CityWide Panic

KITCHENER — As The Lad Classic rocked the Big Music Fest stage Friday afternoon, one woman was cheering louder than most.

Music lover? Definitely.

Superfan? You bet.

Moms are always proudest, after all.

Chris Stefankiewicz has seen her son, Paul Stevens, belt out lead vocals for the Toronto-based band before. But not on a stage quite this big.

"It's always exciting," she said. "It's always nice to see them on a stage outside."

The Lad Classic was one of 25 finalists in the Breaking Bands competition, the winner to be decided Friday night as the three-day music festival kicked off at Kitchener's McLennan Park.

"It's a great venue," Stefankiewicz said, as her son and his three bandmates filed off the stage after their performance before a panel of judges and about 100 fans gathered in front of the main stage on Friday afternoon.

"The whole weekend is sounding like a lot of fun."

More than 1,500 bands from across Ontario entered the contest, vying for a host of prizes to help launch their musical careers. Waterloo Region and Guelph are well represented, with eight of the 25 finalists hailing from the area.

As many as 25,000 people are expected to attend each weekend day to hear a lineup boasting the likes of Aerosmith, Bryan Adams, Slash, Collective Soul, Styx and Big Wreck.

Longtime friends Sandra Audet, Elaine McCurdie and Laurie Field came down from Kirkland Lake and Timmins to take in the show.

They'd secured a prime spot, shaded by a trailer, to watch Friday's competition, which was free to attend.

"We thought we'd take it all in," said Audet.

"It's also to support local talent," added McCurdie.

But they were most looking forward to the big names on the weekend — Aerosmith, especially, for Audet, and Bryan Adams for Field. McCurdie said she was eager to see a lot of the acts.

In a few short days, the park was transformed into a sprawling concert venue, complete with food and merchandise vendors, beer garden and midway.

The towering stage was flanked by video screens. Mulch covered much of the grass in front of the stage.

As the majority of the fans descend on the park on Saturday and Sunday, the only areas that will be accessible to non-ticket holders those days are the bike runs on the hill and the dog park.

Ottawa Street will be closed between Elmsdale Drive and Strasburg Road both Saturday and Sunday from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The city's director of enforcement, Shayne Turner, said they've distributed about 1,600 parking passes to area residents who requested them, allowing visitors to park on residential streets in the area over the weekend.

Event parking will not be permitted on city streets near the park. Volunteers will be at all of the main residential streets in the area reminding motorists that they will be ticketed for on-street parking if they do not have a parking pass.

City officials said they plan to have a number of bylaw officers working to police the area.

Shuttles will be bringing concertgoers from a variety of parking locations, including Conestoga College, area schools and downtown locations.

There will also be a number of day-of paid parking options in the area, including the Concordia Club at 429 Ottawa St., KW Spring & Suspension at Courtland and Walton avenues, Blessed Sacrament Church at 305 Laurentian Dr. and Glencairn Mennonite Brethren Church at 725 Erinbrook Dr.

Walking, cycling, taxis and public transit to the site are also encouraged. There's a free, secure bike valet at the park. Taxis will drop off on Ottawa Street. Personal drop-offs are off of Block Line Road.

There's also an accessible drop-off location at McLennan Gate on Blackhorne Drive.

Grand River Transit is planning extra service on several routes to serve the festival. Visit www.grt.ca/en/travelwithus/Special-Events.asp for more information.

Visit www.kitchenerevents.ca or www.bigmusicfest.com for maps and concert and parking information.


bdavis@therecord.com ; Twitter: @DavisRecord - KW Record

Panic comes of age; CITYWIDE PANIC ENDURES NAME CHANGE, GROWING PAINS AND PHONE CALLS FROM THE WRONG FANS
[Final Edition]

The Guelph Mercury - Guelph, Ont.
Author: JASON SCHNEIDER
Date: Jan 25, 2007
Start Page: F.3
Section: NIGHTLIFE
Text Word Count: 628

Document Text

While some bands seem to magically appear fully formed straight out of the gate, most bands are like people -- they need to experience some growing pains before they are able to adjust to the world around them.

Waterloo pop-rockers CityWide Panic don't try to hide the fact that they are part of the latter category, but have made great strides in overcoming those growing pains with their just-released debut album, The Age Of...

