ENTERTAINEMENT
From Issue #5
Igneous
Working Their Way To The Top
By Maya Chendke, 17

With the Popstars/Making the Band phenomenon taking over, you wonder if everyone is an over-night success. Meet Igneous - Michelle, Jay, Amanda and Kyle. With the help of some impressive management, they are well on their way to becoming Canada's next musical sensation - the old fashioned way.

After meeting several years ago in Strathroy, Ontario, Michelle and Amanda picked up instruments and soon hooked up with Kyle and Jay. They had their band. Then practice, practice and practice some more.

Eventually the four went on to play a showcase for Williams-Bell and Associates, a Nashville-based company specializing in artist development and management, and wowed them enough to grab a coveted spot on their roster. That was almost two years ago - when Amanda was only 12!

Having nurtured and carefully monitored the rise to stardom of The Moffatts, Williams-Bell and Associates now guide Igneous through every phase of their development. "Our management takes care of the finances and stuff," says Amanda, "but the band still voices their opinions and important decisions are made together."

As expected, band practice takes up a nice, hefty chunk of their time. "Whenever we have a gig coming up, we have to really prepare for it. We practice every single day, except weekends, but it's 9-5 like a full time job," says Jay. "This business takes up 24 hours of your time. It takes so much out of you to do it," Kyle adds, "but I love to do it. I couldn't see myself doing anything else."

Like the Moffatts before them, Igneous is being well prepared for long term success. They maintain a rigorous schedule that includes singing and dancing lessons as well as lessons in their respective instruments.

They are constantly performing live and exposing themselves to scrutiny and criticism. Kyle believes dealing with the spotlight is priceless, "You need it to grow as musicians," he states matter of factly.

Robert Williams, (the 'Williams' in Williams-Bell & Associates), recalls the first time he heard the band perform at the showcase, "They were okay as a band but what I really saw was something magical, it was their determination and drive that set them apart from others." After the decision was made to add the band to their roster, Robert wasn't disappointed. "As with any new band, they needed some work but were willing to face their failures and brutally analyze their mistakes. Their desire to succeed would drive them on," he states.

"They work very hard and give the same commitment to their music that an honour student applies to schoolwork or an athlete who wants to be the best. More importantly, when they make mistakes they learn from them and get better," he adds.

And get better, they have! The management company has already ventured into discussions with several major music labels that hear the star quality of Igneous.

Where do they go now? Do they hope to sign with a major label? Jay smiles, "I really hope so. That's the way you get to play bigger shows and venues. Just to play in front of people is the best feeling in the world."

As Kyle best says it, the way to get there is to, "do what you love to do."

Meet Igneous

FOLLOWUP...The road to superstardom is a long, hard one. Igneous, despite their talent, determination and their seasoned management team, never seemed to get into full gear and soon veered off the road. Bassist and singer Amanda Bolton left to pursue her own solo career and the band Igneous soon was no more. Good luck to all of them...

But hmm, what an odd name for a fluffy pop band: Igneous. Who came up with that one? Sure the definition, "volcanic rock" is kinda cool but more appropriate perhaps for a thrash metal band. Also...it's a bit too close to Ignore, Ignoble, Ignorant.

 

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