menage

Toronto-based, progressive, alt/pop/rock sibling trio Ménage Releases “Our Time is Now” from their forthcoming release entitledEP Out 10/14/14

Toronto-based, progressive, power-pop trio Ménage features three siblings, Basilio Fernando (guitar/vocals), Bela (keyboard/vocals), and Gabriel (drums/percussion) Ferreira. With family based in a small town in Portugal, the three Ferreira siblings combined their traditional roots with worldly experiences and those spent with their parents’ extensive vinyl collection during long Canadian winters, establishing the eclectic but accessible sound of Ménage.

Menage released the radio-friendly, anthemic track, “Our Time is Now,” an introduction to their forthcoming EP, the second in a series of four mini EP’s, due out October 14, 2014. This gleaned two nominations at the International Portuguese Music Awards in Massachusetts in March of 2014, as well as wins for Rock Song of the Year at the International Portuguese Music Awards (presented by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (Rihanna, Extreme)). The song’s momentous feedback led to performances at Portugal Week 2014 alongside Deolinda (EMI Portugal) in Toronto, Portugal Day in NYC’s Central Park, and Portugal Day Montreal, Canada. Ménage was also requested to perform at Toronto’s Portuguese Walk of Ceremonies in the heart of the city’s downtown core, and received significant airplay on various college radio stations and specialty radio shows throughout the US. - Vents Magazine

All over the world, Portuguese people will be joyfully celebrating the days around June 10, the tiny Iberian country's national holiday which is called Portugal Day. Cities like Toronto, Montreal and New York, which have strong Portuguese communities, hold festivals that are a colorful feast of aural and culinary delights.

Ménage, an award-winning and eclectic pop-rock band which features three Ferreira siblings (brothers Gabriel and Fernando, and sister Bela), is stoked to be performing in all three cities: in Toronto (June 8 and 13) and in Montreal (June 10) during their respective Portugal Week events; and then they cap it off with a "not-to-be missed performance" in Central Park on June 15 during Portugal Day NYC's festivities, organized by the Portuguese Circle.

Ménage, which works between Toronto and Los Angeles, recently won Rock Song of the Year for its aptly titled Our Time is Now at the International Portuguese Music Awards in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They are following up on their outstanding debut self-titled album, Ménage , with Ménage EP, the first of four mini-records in a row that will "each be influenced by recent experiences and will hopefully keep things fresh for our fans," explains guitarist Fernando.

Ménage's guitarist Fernando Ferreira gives a rockin' shoutout to Portugal

Fernando, who says the Ferreira siblings have deep Portuguese origins having all spent time living and performing on the Iberian peninsula, pays homage to those roots by displaying the very vibrant Portuguese flag as part of his stage guitar setup. He says it's a respectful nod to Nuno Bettencourt's Extreme music performances. To vary it up on the theme, Fernando sometimes sits an iconic Portuguese rooster on his amplifier. He explains why these various event organizations welcome Ménage, which means household, to perform at their celebrations:

I think we bring a young alternative indie rock element to Portugal Day events, that's still not very common among Portuguese communities, and organizers seem to like and support Ménage. It's also inspiring to meet and play alongside musical artists who fly in from Portugal. It makes for great conversations about Euro versus American trends and music scenes across the ocean. Although, we're not really a "Portuguese music" band, it's a big part of who we are. Personally, I think it gives us a sense of "underdog" edge -- the proud nation of Portugal is often dwarfed in size by its giant Iberian neighbor, Spain. At these events, we find we all originate from this pretty small country, and find others who have come a long way and are still in touch with their cultural influences. And we want to share this with the world.
The Ferreira siblings have learned a few things about the European music scene from touring there, especially about fans digging the live experience:

In Europe, people want to see a great live band, and maybe care less about what is going on with a band's Instagram or if they are trending on Twitter. Perhaps because of our background, we like to keep focused on the reality of what we do, which is Ménage. Who we are personally is a lot less about tweets, tabloids, scandals in magazines...and a lot more about the music.
As for being an indie band, albeit a terrifically talented one, trying to make a living in today's fractured music industry, Fernando quips:

Maybe we won't get super rich and sell millions of records and downloads. Maybe we won't have really fast cars or expensive drug habits. But I don't think there will ever be a replacement for a live rock show. So as long as Ménage makes music, we will hopefully have somewhere to play, because that's what we love to do --write music, travel, meet people, perform, and move bodies. And hopefully people continue to relate. And to that, we say, Obrigado! - Huffington Post

Toronto-based, progressive, power-pop trio Ménage features three siblings, Basilio Fernando (guitar/vocals), Bela (keyboard/vocals), and Gabriel (drums/percussion) Ferreira. With family based in a small town in Portugal, the three Ferreira siblings combined their traditional roots with worldly experiences and those spent with their parents' extensive vinyl collection during long Canadian winters, establishing the eclectic but accessible sound of Ménage.

Menage released the radio-friendly, anthemic track, “Our Time is Now,” an introduction to their forthcoming EP, the second in a series of four mini EP’s, due out October 14, 2014. This gleaned two nominations at the International Portuguese Music Awards in Massachusetts in March of 2014, as well as wins for Rock Song of the Year at the International Portuguese Music Awards (presented by guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (Rihanna, Extreme)).