In many ways, the album marks a fresh start all around, since the quartet consisting of guitarist/vocalists Michael Finch and Matthew Jacobs, bassist Jaime Hanneman and drummer Mike Somes, were forced to find a new name after receiving word that their previous handle, Cartel, was being used. "There's a band from Atlanta called Cartel," Finch explains. "We both formed roughly around the same time and were unaware of each other until we started getting e-mails and requests from their fans, and they started getting requests for us. They ended up hiring lawyers and closed down our MySpace account.

"It was pretty amusing at the time though," he says. "We had requests for interviews, meant for them, and numerous charities asked us to play benefit gigs in the States. One night Jacobs and I were at a cottage and we had some radio station call us from California thinking we were the other band. We later found out that there are bands all over the world with the name Cartel so we thought it best to choose a name that better suited us."

CityWide Panic does indeed better reflect the band's dark, edgy hard-driving sound, which is sometimes reminiscent of Matthew Good and Danko Jones. Although the album packs a consistent punch, Finch says the band's main strength is a diversity that comes from everyone contributing equally to the songwriting.

"Our new album has at least one song on it for every type of music lover. I feel that this is due to the fact that we have three talented songwriters in our band and we've been working for years to hone our craft. Inspirations for our songs differ greatly because of this. The Age Of... really touches on our lives and the ups and downs we have been through since we've been together."

Finch has also had the benefit of learning from his brother, Patrick, and his band The Stars Here. He says they both had the desire to rock from an early age. "Pat and I got our first guitars at roughly the same time," Michael says. "We didn't necessarily play anything spectacular, but it was what sparked my interest in being in a band.

"I've learned a tremendous amount from watching and listening to The Stars Here. They've developed by leaps and bounds over the years. Their stage presence is amazing, their songwriting is superlative, and they keep growing as musicians when most people develop a lull over time. Basically they live and breathe rock'n'roll, which is what you need to do."

Finch hopes audiences will get the same impression from CityWide Panic's live show. "We make a serious effort to keep our shows entertaining as hell. We also ensure that what you hear on the CD is very similar to any live show. There is nothing worse than going to watch a band and they sound nothing like what you might have expected."

CITYWIDE PANIC LAUNCHES THE AGE OF... JAN.25 THE STARLIGHT CLUB IN WATERLOO, WITH GUESTS PAUL MACLEOD AND PATRICK FINCH $5 OR $12 WITH A CD 9 P.M. 519-885-4970 OR GO TO WWW.CITYWIDEPANIC.COM - KW Record

Panic comes of age; CITYWIDE PANIC ENDURES NAME CHANGE, GROWING PAINS AND PHONE CALLS FROM THE WRONG FANS
[Final Edition]

The Guelph Mercury - Guelph, Ont.
Author: JASON SCHNEIDER
Date: Jan 25, 2007
Start Page: F.3
Section: NIGHTLIFE
Text Word Count: 628

Document Text

While some bands seem to magically appear fully formed straight out of the gate, most bands are like people -- they need to experience some growing pains before they are able to adjust to the world around them.

Waterloo pop-rockers CityWide Panic don't try to hide the fact that they are part of the latter category, but have made great strides in overcoming those growing pains with their just-released debut album, The Age Of...

In many ways, the album marks a fresh start all around, since the quartet consisting of guitarist/vocalists Michael Finch and Matthew Jacobs, bassist Jaime Hanneman and drummer Mike Somes, were forced to find a new name after receiving word that their previous handle, Cartel, was being used. "There's a band from Atlanta called Cartel," Finch explains. "We both formed roughly around the same time and were unaware of each other until we started getting e-mails and requests from their fans, and they started getting requests for us. They ended up hiring lawyers and closed down our MySpace account.

"It was pretty amusing at the time though," he says. "We had requests for interviews, meant for them, and numerous charities asked us to play benefit gigs in the States. One night Jacobs and I were at a cottage and we had some radio station call us from California thinking we were the other band. We later found out that there are bands all over the world with the name Cartel so we thought it best to choose a name that better suited us."

