The MacHams

http://www.chartattack.com/media/audio/81462/charttrack-the-machams-glide


The MacHams are brothers Noel, JP and George Dabbagh, a band based out of Toronto who sound borrows from '90s Can-Rock. They're just released their self-titled debut album, on which you can find "Glide." - by Edward Skira (Chart Attack)

By BD Marie Hughes

It is, at once, apparent that The MacHams have a legion of fans. They were screaming, “Encore!” at the end of the guys’ set. Midway through, loyalty was rewarded with a generous toss of tshirts. Three multi-instrumental brothers – Jean-Pierre Dabbagh (“JP diddy”), Noel Dabbagh (“N Dash”), and George Dabbagh (“G Dash”) and joined by bassist Chris Campbell for live performances – deliver pop-rock music loaded with lyrics about the joys, uncertainties, and pitfalls of relationships (“Vulnerable”, “Ways to Go”, “If You Only Knew”).
In two months, The MacHams will be releasing their first full length album. “All the writing in the band is done by me and JP,” explains George. “You can tell which songs I write and what songs he writes,” he continues. “Sometimes we get inspiration from the weirdest places. If we’re watching a tv show like, ‘Boy Meets World’, we’re like, ‘You know what? This would be a good idea for a song’. One time, one of JP’s friends said, ‘Write a song based on one word.’ I said, ‘Give me a word.’ He goes, ‘Vaudeville’. So based on that one word, I wrote a whole song.” (laughing) George sums up the band’s writing process, “Really, we come up with something we’re both happy with”.
JP tells me, “The deepest thing is that we’re all brothers. Music is our entire life.” George adds, “It’s the relationship that we have with each other.” Both agree that the idea of forming a band ignited in 2002 with YouTube. The brothers were involved in the Catholic church and they first played for their church choir.

BD: What can you tell me about all your fans that were here tonight and making their presence known? (laughing)

George: They’re good people (also laughing)

BD: Are they friends of yours?

George: It started like 5 years ago when we started playing shows. We brought our friends. And, the next show, our friends brought their friends. It just kept getting bigger and bigger! Now, there’s a big group following us wherever we play. We really appreciate that. We take time to go out and say, “Hi” to them!
- torontoima.com - Toronto Independent Music Awards

http://www.streetblastradio.com/streetblast/?s=machams

The MacHams
Posted by: Station Manager on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Speedy, fun, and full of energy - The MacHams are an alternative band out of Canada that live up to their genre title - well, kinda. Their tracks range from melodic pop rock to almost a punkish blend (Blink 182 meets um… er… ) nevermind, I hate classifications like that - there is no way to put these guys in a genre category.

The cool part is, the music is fun and that is what trickles through the tracks when these guys roll through my headphones. It’s more like listening to a group that stimulates your brain with high energy coolness, and pumps you into a real good mood on your darkest freakin’ days.

"(The) Last Night" is so groovy, I want my bong. It has such a real groove to it, with a fun reggae feel to it - comical, serious, hilarious, good, trippy, melodic…. give me a brownie!

Don’t let that reggae note fool you, they can rock out on the guitars as well and move the genre to something more hardcore, even though they aren’t hardcore either. I swear, they move through genre diversity like they took a class! It’s ok, the good news is that their music is awesome, and they keep it real throughout. Even though they are having fun, you can tell that they have been playing music for a while, and love life. Isn’t that what it is all about anyway?

"Vulnerable" was a track that caught me way off guard - its such a nice track to hear with musical variation and talent - I couldn’t help but unplug my headset and piss off the staff here. It’s ok, they can all bite one. Of course, it didn’t take long for the questions to rumble through our office "who is that"? I just laughed and told them to check the website, after all - they can get more information here just like you can…… it seems that we have The McHams’ fans here in the office now…. and that is groovy, because it helps us here keep having fun.

… and that is what it is all about anyway, right? Want more? Check out their website, and start lifting up your day as well! Just don’t try to jam these guys into a genre, because we want them to keep on surprising us with their talent!

- Streetblast Radio

By Kathryn Kyte

The MacHams
Brothers stick together. Brothers play together. Brothers sweat together and the Machams are blood who sure know how to sweat, sing and rock together. Playing a sweet mix of sped up Jason Mraz rock with jokester interludes somehow cusps nicely between the serious and the unserious, without lacking any notion of talent. Musically they’re in touch, perhaps the brotherhood has something to do with that? While each has their own
star quality; I found it highly entertaining the way the boys shift up the lineup and take on different roles while playing happy ballads with strong pop hooks. Their on stage banter and audience interaction works well, because they’re good. No one wants to be part of the crowd if the band fails miserably and cracks jokes that Danny Tanner would hoot at. Am I right? Welcome back some fun in your life and check out these positive rockers. http://www.myspace.com/themachams.

