Ascot Royals

The Ascot Royals
In late 2008, Joseph Vinegar (guitar), Jesse Gilroy (bass) and Scott Cunningham (drums) met Brantford brothers Jimmy Chaveau (vocals) and
Ben Chaveau (keyboards, vocals). The fivesome found a similar love of crunchy guitars, funky rhythms and driving pop songs and formed the Ascot Royals, one of the area’s more interesting live outfits.
“Four out of the five of us met at McMaster University,” recalls Ben Chaveau. “We met everyone on the Hamilton scene through the old Mac
connections of loving live music and being out and about on the scene a fair bit. We also got saved by Jesse Dore at Corktown. The band wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. For six months, we didn’t have a jam space and he gave us the loft at Corktown. Pretty sure we still owe him rent.”
Developing their live show was integral for the band’s future and capturing the sound which Chaveau describes as “Van Halen and early [Red Hot] Chilli Peppers spit roasting Kasabian” on their debut EP, it was important to capitalize on their live performances.
Recorded at Catherine North Studios with producer Mike Marcone, the music of the Ascot Royals probably starts from a similar starting place where another McMaster University band, Arkells, began but pushes it further into the funk and hard rock realms. While Brantford might now be a current base since university, the Ascot Royals is developing their touring schedule that sees them on the road more often than not.
“The album was a strong representation of us and it’s served us well,” notes Chaveau. “The CDEP gives you a taste of us but doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head; I guess that’s the wonder of growing up. We’ve charted on the Earshot college charts with it but we are desperate to record a full length. Our sound has matured and many new songs have since come along.
“But a physical CD was important because we live for touring,” he adds. “If you can’t hand a new listener a CD at a show, they’d probably be too busy checking their Facebook when they get home to remember to download. There’s also more pride in having a hard copy of your finished product in your hand to help promote yourself.”
With thoughts towards recording a full length CD in the next year, the Ascot Royals have just released a stylish video for their song, “Zap Zap,” which should further add to their fan base and performance schedule. Just back from a showcase in New York City last weekend, the Ascot Royals return this weekend to the familiar haunt where they spent months honing their craft.
“As for touring, Joey Balducchi from Spherical Productions has booked us a couple of great east coast tours, and we’ve also done a bunch of
Ontario mini–tours,” says Chaveau. “In honesty, we’ll play anywhere if there’s one person we can win over because hopefully he’ll then bring back a couple of friends the next time. We just love to play live. The live show will be a party. Make ‘em dance and make sure we’re dancing with ‘em. We play to have fun, and that’s easier to see in person.”

The Ascot Royals play this Friday September 17 at the Corktown Pub with the Fast Romantics. Doors are at 10 and $5 gets you in. myspace.com/theascotroyals - View Magazine

The Ascot Royals
In late 2008, Joseph Vinegar (guitar), Jesse Gilroy (bass) and Scott Cunningham (drums) met Brantford brothers Jimmy Chaveau (vocals) and
Ben Chaveau (keyboards, vocals). The fivesome found a similar love of crunchy guitars, funky rhythms and driving pop songs and formed the Ascot Royals, one of the area’s more interesting live outfits.
“Four out of the five of us met at McMaster University,” recalls Ben Chaveau. “We met everyone on the Hamilton scene through the old Mac
connections of loving live music and being out and about on the scene a fair bit. We also got saved by Jesse Dore at Corktown. The band wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. For six months, we didn’t have a jam space and he gave us the loft at Corktown. Pretty sure we still owe him rent.”
Developing their live show was integral for the band’s future and capturing the sound which Chaveau describes as “Van Halen and early [Red Hot] Chilli Peppers spit roasting Kasabian” on their debut EP, it was important to capitalize on their live performances.
Recorded at Catherine North Studios with producer Mike Marcone, the music of the Ascot Royals probably starts from a similar starting place where another McMaster University band, Arkells, began but pushes it further into the funk and hard rock realms. While Brantford might now be a current base since university, the Ascot Royals is developing their touring schedule that sees them on the road more often than not.
“The album was a strong representation of us and it’s served us well,” notes Chaveau. “The CDEP gives you a taste of us but doesn’t quite hit the nail on the head; I guess that’s the wonder of growing up. We’ve charted on the Earshot college charts with it but we are desperate to record a full length. Our sound has matured and many new songs have since come along.
“But a physical CD was important because we live for touring,” he adds. “If you can’t hand a new listener a CD at a show, they’d probably be too busy checking their Facebook when they get home to remember to download. There’s also more pride in having a hard copy of your finished product in your hand to help promote yourself.”
With thoughts towards recording a full length CD in the next year, the Ascot Royals have just released a stylish video for their song, “Zap Zap,” which should further add to their fan base and performance schedule. Just back from a showcase in New York City last weekend, the Ascot Royals return this weekend to the familiar haunt where they spent months honing their craft.
“As for touring, Joey Balducchi from Spherical Productions has booked us a couple of great east coast tours, and we’ve also done a bunch of
Ontario mini–tours,” says Chaveau. “In honesty, we’ll play anywhere if there’s one person we can win over because hopefully he’ll then bring back a couple of friends the next time. We just love to play live. The live show will be a party. Make ‘em dance and make sure we’re dancing with ‘em. We play to have fun, and that’s easier to see in person.”