The song’s momentous feedback led to performances at Portugal Week 2014 alongside Deolinda (EMI Portugal) in Toronto, Portugal Day in NYC's Central Park, and Portugal Day Montreal, Canada. Ménage was also requested to perform at Toronto's Portuguese Walk of Ceremonies in the heart of the city's downtown core, and received significant airplay on various college radio stations and specialty radio shows throughout the US. - AltSounds

The trio of siblings (Gabriel, Fernando and bELA Ferreira) spent their childhood living in Toronto, Canada and a small town in Portugal, infusing their musical tastes with a myriad of influences. As they moved into adulthood, spending time apart in settings such as New York and Los Angeles, they cultivated their musical passion and skills and eventually came together to form Ménage and release a self-titled debut. Experience the fruition of their labors as they celebrate the release of the video for "Promises," their third single from Ménage. - Jigsaw Magazine

Heads up! Ménage is flying in from Toronto to perform a special full set for their home-away-from-home fans in L.A. on Tuesday, April 9, at The Viper Room. After two months of touring across Canada to support the release of their album, the Ferreira siblings are heading back to L.A. to promote their new music video “Promises.” - Life is Awesome

Ménage Releases Official Music Video For "Promises "; April 9 Headlining Show At The Viper Room In West Hollywood - Music Industry New Network

Portuguese- Canadian Band Wins Award for Best Rock Song - The Voice

A 21 e 22 de Março decorreu nas cidades de Fall River e New Bedford a segunda edição do International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA), cerimónia que este ano viu premiada uma banda luso-canadiana.

Ménage, grupo composto por três elementos da mesma família – a irmã Bela e os irmãos Gabriel e Basílio Ferreira – foi nomeado em duas categorias e acabou por conquistar o prémio para a melhor canção rock do ano.

Our Time is Now, lançado no final do ano passado pela Banda, foi o tema vencedor como Best Rock Song of the Year, numa cerimónia em que foram atribuídos prémios a outros artistas em categorias tão diversas como Dança, Música Popular, Rap/Hip-Hop, Fado e Novos Talentos.

Os Ménage não foram os únicos representantes da comunidade luso-canadiana neste evento já que também a dupla Lucy e Bela foi nomeada na categoria Dança, mas esse prémio acabaria por ser atribuído a um duo da Roménia.

A edição deste ano da IPMA teve como convidados especiais o cantor português Marco Paulo, a quem foi atribuído o prémio de Carreira, bem como o músico Nuno Bettencourt, que fez a entrega das distinções.

Este facto levou os Ménage a considerarem, numa comunicação a que os jornais Sol Português e Voice tiveram acesso, que o recebimento do prémio das mãos do famoso guitarrista constituiu motivo de "orgulho", paralelamente à honra da vitória conseguida. - Portuguese Sun

The band Menage on their way to accept the award for Rock for their song "Our Time is Now." - O Jornal

After two months of touring throughout Canada, alternative rock band Ménage is set to perform at The Viper Room in West Hollywood on Tuesday, April 9, in support of the release of their new music video for their third single, “Promises,” off their self-titled debut album.



“The song is about hopes and letdowns, pain and delusion,” said co-vocalist bELA Ferreira. “‘Promises’ is one of the most sincere, intimate stories on the album. Playing it live; by the first chorus, looking into the audience, it is evident that the song isn’t just relevant to us. It is a song that clearly speaks to and about everyone’s story at one point or another of their lives.”



The video was directed by Brad Ragland, who also directed the band’s first two singles, “Bury Us Young” and “Tonight.” “Visually, the video tells a story through dance; of a girl who is lured with the promise of everything that is beautiful and light. She is seduced and enticed by the angel of death. When you believe in someone and put all your trust in him or her, and they betray you, innocence is killed in the process. We felt the story needed to be told. That is why we are not the stars of this video. The story itself is the star,” said bELA.



“Promises with its thunderous guitar and heartfelt emotions – “all that is left is your promises” - may be the best power rock ballad since Aerosmith’s Dream On. Yeah, it’s that memorable.” said freelance writer Ashley Jude Collie (Playboy, Celebrated Living, enRoute, Maclean’s).



Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings, Gabriel, Fernando Basilio and bELA, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal and Los Angeles, California. The dual-fronted band features Fernando on vocals and guitar, bELA on vocals and keyboards and Gabriel on drums.



Tickets for Ménage’s April 4 show at The Viper Room will be available at the door for $10. If you purchase a ticket for $12 from the band by emailing them at menagetheband@gmail.com, you will receive a ticket to the show and a digital copy of their self-titled debut album. - Hell Hound Music

I'm sure you've heard me mention this little friendly band of mine... if not directly then cryptically of course!
Well, said band: Bela, Fern and Gabe...aka Menage, have called me up for a little assignment.
We are all focusing on success and yahts and rivieras off the coast of France.
But before that, we need to work for our hard earned dollar.
Let's cut to the chase... Menage members want me to interview and star in a video...to then be submitted to Warner Brothers or MGM Grand or some type of Hollyweird production agency.
The problem? I ain't ever done an interview before.
The other problem? I'm a giant goof and will probably provoke more harm than good.
But... apparently this is what they're after.
So they called upon little ol' me.
Flattered? I'm not sure.. but it sounds fun. Especially since Bela bribed me with booze.
So what would a first time interviewee ask an up and coming band?
Hell if I know.
But as every good artist can attest to, the answers to everything are always right in front of us.
After researching some Chelsea Handler to no avail... and after skimming through my entire collection of Nylon magazines.. I stopped and listened to the music (okay I also called upon a clever boy I know...There I credited)
The questions:
Hello...Is it me you're looking for?
Who are you? (Cameraman chimes in 'Who who? Who who?)
Are you Jimmy Ray? Are you Sting Ray?
Where is the love?
Who would you rather be? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?
Is this just real life? Is this just fantasy?
Has anybody seen my baby?
How deep is your love?
Are you, Experienced?
What's love got to do with it?
Who let the dogs out!!!?