CityWide Panic does indeed better reflect the band's dark, edgy hard-driving sound, which is sometimes reminiscent of Matthew Good and Danko Jones. Although the album packs a consistent punch, Finch says the band's main strength is a diversity that comes from everyone contributing equally to the songwriting.

"Our new album has at least one song on it for every type of music lover. I feel that this is due to the fact that we have three talented songwriters in our band and we've been working for years to hone our craft. Inspirations for our songs differ greatly because of this. The Age Of... really touches on our lives and the ups and downs we have been through since we've been together."

Finch has also had the benefit of learning from his brother, Patrick, and his band The Stars Here. He says they both had the desire to rock from an early age. "Pat and I got our first guitars at roughly the same time," Michael says. "We didn't necessarily play anything spectacular, but it was what sparked my interest in being in a band.

"I've learned a tremendous amount from watching and listening to The Stars Here. They've developed by leaps and bounds over the years. Their stage presence is amazing, their songwriting is superlative, and they keep growing as musicians when most people develop a lull over time. Basically they live and breathe rock'n'roll, which is what you need to do."

Finch hopes audiences will get the same impression from CityWide Panic's live show. "We make a serious effort to keep our shows entertaining as hell. We also ensure that what you hear on the CD is very similar to any live show. There is nothing worse than going to watch a band and they sound nothing like what you might have expected."

CITYWIDE PANIC LAUNCHES THE AGE OF... JAN.25 THE STARLIGHT CLUB IN WATERLOO, WITH GUESTS PAUL MACLEOD AND PATRICK FINCH $5 OR $12 WITH A CD 9 P.M. 519-885-4970 OR GO TO WWW.CITYWIDEPANIC.COM - KW Record

Matt Jacobs takes on solo effort
[Final Edition]

The Guelph Mercury - Guelph, Ont.
Author: JASON SCHNEIDER
Date: Jan 10, 2008
Start Page: F.4
Section: NIGHTLIFE
Text Word Count: 580

Document Text
Putting out a collection of songs that only feature a voice and an acoustic guitar isn't something that many people have the guts to do in this day and age.

But that hasn't dissuaded Matt Jacobs.

The 26-year-old Kitchener native instead sees his new EP, Standing On The Sidelines, as a departure from his work in the band City Wide Panic, which put out its first album, The Age Of, in 2006.

But this raises the obvious question of why a solo effort is necessary from Jacobs when he says his band is already preparing to record a sophomore album in its new three-piece format?

"I had a bunch of lighter, low-key songs that didn't really fit with what the band was doing," Jacobs says.

"I knew a guy with a studio so I just went in and recorded them in about three or four hours. I've been sitting on this for about six months now, so I just decided to release it."

Jacobs adds that the idea also stemmed from the increased amount of solo acoustic shows he has done in the past year, and he is now trying to embrace the notion of having parallel musical careers.

However, he isn't about to start calling himself a folkie.

"I listen to some older stuff, but I still mostly draw inspiration from guys like Matthew Good who are able to put out the same kind of intensity whether they're playing with a band or just by themselves.

"Obviously, I'm going to put more time into working with the band for this next record we want to do, but I'm also already planning to do another solo thing after that. I just like being in the studio and messing around. It's so incredibly easy to do stuff like this now too.

"I basically had time to make this EP, so I did it."

While some artists might not take such a laissez-faire attitude with their music, Jacobs clearly had the desire to get a few personal issues out in the open, judging from the lyrics of such songs as The Liar and Apologies.

"These songs are definitely more relationship-based," Jacobs admits.

"In every song I do with the band, I try to mix things up and not do what might seem predictable, but these songs came from a different place, which is why I didn't think it would be right for City Wide Panic to record them."

Jacobs says the band should have its new record out sometime this year, but in the meantime he'll keep pressing copies for Standing On The Sidelines as long as there's a demand for them.

"I really had no expectations for it, and then after I put up my MySpace page I got people listening to it right away. After that I started getting airplay on CKMS and Todd Donald's show on CJIQ, so now I'm kind of encouraged that I might be able to sell more than the first batch.

"It's just been fun to see how it's all sort of been developing, and hopefully it bodes well for the future."