The Ascot Royals play this Friday September 17 at the Corktown Pub with the Fast Romantics. Doors are at 10 and $5 gets you in. myspace.com/theascotroyals - View Magazine

The stars of the night, the Ascots Royals, were up next.
All spiffied up, with collared shirts, vests, bowties, and ties (well, I guess not too spiffy; singer Jimmy Chauveau had a huge hole in the crotch of his pants), the boys took the stage amidst loud cheers, catcalls, and whistles from their eager fans and friends. After a short introduction, they burst into their first song, “Waiting.”

The Ascot Royals are performers, and each member is a performer in a unique way. Jimmy was jumping all over the stage, his huge, brown, curly ‘fro in his face half of the time (seriously, he’s a jumper; he even jumped on the drum set a few times), bassist Jesse Gilroy seemed to be in his own world, his face mimicking the changes in notes, tempo, and rhythm, and drummer Scott Cunningham was pounding away, half-hidden in the shadows.

Ben Chauveau, on keys, was having a good, if intense, time in his corner of the stage, and guitarist Joey Vinegar – who, by the way, may just be my new favorite guitarist: he’s amazing – was genuinely having a fun rocking out, with his ear-to-ear smiles and head bobs (and his hair bobbing along accordingly). You could see him bust out, and showcase his guitar skills to the fullest by the fifth song, the guitar heavy “Zap Zap.” (If you haven’t heard it yet, head on over to their Myspace and listen to it now. Or actually, do it after you finish reading this review.)
“Zap Zap” was followed by a mellower song, “Disco Joe,” which was a nice change in pace. But the guitar was out in full force by the next song “Awkward When I Stop,” which continued to pump excitement into the crowd while just pummel them with feel-good high-energy tunes.

Their fans/friends were just as into it as they were (making the photography a bit of a challenge, I must say, but then a great crowd is generally what makes a great show great). And the Ascot Royals knew how to respond; the band had the crowd clapping, dancing, and singing along. In fact, Jimmy even held out the mike to the girls standing front and center, letting them take over lead vocals for a bit.
The band ended things with one of their softer songs, “Monster in the Closet,” which evoked a long sing-along from the audience. And the ten songs they played were not enough, for me or for the crowd, as everyone was screaming for more. So if you do want more (or just some, if you weren’t there), the Ascot Royals will be playing at the Edge Studios on May 21, 2010, as part of 102.1 The Edge’s Smirnoff Concert Series. Their next Toronto show is June 10, 2010, at Sneaky Dee’s, but trust me, you don’t want to wait that long.

– REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAKINA SHAKIL - The Take Media

The stars of the night, the Ascots Royals, were up next.
All spiffied up, with collared shirts, vests, bowties, and ties (well, I guess not too spiffy; singer Jimmy Chauveau had a huge hole in the crotch of his pants), the boys took the stage amidst loud cheers, catcalls, and whistles from their eager fans and friends. After a short introduction, they burst into their first song, “Waiting.”

The Ascot Royals are performers, and each member is a performer in a unique way. Jimmy was jumping all over the stage, his huge, brown, curly ‘fro in his face half of the time (seriously, he’s a jumper; he even jumped on the drum set a few times), bassist Jesse Gilroy seemed to be in his own world, his face mimicking the changes in notes, tempo, and rhythm, and drummer Scott Cunningham was pounding away, half-hidden in the shadows.

