to leave her hanging on, in certain doom, but we pioneer, we aspire ever upwards, on and on we climb"
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