LIVE MATT JACOBS LAUNCHES STANDING ON THE SIDELINES WITH SPECIAL GUEST MEGHAN WEBER JAN. 11 AT THE BOATHOUSE IN KITCHENER ADMISSION IS $10 INCLUDING A CD MUSIC STARTS AT 9 P.M. 519-745-7202, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MATTHEWJACOBSMUSIC.

[Illustration]
Photo: MEGHAN WEBER, SPECIAL TO THE RECORD / Kitchener native and City Wide Panic member Matt Jacobs has put out a solo CD, Standing On The Sidelines.

Credit: FOR NIGHTLIFE - KW Record/ Guelph Mercury

Matt Jacobs takes on solo effort
[Final Edition]

The Guelph Mercury - Guelph, Ont.
Author: JASON SCHNEIDER
Date: Jan 10, 2008
Start Page: F.4
Section: NIGHTLIFE
Text Word Count: 580

Document Text
Putting out a collection of songs that only feature a voice and an acoustic guitar isn't something that many people have the guts to do in this day and age.

But that hasn't dissuaded Matt Jacobs.

The 26-year-old Kitchener native instead sees his new EP, Standing On The Sidelines, as a departure from his work in the band City Wide Panic, which put out its first album, The Age Of, in 2006.

But this raises the obvious question of why a solo effort is necessary from Jacobs when he says his band is already preparing to record a sophomore album in its new three-piece format?

"I had a bunch of lighter, low-key songs that didn't really fit with what the band was doing," Jacobs says.

"I knew a guy with a studio so I just went in and recorded them in about three or four hours. I've been sitting on this for about six months now, so I just decided to release it."

Jacobs adds that the idea also stemmed from the increased amount of solo acoustic shows he has done in the past year, and he is now trying to embrace the notion of having parallel musical careers.

However, he isn't about to start calling himself a folkie.

"I listen to some older stuff, but I still mostly draw inspiration from guys like Matthew Good who are able to put out the same kind of intensity whether they're playing with a band or just by themselves.

"Obviously, I'm going to put more time into working with the band for this next record we want to do, but I'm also already planning to do another solo thing after that. I just like being in the studio and messing around. It's so incredibly easy to do stuff like this now too.

"I basically had time to make this EP, so I did it."

While some artists might not take such a laissez-faire attitude with their music, Jacobs clearly had the desire to get a few personal issues out in the open, judging from the lyrics of such songs as The Liar and Apologies.

"These songs are definitely more relationship-based," Jacobs admits.

"In every song I do with the band, I try to mix things up and not do what might seem predictable, but these songs came from a different place, which is why I didn't think it would be right for City Wide Panic to record them."

Jacobs says the band should have its new record out sometime this year, but in the meantime he'll keep pressing copies for Standing On The Sidelines as long as there's a demand for them.

"I really had no expectations for it, and then after I put up my MySpace page I got people listening to it right away. After that I started getting airplay on CKMS and Todd Donald's show on CJIQ, so now I'm kind of encouraged that I might be able to sell more than the first batch.

"It's just been fun to see how it's all sort of been developing, and hopefully it bodes well for the future."

LIVE MATT JACOBS LAUNCHES STANDING ON THE SIDELINES WITH SPECIAL GUEST MEGHAN WEBER JAN. 11 AT THE BOATHOUSE IN KITCHENER ADMISSION IS $10 INCLUDING A CD MUSIC STARTS AT 9 P.M. 519-745-7202, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MATTHEWJACOBSMUSIC.

[Illustration]
Photo: MEGHAN WEBER, SPECIAL TO THE RECORD / Kitchener native and City Wide Panic member Matt Jacobs has put out a solo CD, Standing On The Sidelines.

Credit: FOR NIGHTLIFE - KW Record/ Guelph Mercury

Indie Seen


by Carrie Humphries
December 30, 2010 - January 5, 2011
For the holiday wrap–up, I’d like to start by thanking everyone for an awesome 2010. The following list is completely my own opinion. (And as a side-note, if you don’t agree, be sure to submit your opinion next year. I promise to include your opinions if I agree with them.) Happy New Year!