Ben Chauveau, on keys, was having a good, if intense, time in his corner of the stage, and guitarist Joey Vinegar – who, by the way, may just be my new favorite guitarist: he’s amazing – was genuinely having a fun rocking out, with his ear-to-ear smiles and head bobs (and his hair bobbing along accordingly). You could see him bust out, and showcase his guitar skills to the fullest by the fifth song, the guitar heavy “Zap Zap.” (If you haven’t heard it yet, head on over to their Myspace and listen to it now. Or actually, do it after you finish reading this review.)
“Zap Zap” was followed by a mellower song, “Disco Joe,” which was a nice change in pace. But the guitar was out in full force by the next song “Awkward When I Stop,” which continued to pump excitement into the crowd while just pummel them with feel-good high-energy tunes.

Their fans/friends were just as into it as they were (making the photography a bit of a challenge, I must say, but then a great crowd is generally what makes a great show great). And the Ascot Royals knew how to respond; the band had the crowd clapping, dancing, and singing along. In fact, Jimmy even held out the mike to the girls standing front and center, letting them take over lead vocals for a bit.
The band ended things with one of their softer songs, “Monster in the Closet,” which evoked a long sing-along from the audience. And the ten songs they played were not enough, for me or for the crowd, as everyone was screaming for more. So if you do want more (or just some, if you weren’t there), the Ascot Royals will be playing at the Edge Studios on May 21, 2010, as part of 102.1 The Edge’s Smirnoff Concert Series. Their next Toronto show is June 10, 2010, at Sneaky Dee’s, but trust me, you don’t want to wait that long.

– REVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAKINA SHAKIL - The Take Media

Ascot Royals
Ascot Royals

(Indie)

SOUNDS LIKE: A fun collection of radio-friendly pop-rock songs.

Don't let the heavy metal-style speed riffing at the opening of "Awkward When I Do", the lead-off from the debut EP from Toronto's Ascot Royals, fool you. This is a collection of pop-rock numbers that manages to sound both modern and retro.

The seven tracks sound like a trip down the radio dial with singer Jimmy Chaveau's charismatic vocals anchoring the whole thing. The band seems to spend a lot of time visiting the '70s, particularly on "Demon In Me" and "Down". The latter is deceptively chipper sounding with the "ba-ba's" offsetting the somewhat melancholy lyrics. You can almost hear the weariness in Chaveau's voice when he sings about being fired from his job on "So Tired". But it's in the songs when they really rock out where the Ascot's shine the brightest. "Zap Zap" is a fast-paced glam rock number with definite crossover potential.

Clocking in at just under half an hour, the EP is far too short but it definitely shows that this band has tremendous potential.


Video: "Down" by Ascot Royals - SoundProof

Ascot Royals
Ascot Royals

(Indie)

SOUNDS LIKE: A fun collection of radio-friendly pop-rock songs.

Don't let the heavy metal-style speed riffing at the opening of "Awkward When I Do", the lead-off from the debut EP from Toronto's Ascot Royals, fool you. This is a collection of pop-rock numbers that manages to sound both modern and retro.

The seven tracks sound like a trip down the radio dial with singer Jimmy Chaveau's charismatic vocals anchoring the whole thing. The band seems to spend a lot of time visiting the '70s, particularly on "Demon In Me" and "Down". The latter is deceptively chipper sounding with the "ba-ba's" offsetting the somewhat melancholy lyrics. You can almost hear the weariness in Chaveau's voice when he sings about being fired from his job on "So Tired". But it's in the songs when they really rock out where the Ascot's shine the brightest. "Zap Zap" is a fast-paced glam rock number with definite crossover potential.

Clocking in at just under half an hour, the EP is far too short but it definitely shows that this band has tremendous potential.


Video: "Down" by Ascot Royals - SoundProof

I spotted this 5pc.electric, stylish band at Lucky’s Wings and Things 320 King St. W. in Kitchener. The Ascot Royals kept a great tone consistently throughout their performance displaying an enviable master of guitar by playing behind his head for a duration of a song without missing a note. These young men deliver a melodic and soulful onslaught of sound combined with a fantastic sense of humor. A joy to interview, they are as entertaining onstage as they are off.

They hosted a free concert at the Horseshoe Tavern this past Monday for their 4:20 show. You can find their band info and gig schedule at myspace.com/theascotroyals. You won’t be disappointed

- Local Vibe

From somewhere in Southwestern Ontario there are rumblings of a band so outrageous, whose live shows are so lively, that they can only be referred to as royalty. But on this evening at Lucky’s Wings in Kitchener, after their sound check is over, all the Ascot Royals have on their minds is food.