I'd like to say I'm only kidding. But lucky for you, I am dead dead serious.
Tomorrow we interview. I will not stop until each question is answered; so help me Marcy, Martha, May, Marlene!! - Maybe in New York

Profile Page for Menage on Much Music website. - Muchmusic.com

"i miss the sounds of echo park/
i miss the bands that we would start/
the things we do they say will bury us young/
one last chance is better than none"

--"Bury us Young" by Ménage

Those insightful lyrics from indie band Ménage could be a battle cry for thousands of unsigned bands nationwide. In today's fractured music industry, D.I.Y. bands everywhere, most of whom are not signed to a label deal, are in it for their love of music and for one more shot at making it big. Menages whose anthemic new video Promises from its debut self-titled record drops this month, also plays The Viper Room (April 9). This show, at the iconic venue on the Sunset Strip, bookends a year of touring on their own expense -- from L.A. across the Midwest to New York then up to Toronto, Montreal and finally the East coast. Guitarist/singer Fernando Ferreira, whose rock quartet features his siblings Bela and Gabe, says they tour because they love to write music and perform live. Ménage's shows are an aural and visual treat -- think of Arcade Fire's cathartic sing-alongs meeting The Smashing Pumpkins' sonic bombast. Fernando says:

It's about your music affecting people. A music career can be a depressingly slow process but it's about putting out music, touring and gaining fans one at a time, not just in big city bars like The Viper in L.A. or the Hard Rock in Toronto but out in cool far flung places as Turlock's Grizzly Rock Cafe in California. You share your videos online, and upload your music to iTunes, but what you really want is to make music that moves people and be there when it happens!

Ménage's music entertainment counsel is veteran New York lawyer Michael Guido, who reps some of the biggest artists including Jay Z and Kanye West. Guido offers a very succinct take on music's continuing influence, saying it's the most "ownable" art form we have: "It's one that people seem to be genetically predisposed to need in their lives. People say, I have to have my music with me." And even major industry player Clive Davis, in his recent Playboy interview concurred: "Music is a need. We're not dealing with a product that is dated."

And it's this desire to fill that hunger that inspires garage and indie bands to keep putting it out there in an industry that offers tougher odds than winning the Lottery.

Ménage splits its time between Toronto and Los Angeles, specifically the Los Feliz/Silver Lake/Echo Park hotbed that has produced divergent indie acts like Beck and Elliott Smith, and which continues to showcase hot indie bands through venues like The Satellite, The Echo and Echoplex. - HUFF POST ARTS AND CULTURE CANADA

when this girl is gone away/ it's her songs that i always play.
---
we fell in love in a hopeless place...
Starbucks. The rest is history.
but when she tours, or goes away to regain mindfulness for days at a time, I go slightly insane.
i can usually deal with her absence as long as i've got a bottle of red by my side.
But then I wake up to an empty inbox and I get selfish and want her back.
A love like that, you ain't ever heard of.
I could go on and on about the state of affairs that aligned and brought us together, but i need you to understand that it's more than a flash in the pan. more than a friend. it's like a cosmic catastrophic explosion in the sky and our ashes combusted but then landed on each other and fused together to create us.
i promise i'm not on acid.
far beyond those cliche metaphors about likely combinations of food, or even rock and roll history.
it's more like, she's the sound and wavelengths that boom through the electric guitar, and i'm the orange amp that makes it beautiful.
that's a bold statement.
i'm not beautiful. but then again, anything is possible.

*Youtube: Tonight-Menage.
You'll know what I mean. - Maybe in New York

Two brothers and a sister from Toronto via L.A. pour out a slick brand of power-pop full of hooks and boy-girl harmonies, with just a hint of darkness lurking down in the mix. With 20 Amp Soundchild and three others. - The Toronto Star

Profile Page for MENAGE on MTV WEBSITE - MTV.com

New Show Booked at The Viper Room in West Hollywood, CA, on Tuesday, April 9

Los Angeles, CA, March 15, 2013 – After two months of touring throughout Canada, alternative rock band Ménage is set to perform at The Viper Room in West Hollywood on Tuesday, April 9, in support of the release of their new music video for their third single, “Promises,” off their self-titled debut album.

“The song is about hopes and letdowns, pain and delusion,” said co-vocalist bELA Ferreira. “‘Promises’ is one of the most sincere, intimate stories on the album. Playing it live; by the first chorus, looking into the audience, it is evident that the song isn’t just relevant to us. It is a song that clearly speaks to and about everyone’s story at one point or another of their lives.”

The video was directed by Brad Ragland, who also directed the band’s first two singles, “Bury Us Young” and “Tonight.” “Visually, the video tells a story through dance; of a girl who is lured with the promise of everything that is beautiful and light. She is seduced and enticed by the angel of death. When you believe in someone and put all your trust in him or her, and they betray you, innocence is killed in the process. We felt the story needed to be told. That is why we are not the stars of this video. The story itself is the star,” said bELA.

“Promises with its thunderous guitar and heartfelt emotions – “all that is left is your promises” – may be the best power rock ballad since Aerosmith’s Dream On. Yeah, it’s that memorable.” said freelance writer Ashley Jude Collie (Playboy, Celebrated Living, enRoute, Maclean’s).

Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings, Gabriel, Fernando Basilio and bELA, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal and Los Angeles, California. The dual-fronted band features Fernando on vocals and guitar, bELA on vocals and keyboards and Gabriel on drums.