10. Off Victoria, Mutual Friends
The debut EP was an instant step in the right direction for the K-dub five-piece who were eagerly stepping out of their basement rehearsal space and into the spotlight. Recorded in an extremely short period of time, the band dropped the record at Maxwell’s Music House for a packed audience comprised of fans, friends and family. They’re back to writing and planning to head to the studio to record a full-length.
Favourite track: Imaginary End

09. BITE, Feeling
For a band that hosted their first gig together in October 2009, BITE have come a long way in only a year’s time. Their full-length record is a live-off-the-floor limited release recording that they debuted to hungry audiences at Molly Bloom’s in Kitchener. The band’s ode to rock and roll has earned them opening slots for their own idols including Gilby Clarke and Jon Corabi and has secured them a fruitful future.
Favourite track: “Clear Blue Sky”

08. Loaded Dice, Self-Titled
With a nod from the Hamilton Independent Music Awards, this homage to a time when punk was good plans to embark on a cross-country tour taking them from one side of Canada to the other. The band released the record to a packed house at the Hive in December in an unheard–of free CD release party. Unapologetic, full of curse words and ready to flip off the scene as fast as they warrant its attention, Loaded Dice is a live show you don’t want to miss.
Favourite track: “Going to California”

07 – Kelly Preto – The Kell EP
I saw Kelly for the first time at a songwriting competition in Guelph in early 2009. The beautiful Brazilian songstress fused soul R & B and an acoustic guitar in a show-stopping performance leaving me wanting to hear more from this new talent out of Cambridge. Kelly would then go on to debut her eager full-band EP at Maxwell’s Music House alongside some of her own favourite indie musicians. Recently home after an African tour, Kelly is planning to go full-tilt with a record that showcases her immense talent.
Favourite track: “Let Loose”

06. Lynn Jackson – Coming Down
No stranger to the Kitchener-Waterloo music community, Lynn Jackson has been writing fantastic folk/roots music since her debut. Her release Coming Down is Lynn at her finest, teaming up with Chris Boyne of Sexdwarf and Ian Smith of Spirits to create a more pop and mainstream record that showcases a genuine evolution from her previous releases. If you’re in town and she’s in town performing, my suggestion would be to link up.
Favourite track: “Coming Down”

05. Amber Long – XXX
One of the hardest DIY artists in the Waterloo Region, Amber Long successfully dropped the full-length (and self-produced) XXX on October 10, 2010. Teaming up with electronica gurus intent on coaching her to freely express herself in daring new tracks and ventures, the record is more of a journey then a playlist – and a pop-up book view of Amber doing what Amber does best: entertain. The self-proclaimed suburban diva has begun extensively touring, so best get out and see her when she does play a hometown show.
Favourite track: “Tournis”

04. CityWide Panic – Gary’s Bike Shop
The anticipated full-length release of the newly revamped three-piece finally made its debut at the indie mecca, Starlight, in November. Shredding all previous genre boxes they found themselves in, CityWide Panic emerged on stage pumped, prepped and ready to rock a house full of fans. The record (complete with cover art designed by a tattoo artist) was completely recorded by indie hero, Ben Kempel, and shows CityWide Panic as a band ready to blow the speakers show to show.
Favourite track: “What Were You In It For”

03. Ambre McLean – Murder at the Smokehouse
If you’re a fan of my column or my radio shows, you will have heard this record nearly on repeat since June when she slipped me some sneak peek tracks. Ambre’s innovative vocal styling and instrumentation glow on this record. Each track was recorded live off the floor with indie producer, Russell Jennison (Filet of Soul; Red Balloon), Ambre’s talent is brought front and centre through the novella of songs. As she criss-crosses Canada on tour, either by Via Rail or with Montreal songstress Gabrielle Papillon, be sure to snag a copy of Smokehouse while they’re still in stock.
Favourite track: “Bottom Of A Well”

02. Saigon Hookers – Truth, No Reason
Take everything you know about the Hookers and then turn it up. Loud. The beloved Hookers came back full force in the beginning of 2010 with a release ready to match th - ECHO Weekly (Dynasty Communications)

Indie Seen


by Carrie Humphries
December 30, 2010 - January 5, 2011
For the holiday wrap–up, I’d like to start by thanking everyone for an awesome 2010. The following list is completely my own opinion. (And as a side-note, if you don’t agree, be sure to submit your opinion next year. I promise to include your opinions if I agree with them.) Happy New Year!