The musical quintet called The Ascot Royals is made up of the Brothers Chauveau, Ben and Jimmy, who moved to Canada from a town southeast of London in 2004. They met up with Joey Vinegar and Scott Cunninham at McMaster where they all played for different bands. Eventually they all came together as their own outfit and Jesse Gilroy joined them a few months later. And for the past eight months, The Royals have been keeping up a hectic pace of touring as they try to make a name for themselves in a crowded music field.

“It’s been really, really busy and we’ve had some help from some great bookers and agents,” says Ben who plays keyboard. “Plus, Scotty still drives from Barrie for every practice and every show. He’s one of the most dedicated people I know.”

Cunningham plays drums for the band, and says that he does plan to move closer to The Royals home base in Brantford this spring to cut down on his commute. But it’s a good example of how diverse this group is both geographically and musically. Vinegar, the band’s guitarist, was classically trained in several post-secondary programs. Gilroy, the bassist, also received some classical training. Jimmy rounds out the group as the lead singer.ascot2

“I really enjoy the fact that we haven’t had to categorize ourselves as one sound, and I’m sure every band says that,” says Ben of their musical genre of choice. “I think with the North American influences with Jesse and Joey and with me and Jimmy coming over here, being raised on the Brit rock scene, I don’t I think it’s just a combination [of sounds].”

I ask about the origin of the name and everyone in the band looks to Ben. “None of us actually know,” says one Royal to the general agreement of the rest. “It came from Scott originally,” offers Ben, and then Cunningham takes the story from there. The name first came from Cunningham’s e-mail, ascott, The name also has roots from the British origins of Ben and Jimmy who lived near a town called Ascot, birthplace of the Royal Ascot Races, an annual horse race like the American Kentucky Derby.

Go Festival-Ascot Royals Interview - In Magazine

Deeming a month-long tour “as the next step for the band,” Ben Chauveau, keys for the Ascot Royals, is more than excited about the new adventure.


“We get to do nothing but play music for an entire month. We’re going to wake up, think about playing, then get to play a show that night, and do it all over again the next day,” said Chauveau.


As The Ascot Royals take the opening slots for The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast on the tour, called the Live and Uncomfortable Tour, Chauveau says it was a no-brainer to go the extra mile and give up their current Hamilton apartment for the tour.


“Why pay bills and spend the money if we’re not even going to be living there for a whole month? If we’re going to do this tour, we’re going to do it properly and like a true band,” said Chauveau.


The tour kicks off on September 4 at The Mustard Festival in Hamilton and goes on to cities such as Oshawa, Kingston, Montreal and Toronto. The tour concludes at the end of September with three nearby CD release shows. Consisting of seven songs, a couple of re-recorded favourites and a couple that are brand new, the self-titled EP is in its final stages and is expected to be available within two weeks. Chauveau says that maintains the band’s indie rock style.


Since The Ascot Royals will be somewhere in the middle of the tour when the EP is finished, Chauveau says it’s “just another reason to revisit the cities that we didn’t have one available for the first time.”


However, what’s currently tiding fans over is their first demo, which consisted of five songs, a couple of which will be heard on the new EP. According to Chauveau, the new songs to look forward to are “Disco Joe”, “Demon” and “Zap Zap.” Making up the rest of the EP are familiar tunes from the demo, “Awkward”, “Monster in my Closet” and “So Tired.”


Overall, Chauveau says he’s not the least bit nervous about being on the road for a month and having no apartment to come home to.


“What’s there to be nervous about? It’s going to be a blast! We’re going to come out of it a tighter band with more exposure,” said Chauveau.

The Ascot Royals have recently amped up their exposure and experience since their last interview with brantford.com , playing shows alongside The Tragically Hip, Simple Plan, Down with Webster, The Arkells, Attack in Black, USS, and The Cancer Bats as well as a variety of festivals.

*Check brantford.com in the next couple of weeks for a tour update from The Ascot Royals.


Tour dates:
September 4 – Hamilton – The Mustard Festival
September 5 – Staats Labour Day Classic
September 6 – Durham – Come Together Music Festival
September 7 – McMaster University – Monday Night Social
September 10 – Toronto – The Rivoli
September 11 – Brantford – Two Doors Down
September 12 – The Casbah
September 13 – Oshawa – The Green Bottle
September 15 – Kingston – The Masion
September 16 – Ottawa – The Rainbow Room
September 17 – Montreal – L’Absinthe

*Note - only shows from September 10-17 will be with The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast.