Tickets for Ménage’s April 4 show at The Viper Room will be available at the door for $10. If you purchase a ticket for $12 from the band by emailing them at menagetheband@gmail.com, you will receive a ticket to the show and a digital copy of their self-titled debut album. - Ellenwood-ep.com

MENAGE RELEASES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR THEIR THIRD SINGLE, “PROMISES,” OFF THEIR SELF-TITLED ALBUM New Show Booked at The Viper Room in West Hollywood, CA, on Tuesday, April 9 Los Angeles, CA, March 14, 2013 – After two months of touring throughout Canada, alternative rock band Ménage is set to perform at The Viper Room in West Hollywood on Tuesday, April 9, in support of the release of their new music video for their third single, “Promises,” off their self-titled debut album. “The song is about hopes and letdowns, pain and delusion,” said co-vocalist bELA Ferreira. “‘Promises’ is one of the most sincere, intimate stories on the album. Playing it live; by the first chorus, looking into the audience, it is evident that the song isn’t just relevant to us. It is a song that clearly speaks to and about everyone’s story at one point or another of their lives.” The video was directed by Brad Ragland, who also directed the band’s first two singles, “Bury Us Young” and “Tonight.” “Visually, the video tells a story through dance; of a girl who is lured with the promise of everything that is beautiful and light. She is seduced and enticed by the angel of death. When you believe in someone and put all your trust in him or her, and they betray you, innocence is killed in the process. We felt the story needed to be told. That is why we are not the stars of this video. The story itself is the star,” said bELA. “Promises with its thunderous guitar and heartfelt emotions – “all that is left is your promises” – may be the best power rock ballad since Aerosmith’s Dream On. Yeah, it’s that memorable.” said freelance writer Ashley Jude Collie (Playboy, Celebrated Living, enRoute, Maclean’s). Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings, Gabriel, Fernando Basilio and bELA, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal and Los Angeles, California. The dual-fronted band features Fernando on vocals and guitar, bELA on vocals and keyboards and Gabriel on drums. Tickets for Ménage’s April 4 show at The Viper Room will be available at the door for $10. If you purchase a ticket for $12 from the band by emailing them at menagetheband@gmail.com, you will receive a ticket to the show and a digital copy of their self-titled debut album. www.menagetheband.com www.facebook.com/menagetheband www.twitter.com/menagetheband - 3 Dot Mag

It’s fascinating to watch the often detrimental impact of commercial success on musical artists. Go back to the ‘70s when the record business exploded and many unknown, hard-working artists became mega-million unit sellers. Unfortunately, success seemed to negatively impact the quality of their work from then on. Did a mega artist like Elton John ever write anything as artistically good after Madman Across the Water in 1971? Musicians are human, success decidedly gives the boot to failure and often brings the end of yearning and drive, which are all key to creativity. So, if you want to catch an outstanding band that’s still on the upswing, one whose individuals have suffered artistic heartbreak and some near misses, a band that is still full of defiance, passion, longing and undiluted creativity…then you could do worse than to download or drop a needle on Menage’s debut self-titled record — think Arcade Fire’s anthemic songwriting meets The Smashing Pumpkins” - Ashley Collie Blog

Los Angeles, CA (Top40 Charts/ kelleemack PR) Alternative rock band Ménage, both Toronto, Canada and L.A-based, have partnered with BlankTV to premiere their new music video for their second single, "Bury Us Young." The track is also the opening song on the band's highly anticipated self-titled debut album, which will be available starting November 13.

Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings Gabriel, Basilio and Bela, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal. "We wanted the characters in the video to be played by children because the song is about our life in L.A., away from our parents, in a town so very foreign from absolutely everything we grew up knowing," they explain. "We did, ultimately, feel like children being set free into an urban jungle. The characters reflect us."

The music video was shot and directed by Bradley Ragland in the band's current residence of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Since living in the city inspired the song, and Echo Park is mentioned in the lyrics, it was natural to film there. The video is meant to capture an "innocence is not lost" theme that reflects Ménage themselves and also features live performance footage.

The band boasts, "We are very much in love with the raw energy in this video and think it embodies who we are as a band and what we have lived through as individuals. This is Ménage unapologetically presenting ourselves to the world."

Ménage is a brother/sister, dual-fronted band with influences from the music they were exposed to growing up between Canadian, indoor boredom, and strong European culture, the common thread that was present on both sides of the globe. The band is currently playing shows in Canada and will be heading back to the States mid-November for a tour. - Top 40 Charts

Los Angeles, CA (Top40 Charts/ Menage Official Website) The North American-based brother/sister dual-fronted band Menage is set to release their self-titled album on November 13, 2012, in the U.S. and Canada through Liberdade, American Lie and Loud And Profound Records.

Gabriel on drums, Basilio Fernando on bass and guitar, and Bela on vocals, keyboard and piano -- have come together as a family to play in what they agree is the most exciting thing they have done since their first time picking up instruments.

"We cannot wait to share our new album with the world. It touches on aspirations, growing up, conquering dreams, and letting go," says Bela Ferreira.

Their self-titled album was mixed by David Botrill (Muse, Placebo, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by engineer Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros). "Tonight," the first single and the last song to be recorded, captures the moment of break-up and the actual play-by-play of it all. "It's about looking back on the action and realizing that life is better and the weight is gone," comments Gabriel Ferreira. You can watch the music video for "Tonight" on their YouTube page (http://bit.ly/OKsCav).

The second single, "Bury Us Young," showcases the band's struggle to become inspired in a new city. "This song was written in our Echo Park [California] apartment at a time when we had no band, no gigs and no direction. It is about waking up every day in Los Angeles, uninspired and wondering what brings us all here," says Basilio Fernando Ferreira.

The Ferreira siblings spent their childhood traveling between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal, where much of their family still lives. With the differing atmosphere of Canada juxtaposed against Europe's vibrant culture, the band found common ground in the universal influence music had on their lives. The household was soon filled with a drum set, keyboard, and some traditional Portuguese guitars. Now the band resides half of the year in Toronto and the other half in Los Angeles, where their studio is based.

Menage is ready to share their music with the masses. In the meantime, the band hired a touring bassist, Stacey Shopsowitz, to round out their sound while on the road. The band is currently touring in Canada, followed by a full tour within the U.S. in late-October.