10. Off Victoria, Mutual Friends
The debut EP was an instant step in the right direction for the K-dub five-piece who were eagerly stepping out of their basement rehearsal space and into the spotlight. Recorded in an extremely short period of time, the band dropped the record at Maxwell’s Music House for a packed audience comprised of fans, friends and family. They’re back to writing and planning to head to the studio to record a full-length.
Favourite track: Imaginary End

09. BITE, Feeling
For a band that hosted their first gig together in October 2009, BITE have come a long way in only a year’s time. Their full-length record is a live-off-the-floor limited release recording that they debuted to hungry audiences at Molly Bloom’s in Kitchener. The band’s ode to rock and roll has earned them opening slots for their own idols including Gilby Clarke and Jon Corabi and has secured them a fruitful future.
Favourite track: “Clear Blue Sky”

08. Loaded Dice, Self-Titled
With a nod from the Hamilton Independent Music Awards, this homage to a time when punk was good plans to embark on a cross-country tour taking them from one side of Canada to the other. The band released the record to a packed house at the Hive in December in an unheard–of free CD release party. Unapologetic, full of curse words and ready to flip off the scene as fast as they warrant its attention, Loaded Dice is a live show you don’t want to miss.
Favourite track: “Going to California”

07 – Kelly Preto – The Kell EP
I saw Kelly for the first time at a songwriting competition in Guelph in early 2009. The beautiful Brazilian songstress fused soul R & B and an acoustic guitar in a show-stopping performance leaving me wanting to hear more from this new talent out of Cambridge. Kelly would then go on to debut her eager full-band EP at Maxwell’s Music House alongside some of her own favourite indie musicians. Recently home after an African tour, Kelly is planning to go full-tilt with a record that showcases her immense talent.
Favourite track: “Let Loose”

06. Lynn Jackson – Coming Down
No stranger to the Kitchener-Waterloo music community, Lynn Jackson has been writing fantastic folk/roots music since her debut. Her release Coming Down is Lynn at her finest, teaming up with Chris Boyne of Sexdwarf and Ian Smith of Spirits to create a more pop and mainstream record that showcases a genuine evolution from her previous releases. If you’re in town and she’s in town performing, my suggestion would be to link up.
Favourite track: “Coming Down”

05. Amber Long – XXX
One of the hardest DIY artists in the Waterloo Region, Amber Long successfully dropped the full-length (and self-produced) XXX on October 10, 2010. Teaming up with electronica gurus intent on coaching her to freely express herself in daring new tracks and ventures, the record is more of a journey then a playlist – and a pop-up book view of Amber doing what Amber does best: entertain. The self-proclaimed suburban diva has begun extensively touring, so best get out and see her when she does play a hometown show.
Favourite track: “Tournis”

04. CityWide Panic – Gary’s Bike Shop
The anticipated full-length release of the newly revamped three-piece finally made its debut at the indie mecca, Starlight, in November. Shredding all previous genre boxes they found themselves in, CityWide Panic emerged on stage pumped, prepped and ready to rock a house full of fans. The record (complete with cover art designed by a tattoo artist) was completely recorded by indie hero, Ben Kempel, and shows CityWide Panic as a band ready to blow the speakers show to show.
Favourite track: “What Were You In It For”

03. Ambre McLean – Murder at the Smokehouse
If you’re a fan of my column or my radio shows, you will have heard this record nearly on repeat since June when she slipped me some sneak peek tracks. Ambre’s innovative vocal styling and instrumentation glow on this record. Each track was recorded live off the floor with indie producer, Russell Jennison (Filet of Soul; Red Balloon), Ambre’s talent is brought front and centre through the novella of songs. As she criss-crosses Canada on tour, either by Via Rail or with Montreal songstress Gabrielle Papillon, be sure to snag a copy of Smokehouse while they’re still in stock.
Favourite track: “Bottom Of A Well”