CD Release Shows:
September 24 – Hamilton – The Corktown (w/The Pumps, Barettas, Sheep Dogs)
September 25 – Toronto – Rancho Relaxo (w/The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast)
September 26 – Brantford – Two Doors Down (w/Sheep Dogs, Vendettas) - Brantford News Now

From somewhere in Southwestern Ontario there are rumblings of a band so outrageous, whose live shows are so lively, that they can only be referred to as royalty. But on this evening at Lucky’s Wings in Kitchener, after their sound check is over, all the Ascot Royals have on their minds is food.

The musical quintet called The Ascot Royals is made up of the Brothers Chauveau, Ben and Jimmy, who moved to Canada from a town southeast of London in 2004. They met up with Joey Vinegar and Scott Cunninham at McMaster where they all played for different bands. Eventually they all came together as their own outfit and Jesse Gilroy joined them a few months later. And for the past eight months, The Royals have been keeping up a hectic pace of touring as they try to make a name for themselves in a crowded music field.

“It’s been really, really busy and we’ve had some help from some great bookers and agents,” says Ben who plays keyboard. “Plus, Scotty still drives from Barrie for every practice and every show. He’s one of the most dedicated people I know.”

Cunningham plays drums for the band, and says that he does plan to move closer to The Royals home base in Brantford this spring to cut down on his commute. But it’s a good example of how diverse this group is both geographically and musically. Vinegar, the band’s guitarist, was classically trained in several post-secondary programs. Gilroy, the bassist, also received some classical training. Jimmy rounds out the group as the lead singer.ascot2

“I really enjoy the fact that we haven’t had to categorize ourselves as one sound, and I’m sure every band says that,” says Ben of their musical genre of choice. “I think with the North American influences with Jesse and Joey and with me and Jimmy coming over here, being raised on the Brit rock scene, I don’t I think it’s just a combination [of sounds].”

I ask about the origin of the name and everyone in the band looks to Ben. “None of us actually know,” says one Royal to the general agreement of the rest. “It came from Scott originally,” offers Ben, and then Cunningham takes the story from there. The name first came from Cunningham’s e-mail, ascott, The name also has roots from the British origins of Ben and Jimmy who lived near a town called Ascot, birthplace of the Royal Ascot Races, an annual horse race like the American Kentucky Derby.

Go Festival-Ascot Royals Interview - In Magazine

BRANTFORD (BCN) - The Ascot Royals asked for fans to vote every day last week to get them on the bill for a show at the Edge Studios storefront in Toronto. It's official, they received the most votes and will be playing on Saturday, August, 29 at 9 p.m. in Toronto. Also, they are set to release their EP any day now. Keep checking brantford.com for information on upcoming shows and their CD release party. - Brantford News Now

Deeming a month-long tour “as the next step for the band,” Ben Chauveau, keys for the Ascot Royals, is more than excited about the new adventure.


“We get to do nothing but play music for an entire month. We’re going to wake up, think about playing, then get to play a show that night, and do it all over again the next day,” said Chauveau.


As The Ascot Royals take the opening slots for The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast on the tour, called the Live and Uncomfortable Tour, Chauveau says it was a no-brainer to go the extra mile and give up their current Hamilton apartment for the tour.


“Why pay bills and spend the money if we’re not even going to be living there for a whole month? If we’re going to do this tour, we’re going to do it properly and like a true band,” said Chauveau.


The tour kicks off on September 4 at The Mustard Festival in Hamilton and goes on to cities such as Oshawa, Kingston, Montreal and Toronto. The tour concludes at the end of September with three nearby CD release shows. Consisting of seven songs, a couple of re-recorded favourites and a couple that are brand new, the self-titled EP is in its final stages and is expected to be available within two weeks. Chauveau says that maintains the band’s indie rock style.


Since The Ascot Royals will be somewhere in the middle of the tour when the EP is finished, Chauveau says it’s “just another reason to revisit the cities that we didn’t have one available for the first time.”


However, what’s currently tiding fans over is their first demo, which consisted of five songs, a couple of which will be heard on the new EP. According to Chauveau, the new songs to look forward to are “Disco Joe”, “Demon” and “Zap Zap.” Making up the rest of the EP are familiar tunes from the demo, “Awkward”, “Monster in my Closet” and “So Tired.”


Overall, Chauveau says he’s not the least bit nervous about being on the road for a month and having no apartment to come home to.