Full track listing:
1. Bury Us Young
2. We'll Be Alright
3. Wake Up
4. Get Out
5. Promises
6. Tonight
7. Home
8. These Are The Days
9. Doomed From The Start
10. The Thrill
11. You
12. Now We Walk
13. Leave It All Behind
14. Better This Way

For more information, please visit www.menagetheband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/menagetheband
Twitter: www.witter.com/menagetheband - Top 40 Charts

Alternative Rock Band Menage, Both Toronto, Canada and L.A. based, have partnered with Blank TV to Premiere their New Music video for their second single, "Bury Us Young" The track is also the opening song on the Band's highly anticipated self-titled debut album, which will be available starting November 13. Menage is comprised of the Ferreira Siblings...


By gina_popmusic - Ellenwood-ep.com

Alternative rock band Ménage, both Toronto, Canada and L.A-based, have partnered with BlankTV to premiere their new music video for their second single, “Bury Us Young.” The track is also the opening song on the band’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album, which will be available starting November 13.

Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings Gabriel, Basilio and Bela, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal. “We wanted the characters in the video to be played by children because the song is about our life in L.A., away from our parents, in a town so very foreign from absolutely everything we grew up knowing,” they explain. “We did, ultimately, feel like children being set free into an urban jungle. The characters reflect us.”

The music video was shot and directed by Bradley Ragland in the band’s current residence of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Since living in the city inspired the song, and Echo Park is mentioned in the lyrics, it was natural to film there. The video is meant to capture an “innocence is not lost” theme that reflects Ménage themselves and also features live performance footage.

The band boasts, “We are very much in love with the raw energy in this video and think it embodies who we are as a band and what we have lived through as individuals. This is Ménage unapologetically presenting ourselves to the world.”

Ménage is a brother/sister, dual-fronted band with influences from the music they were exposed to growing up between Canadian, indoor boredom, and strong European culture, the common thread that was present on both sides of the globe. The band is currently playing shows in Canada and will be heading back to the States mid-November for a tour.

SELF-TITLED ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 13

www.menagetheband.com

www.facebook.com/menagetheband

www.myspace.com/menagetheband

www.twitter.com/menagetheband - ellenwood-ep.com

Alternative rock band Ménage, both Toronto, Canada and L.A-based, have partnered with BlankTV to premiere their new music video for their second single, “Bury Us Young.” The track is also the opening song on the band’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album, which will be available starting November 13.

Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings Gabriel, Basilio and Bela, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal. “We wanted the characters in the video to be played by children because the song is about our life in L.A., away from our parents, in a town so very foreign from absolutely everything we grew up knowing,” they explain. “We did, ultimately, feel like children being set free into an urban jungle. The characters reflect us.”

The music video was shot and directed by Bradley Ragland in the band’s current residence of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Since living in the city inspired the song, and Echo Park is mentioned in the lyrics, it was natural to film there. The video is meant to capture an “innocence is not lost” theme that reflects Ménage themselves and also features live performance footage.

The band boasts, “We are very much in love with the raw energy in this video and think it embodies who we are as a band and what we have lived through as individuals. This is Ménage unapologetically presenting ourselves to the world.”

Ménage is a brother/sister, dual-fronted band with influences from the music they were exposed to growing up between Canadian, indoor boredom, and strong European culture, the common thread that was present on both sides of the globe. The band is currently playing shows in Canada and will be heading back to the States mid-November for a tour.

SELF-TITLED ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 13

www.menagetheband.com

www.facebook.com/menagetheband

www.myspace.com/menagetheband

www.twitter.com/menagetheband - ellenwood-ep.com

The basic story with the band is that it's made up of a family. Basilio Fernando Ferreira and his brother Gabriel had a band called Palmerston that were somewhat successful in the US a few years ago. Meanwhile their sister Bela had her own thing going on (including this awesome cover of Guns n Roses Don't Cry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kf7ZQAAhaU&feature=plcp )

Anyway... they had some personnel changes and difficulties with their own projects so they decided to merge it all into one thing and call it Menage (dictionary definition of Menage is "members of a household")... - 94.9 THE ROCK

From Los Angeles, CA comes the brother-sister trio Ménage with their self-titled debut album. The new album will be released on November 13 through Liberdade Records in association with American Lie and Loud and Profound Records. Originally from Toronto, Canada; the siblings used to travel to Portugal to visit with family which found an influence into their pop-rock sound.

The album begins with the guitar blazing rocker, “Bury Us Young” as singer Basillio Fernando Ferreira has a very edgy sound to his vocals that only get smoothed out by the harmonizing of his sister Bela. She gets her chance in the spotlight, taking the lead vocals on “We’ll Be Alright” and “Doomed From The Start.” The album’s first single, “Tonight” has the perfect mix of vocals by the siblings as well as an up-tempo beat and an ear-catching chorus. This formula also works in the song “These Are The Days,” which should be considered strongly as the second single. Ménage add a more pop to their sound in the song “Now We Walk,” before closing out the album with the slow-sway of “Better This Way.”

Ménage has a couple U.S. dates on the schedule, including November 6 at the Viper Room in Los Angeles and November 10 at the University of California. For more information on Ménage and their new album, please visit menagetheband.com. - JP'S MUSIC BLOG

The North American-based brother/sister dual-fronted band MÉNAGE is set to release their self-titled album on November 13, 2012, in the U.S. and Canada through Liberdade, American Lie and Loud And Profound Records.

The Ferreiras -- Gabriel on drums, Basilio Fernando on bass and guitar, and Bela on vocals, keyboard and piano -- have come together as a family to play in what they agree is the most exciting thing they have done since their first time picking up instruments.