02. Saigon Hookers – Truth, No Reason
Take everything you know about the Hookers and then turn it up. Loud. The beloved Hookers came back full force in the beginning of 2010 with a release ready to match th - ECHO Weekly (Dynasty Communications)

y Carrie Humphries
November 25 - December 1, 2010
Blasting through the indie doors in the ‘90s as a quartet called Cartel, the newly revamped trio is now under the guise of CityWide Panic and their anticipated debut of their record Gary’s Bike Shop is ready to drop November 27 at Starlight in Uptown Waterloo.
Talking with lead vox and guitarist, Matt Jacobs, the band are taking an entirely new direction in both sound and songwriting for their release. What began as indie rock has emerged as a heavy rock and roll sound that has been shattering stages since the addition of metal drummer, Pat Meagher, in early 2009.
“When the last incarnation of CityWide Panic kind of fell apart, Jamie (Hanneman, bass) and I had started messing around with Pat who we've known since high school,” Jacobs begins about the morph in music. “We were just having fun, just playing for the sake of playing with no real agenda. Things just kind of progressed from there, and if something is working why fuck with it?” He goes on to add that they “used to do a lot of drinking in (Cartel). At one point when we were looking for a new name Pat Finch from The Stars Here wrote on our MySpace, ‘Just change the name to Matt Jacobs is a drunken bastard and get it over with.’ I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Pat again for those kind words.”
And as for choosing names, it was a fairly simple task to name the record as they did. For anyone who frequents Ethel’s patio, they’ll know that there is generally a ruckus on the second level of neighbouring McPhail’s. “Gary and Deb Bonneville are the owners of McPhail's Cycle Uptown Waterloo,” Jacobs says, “and they are gracious enough to let us use their upstairs to practice in. So we named the album after Gary as a thank you, and it just made sense ‘cause most of the songs on the album took shape in the upstairs of Gary's bike shop.”
Leading off with single “The Risk”, (a take-no-prisoners approach to a risqué guy/girl rendezvous) and following it up with tracks like “Red”, it’s evident from the first note that the guys are tighter as a trio, and have finally found themselves locked firmly in place as a band. “We're a very different band than the last version of CityWide Panic, but I wouldn't say it was an evolution,” Jacobs explains of the musical change. “We've hopped genres because it's different people playing different songs. Everybody in a band, whether you're the main writer or not, is going to influence your sound. We were a four piece with two people sharing the writing. Now we're a three piece with one principal writer and a drummer with a completely different style than the last one. I like that where at now, we can get pretty heavy, but we manage to not lose sight of the song; it's a good balance.”
But it would be over a year before Bike Shop would finally take shape. Jacobs explains simply that “the actual time in the studio that we spent recording was pretty quick and painless; it was all the things that kept happening to prevent us from recording that slowed us down. Pat had an unfortunate snowboarding accident and separated his shoulder and dislocated a finger. So that was a little while before he was 100 per cent again, ‘cause hands and shoulders are pretty crucial for a drummer. Then Ben (Kemple) moved his studio, and then in the final stretch we had a technical issue with some of the software that caused us to stall again. Plus Ben is an extremely busy musician and producer – I don't think he sleeps. He's like Edward Norton in Fight Club except without all the fighting. But I guess if he was in a fight club he wouldn't be allowed to tell me would he...
“It was a great experience overall; we really learned a lot from Ben,” Jacobs goes on to say about his producer. “He definitely made us better at what we do. I feel my guitar playing has grown from working with Ben. Every time we tracked guitars I seemed to learn something from him. He's very professional and easy to work with. I'd recommend him to anyone, and he’s very good at what he does.”
Now teaming up with local rock artists, The Way Out There, for a killer CD release party, Jacobs jokes that they “didn't want to share the bill with a bunch of whiny douchebags. Can I say douchebags? Will you print that?” adding that “it's supposed to be a fun night and we're fan of theirs and they're easygoing, laid backs dudes that we're looking forward to playing with.”
Influenced by alcohol since they’re “not into drugs” and voted by Echo readers as best indie band 2010, Jacobs says he’s glad to be a part of Waterloo and what it has to offer. “It was nice to see,” Jacobs says of the award. “Being a band in Waterloo is great: everyone in the scene is so supportive of each other. Including the venue owners like Josh and Bernard, Kevin, Ryan and Paul and Dave. It's something we're lucky to be a part of.”


CITYWIDE PANIC CD RELEASE
Saturday, November 27
Starlight, Waterloo
myspace.com/citywidep - ECHO Weekly (Dynasty Communications)