“What’s there to be nervous about? It’s going to be a blast! We’re going to come out of it a tighter band with more exposure,” said Chauveau.

The Ascot Royals have recently amped up their exposure and experience since their last interview with brantford.com , playing shows alongside The Tragically Hip, Simple Plan, Down with Webster, The Arkells, Attack in Black, USS, and The Cancer Bats as well as a variety of festivals.

*Check brantford.com in the next couple of weeks for a tour update from The Ascot Royals.


Tour dates:
September 4 – Hamilton – The Mustard Festival
September 5 – Staats Labour Day Classic
September 6 – Durham – Come Together Music Festival
September 7 – McMaster University – Monday Night Social
September 10 – Toronto – The Rivoli
September 11 – Brantford – Two Doors Down
September 12 – The Casbah
September 13 – Oshawa – The Green Bottle
September 15 – Kingston – The Masion
September 16 – Ottawa – The Rainbow Room
September 17 – Montreal – L’Absinthe

*Note - only shows from September 10-17 will be with The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast.


CD Release Shows:
September 24 – Hamilton – The Corktown (w/The Pumps, Barettas, Sheep Dogs)
September 25 – Toronto – Rancho Relaxo (w/The Fast Romantics and Secret Broadcast)
September 26 – Brantford – Two Doors Down (w/Sheep Dogs, Vendettas) - Brantford News Now

The Rock and Roll Report Band of the Week Is: The Ascot Royals

December 7, 2009 by Barbara Pavone

It was a wonderful accident. I arrived on time at a local Montreal bar / live show venue for my interview with a great Canadian band, that shall remain unnamed, only to find that they were stuck at the American border and were running behind schedule. Assuring me they would arrive shortly, I grabbed a seat and began one of my least favorite aspects of the job – waiting. As I watched another band setting up their gear I was soon approached by someone with a, wait for it, British accent, which I must admit I found quite strange, but my interest was immediately peaked. I was soon introduced to the rest of the band (turns out Mr. British Accent had a name, Ben Chauveau, and was the keyboardist for the band I had been watching set up), heard some tunes and before I knew it I was leading an impromptu interview with what has since become one of my new favorite bands – The Ascot Royals. Was it fluke? Was it fate? Whatever it was, my ears, and my spirit (as cheesy as that sounds), thank me every time one of the songs off their debut self-titled album is blasting through my speakers.

The five-member band is a fusion of Brit brothers Ben (Keys) and Jimmy Chauveau (Vocals) and Canadians Joey Vinegar (Guitar), Jesse Gilroy (Bass) and Scott Cunningham (Drums), who Ben met when he made the move to Ontario and began attending McMaster University. Everyone soon agreed on the prospect of starting up a band and looking for a name they decided to flip one of England’s hallmark racing events, the Royal Ascot. It seems that Ben and Jimmy also brought over some of the musical musings of famed rockers native to their part of the globe, namely The Clash and a even hint of The Stones.

Heading into Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON for six months they recorded their debut slightly unconventionally, doing it “off the floor, so it was kind of nice to kind of be able to play with people that you normally play with in a performance instead of being stuck in a booth by yourself playing to a ghost track,” said Joe. That would help explain the warmness, cohesiveness and general ‘live’ vibe that the album emanates, and the first thing that appealed to me (many more to follow.) The best part of the experience? “ The free beer and the final product,” laughs Ben, and no one can disagree with that.

The Ascot Royals offer an open album and what I mean by that is that you can’t narrow it down to one style or genre and fit it into a neat little box, which I find extremely appealing and refreshing. No two tracks sound remotely similar and yet they are all connected. It’s rockabilly mixed with rockin’ guitar riffs, blended with melancholic crooning and mashed up with wit and memorable lyrics. Each song has a highlight, whether it be Joe’s unbelievable guitar riffs that at times rival Slash (really, they do – put on Zap Zap and I challenge you to disagree with me) or passages that make you want to dance and sing like no one’s watching (pop on Awkward When I Stop – which the band is graciously offering as a free download! – and you’ll see what I mean) or melancholic, but relatable (to some!) lyrics like “You’re the kind of girl that makes me drink myself to sleep” on Down – it’s all a fabulous eclectic mix. Not to mention the smooth keys that give spice to the entire escapade and make me think that maybe that’s what’s been missing from today’s music scene.

It seems like others are taking notice too and recently The Ascot Royals shared the stage with greats such as The Tragically Hip and Sam Roberts as the North Rocks The Bay festival.