"We cannot wait to share our new album with the world. It touches on aspirations, growing up, conquering dreams, and letting go," says Bela Ferreira.

Their self-titled album was mixed by David Botrill (Muse, Placebo, Peter Gabriel) and mastered by engineer Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros). "Tonight," the first single and the last song to be recorded, captures the moment of break-up and the actual play-by-play of it all. "It's about looking back on the action and realizing that life is better and the weight is gone," comments Gabriel Ferreira. You can watch the music video for "Tonight" on their YouTube page (http://bit.ly/OKsCav).

The second single, "Bury Us Young," showcases the band's struggle to become inspired in a new city. "This song was written in our Echo Park [California] apartment at a time when we had no band, no gigs and no direction. It is about waking up every day in Los Angeles, uninspired and wondering what brings us all here," says Basilio Fernando Ferreira.

The Ferreira siblings spent their childhood traveling between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal, where much of their family still lives. With the differing atmosphere of Canada juxtaposed against Europe's vibrant culture, the band found common ground in the universal influence music had on their lives. The household was soon filled with a drum set, keyboard, and some traditional Portuguese guitars. Now the band resides half of the year in Toronto and the other half in Los Angeles, where their studio is based.

MÉNAGE is ready to share their music with the masses. In the meantime, the band hired a touring bassist, Stacey Shopsowitz, to round out their sound while on the road. The band is currently touring in Canada, followed by a full tour within the U.S. in late-October. - zoiksonline.com

“A ménage is a social group or a household. This menage is about three Ferreira siblings - brothers Gabriel and Basilio and sister Bela.

The Ferreira siblings spent their whole childhood traveling between Toronto, Canada and a small town in Portugal, where their heritage and much of their family still lived. Through being divided between Canadian, indoor boredom, and strong European culture, the common thread that was present on both sides of the globe, was the influence of the music that they were exposed to.

The household was soon filled with a drumset, a keyboard, and some traditional Portuguese guitars. As quite common, the kids grew apart, Bela, recording piano based song ideas, keeping to herself, performing wherever she could. From various New York city open mics to touring in Canada. Brothers Gabriel and Basilio kicked around Toronto then Los Angeles’ hipster town of Echo Park, started bands, fought, would self-destruct, then do it again.

For the first time all three have set aside their differences and contributed to what they all can agree as being the first thing that is exciting to them since first picking up their instruments

With Mixer David Botrill (Muse, Placebo, Peter Gabriel) and mastering engineer Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros) on their side, this brother/sister, dual fronted band is ready to become the music that inspires on an international level.

Ménages self titled album was released winter 2011. An American tour and a changed generation will follow.” (Bio from the bands official website)

I’ve had a little listen and this band are pretty damn awesome!!! - Women In Music

Menage is a brother-sister trio originally from Portugal – their music has been described as “Arcade Fire’s anthemic songwriting meets The Smashing Pumpkins sonic bombast”. I couldn’t agree more with this assessment and find myself discovering new things to appreciate about their self-titled debut album with each listen.

The Ferreria siblings trade male and female lead vocals, and often complement one another with striking harmonies. The female lead exudes the warm charm of Jill Sobule, but with a great deal more power. The mix in the vocal performances made for a dynamic listening experience, but the band has a tight chemistry that gives Menage a trademark sound no matter who is at the mic. The 14 tracks are expertly recorded, with mixing by David Botrill (Muse, Peter Gabriel) and mastering by Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Bjork).

The songs explore themes related to chasing your dreams, growing up, and letting go, and they come at you with a youthful urgency that is hard to resist. Not every song has a sharp hook that sticks in your memory, but there is great potential to be heard here. When the band is firing on all cylinders, magic is the result. Just listen to the seductive power in tracks like “Promises” or “Home”, or the frantic energy in “Bury Us Young”. First single, “Tonight”, is also a wonderfully sharp duet that is instantly likeable, with a beautifully constructed chorus. My favorite is “These Are The Days”, which should be the second single in my opinion – it is a brilliant piece of pop rock. I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head for days!

Watch for “Menage” on November 13. - Now This Rocks

Alternative rock band Ménage, both Toronto, Canada and L.A-based, have partnered with BlankTV to premiere their new music video for their second single, “Bury Us Young.” The track is also the opening song on the band’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album, which will be available starting November 13.
Ménage is comprised of the Ferreira siblings Gabriel, Basilio and Bela, who grew up between Toronto, Canada, and a small town in Portugal. “We wanted the characters in the video to be played by children because the song is about our life in L.A., away from our parents, in a town so very foreign from absolutely everything we grew up knowing,” they explain. “We did, ultimately, feel like children being set free into an urban jungle. The characters reflect us.”
The music video was shot and directed by Bradley Ragland in the band’s current residence of Echo Park in Los Angeles. Since living in the city inspired the song, and Echo Park is mentioned in the lyrics, it was natural to film there. The video is meant to capture an “innocence is not lost” theme that reflects Ménage themselves and also features live performance footage.
The band boasts, “We are very much in love with the raw energy in this video and think it embodies who we are as a band and what we have lived through as individuals. This is Ménage unapologetically presenting ourselves to the world.”
Ménage is a brother/sister, dual-fronted band with influences from the music they were exposed to growing up between Canadian, indoor boredom, and strong European culture, the common thread that was present on both sides of the globe. The band is currently playing shows in Canada and will be heading back to the States mid-November for a tour. - Hell Hound Music

You might say it was a spirited recording session.

Toronto-born and Los Angeles-based pop-rock trio Menage recorded most of their self-titled debut album at the famed Catherine North studio in Hamilton, Ont., last year. A converted church, the studio also turned out to be “beyond haunted,” says keyboardist and vocalist Bela Ferreira, who is joined in the band by her brothers Fernando (guitar and vocals) and Gabriel (drums).