Must Hear Track: Lucky Number 7
- Toronto News 24

MacHams' name makes me hungry. Lucky Number 7 makes me smile.

Ok.

I love The MacHams' song Lucky Number 7!

It's such a fun song that I can't help but dance in my chair and order another margarita. I saw these guys perform live last weekend and this song sounds even better live. They play the crap out of it and it's awesome.

I wish they would upload some more content because they've got some other good stuff.

Anyway, THIS song is my pick of the day! - Orange Hill Media - InDiscover

http://torontoima.com/new/tima-announcements/band-profile-machams/

These three brothers, along with Chris Campbell, are a definite stand-out at the TIMA showcases. I met them at TIMA Showcase #2 back on May 27.2009, when they were going for “Best Live”. In two months, the band will be releasing its first full length album, much to the delight of their alternative rock/pop loving fans. Like their faithful followers, I wanted to know more about these talented, up and coming musicians.

BD: What memorable moments do you have as a band?

The MacHams George: Our first listen to our debut album on the drive home from the studio. It was remarkable, really. We had feelings of accomplishment and glory go down our spines along with huge smiles on our faces. Our album is solid proof, something tangible, which shows what great music we, as brothers, are capable of creating.

BD: Who do you look up to?

The MacHams JP: I guess we look up to bands that have made it and haven’t turned into total jerks. I mean, like, bands whose fame hasn’t gotten to their heads and have actually used their success to do good in the world.

The MacHams Noel: Classic example is Bono of U2. He’s huge! But he has raised such awareness and done so much good work. Hopefully, we can do that one day.

BD: What does “selling out” mean to you? Can you have your cake and eat it, too?

The MacHams JP: It’s funny, ‘cause we were just talking about how I stop liking bands when they go mainstream. (laughs) But that’s not really selling out. I’d say it’s when a band drops what they believe in for something materialistic. So far, we haven’t done anything against what we stand for… and we intend to keep it that way!

BD: When people come to see you play, there is always the perception that your performance is great, seamless, effortless. How do you view this perception versus the reality of what you do? I mean, there’s a lot of hard work behind-the-scenes, rehearsals, keeping websites updated, booking shows, and so on.

The MacHams George: Definitely, especially since we see our performances as a show and not just a recital. I mean, the people come to see a show not just listen to some music. They could do that at home! We try to create a lot of energy on stage and have fun with it. Noel always says that the only bad thing about shows is having to lug our equipment on and off the stage. Hmm… We’re thinking of putting an ad in the paper for roadies. (everyone laughs)

BD: How do you mentally prepare for a show?

The MacHams Noel: Well, you’ve heard the expression “never go to bed angry”. We say “never go on stage angry”. If ever we get into a fight or something, we always hug and make up before the show. The point is to have a good time out there. We put on a happy face, say a prayer, and then we’re ready to rock n’ roll!

BD: What has been your most memorable show and why?

The MacHams George: Probably last year at The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern. Everything seemed to be going wrong. The day of the show, our amp and guitar stopped working, our bassist said he couldn’t make it, and JP had the flu. We re-arranged our songs so that we can do them as a 3-piece band. Noel had to buy a new amp and play the bass and JP toughed it out. Oh man, we put on an awesome show! It just showed us that we’re ready to take on anything and we don’t let obstacles get in our way.

BD: How do you keep positive? And handle setbacks?

The MacHams George: This one’s gonna be a sappy one. (clearing his throat) Here I go… Friends may come and go but family is there through thick and thin. The comfort and support between us brothers, along with wisdom and encouragement from Mom and Dad, and bodyguards Tigran and Raffi – really our cousins (laughing) – keep the dreams and ambitions alive.

BD: What crazy music shit have you heard of? Did you know The Vatican has its own radio station?? (laughing)

The MacHams JP: Hey, they have some good stuff on that station! (laughing) I’m sure the Pope has an awesome singing voice, too! Okay, one of the coolest things around is the YouTube Symphony Orchestra which is a collaboration of musicians from all over the world. Check it out. It’s a surreal experience. Oh, and if you didn’t know, there was a study in the UK that concluded that cows that listen to music produce more milk! Seriously!

BD: What do you do away from music? Do you have summer plans?

The MacHams Noel: George keeps busy with his vegetable and herb garden, and making home-made cleaning products. JP likes biking and watching 2 dvds EVERYDAY! And me – well, I like to kick it back and chill with family and friends on the patio over some mouth-watering barbecue.

BD: What’s next for The MacHams?

The MacHams George: Well, we can’t say when or where yet because we’re ironing out some details. BUT – it’ll definitely be the BIGGEST step for The MacHams… CD Release Party!

http://www.myspace.com/TheMacHams
http://www.TheMacHams.com
- Toronto Independent Music Awards - BD Marie Hughes

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/681490

Band of brothers sing border blues

Canucks turned away by U.S. on way to dream gig for paltry payday

Aug 16, 2009 04:30 AM

Bruce DeMara
Entertainment Reporter
Bands beware.