The band’s hopes for the future, as Ben sums up, are “to make this a career. Whether we make sixty bucks a day or sixty thousand a week, my goal as a band is for people to hear the music and us to be able to make a living out of this so we don’t have to worry about when our next shower is or when we can next eat a hot meal.”

On a lighter note, I ask the five-piece to encompass their sound in one word. Jesse starts with “Danceable, I took the easy one guys. I jumped in there!” Ben follows with “Enticing! Looked it up on my phone,” he laughs and then it’s back to Jesse for “Milkshake.” Lets just say it all went downhill from there.

The most surprising thing about The Ascot Royals? “We are complete goofballs. You wouldn’t be able to tell by meeting us, obviously!” Jesse laughs. At which point it’s photo time and we end up with the marvelous snapshot you see on the left. As gripped with fear as I was (can’t you see it in my eyes?) I couldn’t help but laugh at what Jesse had just said, and that’s when it clicked. The Ascot Royals are a group of musicians who just work. They’re skilled and, perhaps even more importantly, they’re not afraid to be themselves and have a riot wherever they go. This genuine joy and passion for music (and I’d say for life in general too) is reflected in their songs, albu - Rock and roll Report (www.rockandrollreport.com)

The Rock and Roll Report Band of the Week Is: The Ascot Royals

December 7, 2009 by Barbara Pavone

It was a wonderful accident. I arrived on time at a local Montreal bar / live show venue for my interview with a great Canadian band, that shall remain unnamed, only to find that they were stuck at the American border and were running behind schedule. Assuring me they would arrive shortly, I grabbed a seat and began one of my least favorite aspects of the job – waiting. As I watched another band setting up their gear I was soon approached by someone with a, wait for it, British accent, which I must admit I found quite strange, but my interest was immediately peaked. I was soon introduced to the rest of the band (turns out Mr. British Accent had a name, Ben Chauveau, and was the keyboardist for the band I had been watching set up), heard some tunes and before I knew it I was leading an impromptu interview with what has since become one of my new favorite bands – The Ascot Royals. Was it fluke? Was it fate? Whatever it was, my ears, and my spirit (as cheesy as that sounds), thank me every time one of the songs off their debut self-titled album is blasting through my speakers.

The five-member band is a fusion of Brit brothers Ben (Keys) and Jimmy Chauveau (Vocals) and Canadians Joey Vinegar (Guitar), Jesse Gilroy (Bass) and Scott Cunningham (Drums), who Ben met when he made the move to Ontario and began attending McMaster University. Everyone soon agreed on the prospect of starting up a band and looking for a name they decided to flip one of England’s hallmark racing events, the Royal Ascot. It seems that Ben and Jimmy also brought over some of the musical musings of famed rockers native to their part of the globe, namely The Clash and a even hint of The Stones.

Heading into Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON for six months they recorded their debut slightly unconventionally, doing it “off the floor, so it was kind of nice to kind of be able to play with people that you normally play with in a performance instead of being stuck in a booth by yourself playing to a ghost track,” said Joe. That would help explain the warmness, cohesiveness and general ‘live’ vibe that the album emanates, and the first thing that appealed to me (many more to follow.) The best part of the experience? “ The free beer and the final product,” laughs Ben, and no one can disagree with that.

The Ascot Royals offer an open album and what I mean by that is that you can’t narrow it down to one style or genre and fit it into a neat little box, which I find extremely appealing and refreshing. No two tracks sound remotely similar and yet they are all connected. It’s rockabilly mixed with rockin’ guitar riffs, blended with melancholic crooning and mashed up with wit and memorable lyrics. Each song has a highlight, whether it be Joe’s unbelievable guitar riffs that at times rival Slash (really, they do – put on Zap Zap and I challenge you to disagree with me) or passages that make you want to dance and sing like no one’s watching (pop on Awkward When I Stop – which the band is graciously offering as a free download! – and you’ll see what I mean) or melancholic, but relatable (to some!) lyrics like “You’re the kind of girl that makes me drink myself to sleep” on Down – it’s all a fabulous eclectic mix. Not to mention the smooth keys that give spice to the entire escapade and make me think that maybe that’s what’s been missing from today’s music scene.

It seems like others are taking notice too and recently The Ascot Royals shared the stage with greats such as The Tragically Hip and Sam Roberts as the North Rocks The Bay festival.

