Hustle Rose

A local band will release its debut album as part of a Friday Oct. 19 show at a downtown restaurant. Hustle Rose plays music that can be described as indie rock or electronic. The band’s debut album is titled In Time, a news release said. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the show at Red Papaya, located in Old Quebec Street. There’s a small cover charge for the show, which also includes performances by The Millers, The Durants and Lion Detective Club. Hustle Rose was formed two years ago when its four members Erin Shields, Christian Chiera, Sky Sawyer and Jelly Tizon – were students at different Guelph high schools. “Since then, they’ve slowly managed to break into Ontario’s music scene with big gigs and recording at a major Toronto studio, Epik Productions,” the release said. - The Guelph Tribune

Hustle Rose is an electronic alt rock band from Guelph, Ontario with a smooth and distinctive sound. Combining smooth vocals with skillful electric guitar and hints of synth, they craft a sound reminiscent of Cindi Lauper crossed with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The band has a great track record with Supernova, having played and placed in both of their Band on the Run shows. Not only have the developed a stronger fan base through their performances, they've also managed to catch the attention of some of Supernova's industry judges. "Mesmerizing" and "fluid" are just a few of the words used to describe Hustle Rose on stage.

We grabbed the band for a quick introduction interview after their latest win, where they placed 2nd at The Chrysalids Theatre, and it is with great expectations of things to come that we introduce the members of Hustle Rose:
(in their own words)

Sky: plays drums and is the techy; is also like a stegosaurus.

Jelly: one of the vocalists and plays keyboards; the Asian.

Chris: another vocalist and plays guitar; the "rockstar" who rocks his guitars like no one else. (He's also the only draw for female fans.)

Finally, Erin: the bassist, and the 'whatever' guy.

LOL... so what is your band’s story?

We started playing together about 6 months ago and just went from there. We don't really know what Hustle Rose means, it just sounded catchy so we went with it. We have also gone through member changes already, parting with our original drummer; but we're complete now. Sky completes us.

Aww... here's some great video of the band recording at Epik:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l8TJrjYP2w&feature=player_embedded

How would you describe your current sound?

We are a blend of rock, electronic and indie music. We all have different tastes in music, so we try to incorporate specific aspects from different genres to create a new sound.

What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?

Playing on stage. And that feeling you get after you've played a show.

What do you find is the biggest challenge facing ‘new’ artists?

Finding a good practice space, cash, and girls (and boys for Jelly, of course.)

How did your band find Supernova.com? What do you think about it?

We looked through a telescope [to find it] ...We would tell bands that it's a good way to start out and get experience.

What would be your ‘recipe’ for a good show?

Chris telling jokes and Sky taking his shirt off.

How do you measure ‘success’ as a band?

By how many people talk to us after each show, by the spoonful, or with a big ruler.

What other artists do you look up to?

Picasso, Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Sky.

Is there such a thing as ‘bad’ music?

Sometimes Erin jams by himself...

Ouch :) ...anything else that makes your band unique?

Just that we record in the shower.

- Supernova.com

This homegrown Guelph talent is quickly drawing the attention of music lovers all over the province. This four-person band features the classic vocals, guitar, bass, keys, drums combo. Their genre, however, could be described as anything but traditional, in their use of innovative references to electronic, indie, and rock. The effect is a sound captivatingly unique while still allowing for familiarity to the rock classics we all love.

Hustle Rose’s latest venture is with a nation-wide battle of the bands competition hosted by Supernova.com. Beginning in 1992, and growing rapidly since, Supernova states their intentions as to “help indie bands grow from garage to emerging, empower fans to help get them there and provide the music industry with the next wave of emerging artists.”

Their method is to encourage a non-exclusive, anything goes type of approach , accommodate for a wider spectrum of music. Music enthusiasts and concertgoers across Canada can thank Supernova for a good opportunity to experience live music from up and coming bands that may not have otherwise had the opportunity.

Hustle Rose’s vocalist, Jelly Tizon, attests to the truth of Supernova’s statement of intent in revealing that the competition thus far has allowed for networking with other bands and in the music community in general. She explains as well that it was through fellow bands that they heard of Supernova’s battle, proving to be as popular within the band community as it is to the fans.

Battle of the Bands works through a series of tiers which beings initially on a local level and ascends to a national competition. So far Hustle Rose has completed the first round, the regional division of the competition, for which they impressively placed 2nd. Their next show, the semi-finals, will be in competition for the national tier alongside 15 other bands on July 18, at the The Chrysalis Theatre in Kitchener.

Enthusiasm from the semi-finalist bands is quite justified, as the prize for the winner of battle of the bands is a UK tour with big-name bands such as Cancer Bats. A promising future is likely in store of the Supernova winner, seeing the success of past competitors Sum 41, Billy Talent, and Three Days Grace. - The Ontarion