The Dabbagh brothers – a.k.a. Toronto band The MacHams – can tell you that U.S. border authorities are strictly enforcing visa rules, which forced them to cancel an appearance that they thought could have been a huge break: opening for Creed.

The website sonicbids, which posts gigs and tour slots for musicians, recently put up for tender a slot preceding the reunited, multi-platinum band last Tuesday at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Centre in New York on Tuesday night. The MacHams jumped at the chance despite the paltry appearance fee of $500.

But LiveNation, the event promoter that selected them, neglected to ensure they had the necessary paperwork – a P1 visa – and the brothers spent more than three hours being interviewed, fingerprinted and having their mug-shots takenbefore being turned back.

"We were crushed, not being able to play this simple gig that was not even going to cover our gas and hotel. We were not doing this for the money, we were doing it for the experience," said Noel Dabbagh, 27.

In fact, the band spent more than $300 in upfront costs to buy matching outfits and additional equipment, as well as renting a van.

George Dabbagh, 28, said he did receive an apology from a LiveNation representative.

In the file-sharing era, low-profile bands like The MacHams can't even dream of a big payday from a hit record; earning a loyal, paying following for live shows is the biggest remaining objective. (Record labels have responded by signing artists deals that give the labels a chunk of touring revenue too.)

Geroge said the band has played to some acclaim at various bars and nightclubs throughout Toronto – they have a gig Wednesday at the Cameron House – but "this was an opportunity to play in front of 10,000-plus people."

Greg Bennett, spokesperson for the U.S. Customs Service, said Live-Nation should have known that getting a P1 visa to perform in the U.S. can take several weeks or even months to process.

Canadian performers can download an application for a visa through the service's website, file it along with the appropriate fees and then wait for it to be approved, he said.

Bennett said well-established bands have agents in the U.S. who routinely file paperwork on their behalf but he noted newer Canuck performers have had the same disappointing experience in the past.

The band of brothers, which also includes youngest sibling, J.P., 22, has been performing since 2003 and has recently started to get serious about taking their act on the road. They're in the process of producing their first CD, slated for release in October.

But George worried the recent border experience might prove problematic in the future.

"Now it's like we've been flagged. Everytime they check our passports, it'll be `oh, I see that you were prohibited last time,'" he said.

But the experience has not dimmed their hopes.

"It's not going to slow us down. In the next couple of months, with the CD being released, I can really see things happening for us," George said.
- Toronto Star

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/entertainment/article/284759--band-singing-the-border-blues

August 17, 2009 2:58 a.m.
Bands beware. The Dabbagh brothers — a.k.a. Toronto band The MacHams — can tell you that U.S. border authorities are strictly enforcing visa rules, which forced them to cancel an appearance that they thought could have been a huge break: opening for Creed.

The website sonicbids, which posts gigs and tour slots for musicians, recently put up for tender a slot preceding the reunited, multi-platinum band last Tuesday at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Centre in New York on Tuesday night. The MacHams jumped at the chance despite the paltry appearance fee of $500.

But LiveNation, the event promoter that selected them, neglected to ensure they had the necessary paperwork — a P1 visa — and the brothers spent more than three hours being interviewed, fingerprinted and having their mug-shots taken before being turned back.

“We were crushed, not being able to play this simple gig that was not even going to cover our gas and hotel. We were not doing this for the money, we were doing it for the experience,” said Noel Dabbagh, 27.

In fact, the band spent more than $300 in upfront costs to buy matching outfits and additional equipment, as well as renting a van.

George Dabbagh, 28, said he did receive an apology from a LiveNation representative.

In the file-sharing era, low-profile bands like The MacHams can’t even dream of a big payday from a hit record; earning a loyal, paying following for live shows is the biggest remaining objective. (Record labels have responded by signing artists deals that give the labels a chunk of touring revenue, too.)

George said the band has played to some acclaim at various bars and nightclubs throughout Toronto, but “this was an opportunity to play in front of 10,000-plus people.”

Greg Bennett, spokesperson for the U.S. Customs Service, said Live-Nation should have known that getting a P1 visa to perform in the U.S. can take several weeks or even months to process.

Canadian performers can download an application for a visa through the service’s website, file it along with the appropriate fees and then wait for it to be approved, he said.

Bennett said well-established bands have agents in the U.S. who routinely file paperwork on their behalf but he noted newer Canuck performers have had the same disappointing experience in the past.

The band of brothers, which also includes youngest sibling, J.P., 22, has been performing since 2003 and has recently started to get serious about taking their act on the road. They’re in the process of producing their first CD, slated for release in October.

But George worried the recent border experience might prove problematic in the future.

“Now it’s like we’ve been flagged. Every time they check our passports, it’ll be, ‘Oh, I see that you were prohibited last time,’” he said. - Metro News