The band’s hopes for the future, as Ben sums up, are “to make this a career. Whether we make sixty bucks a day or sixty thousand a week, my goal as a band is for people to hear the music and us to be able to make a living out of this so we don’t have to worry about when our next shower is or when we can next eat a hot meal.”

On a lighter note, I ask the five-piece to encompass their sound in one word. Jesse starts with “Danceable, I took the easy one guys. I jumped in there!” Ben follows with “Enticing! Looked it up on my phone,” he laughs and then it’s back to Jesse for “Milkshake.” Lets just say it all went downhill from there.

The most surprising thing about The Ascot Royals? “We are complete goofballs. You wouldn’t be able to tell by meeting us, obviously!” Jesse laughs. At which point it’s photo time and we end up with the marvelous snapshot you see on the left. As gripped with fear as I was (can’t you see it in my eyes?) I couldn’t help but laugh at what Jesse had just said, and that’s when it clicked. The Ascot Royals are a group of musicians who just work. They’re skilled and, perhaps even more importantly, they’re not afraid to be themselves and have a riot wherever they go. This genuine joy and passion for music (and I’d say for life in general too) is reflected in their songs, albu - Rock and roll Report (www.rockandrollreport.com)

If Stevie Ray Vaughan met Hendrix and they had a baby, and Page met Jagger, had a baby, then those babies grew up and had a baby, and that baby grew up to do an incredible amount of supermodels, and those models had 5 babies with instruments inside the womb. Well you get the point, you'd get The Ascot Royals.
Hailing from the not so far away land of the telephone and the Great one, The Ascot Royals are a quintet from Brantford making major noise. "We enjoy playing Hamilton because we can play to a new audience (and) we always feel very welcomed when we play here," says Jimmy Chauveau.
Along with Jimmy is his brother Ben on keys alongside Joey Vinegar on guitar, Adam Martinelli on bass, with Scotty Cunningham on drums, the Ascots are giving Hamilton the royal treatment with their sing-along worthy melodies and dance till you-look-borderline stupid rhythms.
While the band has only been together for less than a year, the Ascot Royals have maintained a naturally effortless stage presence and rapidly spreading scene notoriety partially due to their interactive shows. "Audience participation is something we thrive on, our mix of different influences allows everyone to find something they dig," says Chauveau.
As they continue to add finishing touches to their debut album, the Ascot Royals' intentions are clear and that is to make people dance but it's not all play because they plan on getting down to work. "Our biggest obstacle is getting someone to take a chance on you and to overcome stereotypes," the band states despite the street buzz they are still a work in progress. "We are taking it one step at a time because we just want to be known as a band that puts on a great live act."
Seeing is believing and The Ascot Royals bring their show to town with Pumps, Young Rival and Slides at Club Absinthe on November 20th at 8pm.

Words: Felicia Mancini
November 20-26, 2008
- The View Magazine, Hamilton

If Stevie Ray Vaughan met Hendrix and they had a baby, and Page met Jagger, had a baby, then those babies grew up and had a baby, and that baby grew up to do an incredible amount of supermodels, and those models had 5 babies with instruments inside the womb. Well you get the point, you'd get The Ascot Royals.
Hailing from the not so far away land of the telephone and the Great one, The Ascot Royals are a quintet from Brantford making major noise. "We enjoy playing Hamilton because we can play to a new audience (and) we always feel very welcomed when we play here," says Jimmy Chauveau.
Along with Jimmy is his brother Ben on keys alongside Joey Vinegar on guitar, Adam Martinelli on bass, with Scotty Cunningham on drums, the Ascots are giving Hamilton the royal treatment with their sing-along worthy melodies and dance till you-look-borderline stupid rhythms.
While the band has only been together for less than a year, the Ascot Royals have maintained a naturally effortless stage presence and rapidly spreading scene notoriety partially due to their interactive shows. "Audience participation is something we thrive on, our mix of different influences allows everyone to find something they dig," says Chauveau.
As they continue to add finishing touches to their debut album, the Ascot Royals' intentions are clear and that is to make people dance but it's not all play because they plan on getting down to work. "Our biggest obstacle is getting someone to take a chance on you and to overcome stereotypes," the band states despite the street buzz they are still a work in progress. "We are taking it one step at a time because we just want to be known as a band that puts on a great live act."
Seeing is believing and The Ascot Royals bring their show to town with Pumps, Young Rival and Slides at Club Absinthe on November 20th at 8pm.

Words: Felicia Mancini
November 20-26, 2008
- The View Magazine, Hamilton