“For example, one of us went to the bathroom and someone was trying to open the door to get in and, you know, I thought it was a practical joke,” she says. “It happened to Fernando and then it happened to me as well. And it was nobody else from the team that was doing that, they were all upstairs, so something was trying to open the door while you were in the bathroom. That was kind of a common thing that at least a couple of us experienced.”

And that wasn’t all.

“There was a ping pong table behind us where we were sleeping and the ping pong balls started going in the middle of the night by themselves,” she says. “The person who had died most recently there was the owner and he loved playing ping pong. This was all stuff we found out after the experience had happened, just different things like hearing someone whispering in your ear when there’s no-one there.”

Ferreira says the ghostly encounters inspired the band to re-write lyrics at the last minute to reflect their experience.

“We thought the songs were done, and they weren’t,” she laughs.

The resulting album – which received mixing and mastering work from industry heavyweights David Bottrill (Muse, Peter Gabriel) and Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Sigur Ros) – has not officially been released yet, Ferreira says, though it can be heard and purchased online. That hasn’t stopped the band from quickly making a name for themselves in the industry, however.

Recently, legendary DJ and L.A. tastemaker Rodney Bingenheimer (otherwise known as the Mayor of the Sunset Strip) put the band in rotation on his influential KROQ radio show. Ferreira says Bingenheimer then passed their music to some radio promoters and the album is now being played on over 50 college radio stations in the U.S. Their song These Are The Days was also recently played on an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation, she says.

Earlier this month, the band returned home to begin a month-long residency at the Painted Lady in Toronto, and buzz from those shows led to a last-minute booking at this weekend’s Canadian Music Week festival.

Ferreira says the instant reaction has taken the band by surprise.

“It’s kind of bizarre. We don’t really know what to expect. We just started playing shows. Literally our first show was in Kitchener three, four weeks back.”

Though now based in California for over a decade, the three siblings were born in Toronto and split their childhood between Canada and their family’s original home of Portugal. Ferreira says she and her brothers grew up studying classical music and playing in bands – just not necessarily together.

Though the three had often written together and worked on each other’s songs, they “didn’t always get along,” Ferreira says, adding it was ultimately a family tragedy that helped unite the siblings for good.

“There’s nothing like the bond between family members and I think also a death in the family reminded us how important family is. I always felt like maybe we were letting that person down by not working together,” she says.

“I guess we just felt like it was time to try what was probably most obvious to everyone around us, except us, for the longest time.”

Even so, Ferreira says the sessions for the album were occasionally tense, paranormal activities aside.

“I think it was interesting just because there were some times where we were ready to call it quits and from those times where we just couldn’t agree on stuff, we actually ended up writing one of our favourite songs on the album, which is called Get Out,” she says.

“It was like, ‘OK, maybe everything happens for a reason, even our disagreements.’”

An upcoming U.S. tour that will take up most of the rest of the year promises to test the truce in their sibling rivalry but Ferreira says the trio has a collective vision for the immediate future.

“It’s been our dream forever to just be touring non-stop so we’re doing it, we’re taking the music to the people.”

WHAT: Menage at Little Bean Coffee Bar, Kitchener

WHEN: Friday March 23

DOORS: 10 p.m.

WEBSITE: www.menagetheband.com - The Record Newspaper (Ontario, Canada)

Menage's Guitarist/ Singer, Basilio Fernando Ferreira has been an Endorser of Schecter Guitars since 2012. - schecterguitars.com

Ménage rock out with a cover of Bryan Adams’ Christmas Time, with Gabriel and bELA’s unique and complimentary voices that you can’t help singing along to.
This band is comprised of three siblings from the Toronto area with strong Portuguese roots.
Ménage will be releasing their new album in early 2013 with mixer David Botrill (Muse, Placebo, Peter Gabriel) and mastering engineer Ted Jensen (Radiohead, Bjork, Sigur Ros) on their side.
Throughout 2012 Ménage toured throughout Canada and received airplay & charting at Canadian campus radio. - dalespeaking.com

Menage There are three members in the new group Menage, but they are siblings so it’s best not to think of them as Menage a Trois. The Ferreiras --- Gabriel on drums, Basilio Fernando on bass and guitar... - Campus Circle (publication #6)

Menage’s Bury Us Young is definitely a fit for Meera’s Monday’s. Assuming that Meera has no objections to me raising her name in the this introduction, I’d like to acquaint you with the brothers and sister trio that has roots in LA, Toronto, New York, and Portugal.

Their self-titled album is in the alternative rock vein. Its opener Bury Us Young has some punk influences to it and Gabriel, Basilio, and Bela Ferreira also flavor some slight emo moments into the 14 tracks. It was released at the end of last October.

You can like them on Facebook. Hope you enjoy Menage and Bury Us Young. - 1146miles.com

Ménage is a band of three siblings from Toronto who put out music with a ton of energy and catchy melodies.

"Tonight" is a cool, fun, song with a gender bending video and a pessimistic chorus.

"Bury Us Young" has a powerhouse chorus and a driving beat. - oneintenwords.com

Hopefully the sister/brothers in Ménage (short for "ménage à trois") aren't practicing anything naughty… although if you take the phrase literally, it just means "household of three", by itself it just means "household."

As expected, Ménage is an alt/rock/pop trio from Los Angeles. Growing up in Toronto might have had a hand in exposing the band's single "These Are The Days" on Canada's Degrassi and "Tonight" on Muchmusic (Canada's answer to MTV… at least when MTV was still playing music videos).

You can check out their songs on Soundcloud. - WeHeartMusic

Tell me something. Do you believe in kismet? Fate?
In the fact that things are predetermined and will always work out in your favor regardless of consequences?
....yea well I don't know either.



