Back in 1994, Mike Hooton planted a seed when he decided to start a band with some of his friends. What began as garage band meanderings soon blossomed into the musical juggernaut that is known and loved today as Gladyss Patches. The band has no real explanation for the bands moniker, and there is no story behind it. Yet they choose to keep it, because no matter what they are called, the songs will remain the same.
Over the next 4 years, the band underwent numerous lineup changes as they evolved and honed their sound. In 1996 they even recorded a now hard to find EP entitled “Tijuana Crackwhore.” In 1998, Mike, drummer Jordan Sokoloski, Bass player Brad Laviolette and then-vocalist Darren Robinson had hit a creative brick wall, so they decided to enlist the help of longtime friend Alex Roque to help write songs and to create a larger, more textured guitar sound. Over the next two years, Alex used his song ideas combined with Mike’s arrangement skills to create their second full-length album in 2000 called “Novelty.” In September of 2000, they inked a deal with the LA based indie label called NFE records and began working on 11 songs that would become the album entitled “A Wish This Simple.” With major label distribution courtesy of EMI, countless tours in the US and Canada, plus positive radio support for the singles “Peeled” and “Vanishing” Gladyss Patches seemed set to take on the whole world.
Due to various creative differences within and without, the early 21st century saw Gladyss Patches undergo numerous changes. Darren Robinson and Brad Laviolette both quit to pursue different personal goals and so Mike, Jordan and Alex were given the opportunity to create something greater from the ashes of their departure. They decided to enlist their good friend Cam Jarvis on Bass and backup vocals, thus creating a more coherent sound with strong players, balanced singers and a drive to create music that can change the world.
The evolution into a 4 piece outfit also saw the evolution of a sound. Gladyss Patches moved away from the hip-hop tinged sounds of “A Wish This Simple” and began to stretch out their more melodic muscles. With the help of local producer Larry Anschell (Nickelback, Pearl Jam, Sum 41) Gladyss entered Turtle Studios in White Rock, B.C. to record a 3 song demo of some of their newer material. These new songs immediately began to turn heads and heralded a new beginning in the annals of Gladyss Patches history. The songs also garnered the attention of Brian Howes (DDT, Closure) who, while still writing music for his own band, was also becoming a producer of critical acclaim in the industry. With the help of Brian and his partner Jay van Poederoyen they wrote and recorded 3 brand new songs which took the new sound to greater heights than the band thought they could reach. With the onset of such great new songs and with their managements future looking uncertain, they decided to amicably split with both NFE records and their long time manager Clyde Hill. Now, armed with songs that could make the whole world sing, Gladyss Patches is on a quest to find new management and a new record deal so that they can bring pure rock back to North America.
I certainly got excited when I just saw "Gladyss Patches added new music." on my friend updates thing. If only there was actual NEW music. That would make me happy.
Hey I'm a human. Sweet. Here's to hopin' you guys are still together, and comin' to the Island soon to sometime whenever. I haven't heard anything from you in a long time. Here's to eatin' brunch all wasted at Denny's.
Peace
dude you guys are so sick... i picked up a wish this simple.. about 3 years ago.. and man.. im hungry for more! and dude.. you guys should come to california.. so i can see you all live! and finally here two sense. and spin live!
Adam
Good to hear from ya.
didn't you guys rehearse in the room across from us back at the place on 7th?? Loved the stairs to that place. Loading out... not so bad... loading in... sucked my ass.
ROCK
hmmm...i've had those undies for a while now...funily enough, i don't think i've ever gotten a chance to actually see it glow in the dark ;p hehehe....
thanks guys
the pleasure is all mine!!
i'm sure you hear this alot but i'm gonna say it again anyways!... YOUR MUSIC ROCKS!!
i love you guys!!
take care!