But here's a story that comes sort of close to that, and it's about a girl named Bela.
Remember a few weeks back, when I told you the tale about meeting those impeccably nice members of a band. Chance and confusion led me there in the first place... I guess the rest, as they say... is history. And it goes like this...
***
Fast forward to today, poor me, up and ready for dance class only to find out it's been canceled due to a lack of dancers. This is a rare circumstance, yet when it does happen I usually rely on my fail proof back up plan; Endless cups of coffee at Java House.
Fine and dandy, until I get extremely anxious and my mind goes a flutter... then I stroll.
It was a beautiful day for a walk, clear sky, mild wind, these days are far too few. Regardless, there I was prancing on College street, trying to be inspired, trying to waste time, and trying to find something. Although 50 cups already in me, I felt the need for a steaming, no whip hot chocolate, and to Starbucks we went. (We; as in myself and my alter ego...the successful me)
And then!!!!!!
Time came to a halt as a familiar bouncy head of blond curls shimmied passed me.
I thought, "No it can't be! They're long gone" but rest assured, you know it's Bela when you see her... and so I shouted "Bela!!" and thought "( I hope this isn't a dream cause man o man I'd look really dumb right now!!)" ...it wasn't.
Giddy giddy, surprise surprise, Darling wrestled me to pay for my bevy, but that wasn't even the best part.
This time, luck led me into Starbucks, but [un]fortunately they were doomed for one more night in Toronto because their ride broke down.
Wretched for them and all, I know it's selfish but I must admit I was glad to see her again!
Allow me to put this is writing so that when the time comes I can say "I told you so"
....This girl will be on the cover of Nylon. Quite possibly Rolling Stone and Vibe too, but defiantly Nylon. Her energy is infectious and her laugh a bit contagious. She oozes "it-ness" and she doesn't even realize she's an It girl, which by default makes her that much more... It.
Back to me...
I often feel as puzzled as Dr.Seuss' most finest work. Especially when I get asked "So...what do you want to do?" Because the truth is, I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING! And lately I've been getting asked that a lot.
I don't want to be stuck at a desk, in an unventilated office space, dreaming that every coworker is my potential Jim (i.e Jim and Pam)
I want to be out there, discovered, loved, followed...free.
Albeit I know this is a lot to ask for, but Bela didn't think so. I told one (boy) friend I wanted to start a story, they merely said "...do it" ...and then I told Bela my dreams and she said "YES! You've got that hunger and that's something that can't be taken from you"
You see, day after day I hear basically the same words of encouragement, but rarely do I get it from the source itself. Bela (and band) is living proof of a bird taking off in flight.
The line that stuck with me the most... and sent my spirit soaring out of myself and off to great new heights was, "It doesn't matter what happens-so just do it. Not everybody has to like you...it only takes one"
Right. Right!! So Right!!!
That's the step that I keep forgetting!
Often only one person likes what I do
But that's enough!
So I'ma continue with it ya'll cause darn right I found my bliss!
(Thanks B)
Dammit, Hollywood is taking her (and them) back, but believe me you'll see her around...
This girl just gracefully climbed up me "like" ladder.



PS. Just watch, Don't Cry. - maybeinnewyork.com

Menage - Menage (CD, Loud and Profound Records Inc., Rock/pop)
Intense hard rockin' pop played with furious intent. Menage is the brother and sister trio comprised of Gabriel Ferreira (drums), Basilio Fernando Ferreira (bass, guitar), and Bela Ferreira (vocals, keyboards, piano). In their formative years the three were raised both in Toronto, Canada and Portugal...which had a dramatic geographical impact on all three. Mixed by David Botrill and engineered by Ted Jensen, this self-titled album is loud, intense, and exciting. So many bands in the twenty-first century play with limp wrists...but not these folks. This album has all the excitement and freshness that was a part of the original 1970s punk movement. But rather being a rehash of an old sound, these folks use the basic ideas as a diving board for their own cool current sound. This fourteen track album is bursting at the seams with vibrant energy and cool melodies. Killer tracks include "Bury Us Young," "We'll Be Alright," "Promises," and "Leave It All Behind." This album totally and completely KICKS ASS. Top pick.
* * * * * - babysue.com

The Canadian power-pop group Ménage brings the power with the anthemic new track “A Beautiful Disaster.” A mixture of two cultures, the ensemble seamlessly blends English with a flair of Portuguese. An enthralling, though simplistic, guitar riff leads into Bela Ferreira’s breathy and light vocals. The frontwoman’s soft voice harmonizes well, yet is overwhelmed by, the thunderous delivery of her brother, Basilio: the two chanting the heartening lines, “I don’t know how it will end, but none of this will matter.” - Surviving the Golden Age

Ménage formed after three siblings (Bela, Basilio, and Gabriel Ferreira) who spent their lives bouncing back and forth between Toronto, Ontario, and rural Portugal, decided to fuse together the musical and cultural experiences from their travels. It wasn't an easy beginning. As instruments began to enter their home, the siblings again went their separate ways. Bela wrote songs on the piano and toured Canada, Basilio and Gabriel formed bands, tore them apart, tried to make it in L.A., and repeated the process.
Finally setting aside their differences, the Ferreira siblings reconciled and added Elliot Boult and Dave Haskett to the group. They've received accolades in Portugal, where their song "Our Time Is Now" won big at the Portuguese Music Awards. They've also scored gigs at all the big Portuguese festivals in North America, had a song on Degrassi: The Next Generation, and are in heavy rotation on KROQ in L.A.
Ménage recently collaborated with Portishead bassist Jim Barr, who appears on their newest single, "Black and White TV" from their latest self-titled EP. If you're looking for big, full, pop-fused rock songs, have a listen. - Flink TO