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Republic of Safety

Republic of Safety Radio

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Vacation
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Vacation
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Released: Jan 1, 2006
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General Info

  • Genre: Post punk / Powerpop / Soul

    Location Toronto, Ontario, CA

    Profile Views: 56320

    Last Login: 9/14/2010

    Member Since 2/22/2005

    Website Under reconstruction

    Record Label Ta Da! + RoS Issuing Office

    Type of Label Indie

  • Bio

    ...... Founded in 2004 as an utopian alternative to the dearth of imagination in our beleagured nation, from its inception the Republic of Safety made citizenship freely available. Fervent audiences from Buffalo to Brantford to Montreal responded to the call. Clothes were torn. Undergarments revealed. Xenophobes and non-dancers cowered and retreated. Within months the first 500 pressings of its Passport (2005 EP: 15 minutes of punk perfection) were snapped up, and access to their borders passionately sought. Their abundant natural resources of talent, charisma, incisive political critique and hemlines quickly drew raves from the media: from the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star to state radio CBC Two and 3. In 2006, they returned with a brand new four song CD single, the Vacation EP on Montreals Ta Da! Records (run by Patti Schmidt of the groundbreaking late-night CBC Radio programme Brave New Waves and Jeff Waye of Ninja Tune Records). Recorded and mixed by Don Pyle (of the revered Fifth Column and Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet), this second EP came closer to harnessing the feverish energy of the Republic writhing live on the floor, and featured appearances by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) on violin and Gentleman Reg on backing vocals. The front line of the Republic includes state agitator and lyricist Maggie MacDonald (also of The Hidden Cameras, and a critically acclaimed author/playwright) on vocals and Jonny Dovercourt (co-founder of Toronto's Wavelength series and a veteran of numerous math-rock bands) on shouting and riffage, with bassist and '06 recruit Marlena Kaesler now stepping up to the plate to sweeten the pie with her velvety vocal harmonies. The Republic's Ministry expanded in 2007 to include new Minister of Percussion, Steve Sidoli (of Ottawa and Quebexico), and saxophonist and Minister of Internet, Martin "Martron" Eckart (of electronic bike army, Special Purpose). A compact army of lovers AND fighters, RoS extract a new kind of exuberantly slutty nationalism from the most unimaginative observer, and their impact upon the more stolid institutions of Toronto and beyond is currently being felt. -- bio by Helen Spitzer (with 2007 updates from J. Dovercourt)

  • Members

    Maggie MacDonald (voice/lyrics, 2004-08), Jonny Dovercourt (guitar/voice, 2004-08), Marlena Kaesler (bass/voice, 2006-08), Steve Sidoli (drums, 2007-08), Martin Eckart (saxophone, 2007-08), Evan Davies (drums/voice, 2004-06), Kat Gligorijevic (bass, 2004-06), Kate McGee (bass, 2004-06), Dennis Amos (drums, 2004).

  • Influences

  • Sounds Like

    Wire, Gang of Four, Patti Smith, Mission of Burma, Bikini Kill, Dead Kennedys, Rocket From The Crypt/Drive Like Jehu, Springsteen, Motown, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Joy Division/New Order, The Fall, Fugazi, Billy Bragg, Archers of Loaf, Life Without Buildings, The Contortions, Crass.

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  • Richard Harris


    PLEASE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6TH Republic!
     

    "JACKSON'S LOVE - FOR THE LOVE OF A CHILD" - MY BRAND NEW CD - HAS JUST BEEN RECORDED - WATCH FOR IT SOON @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT AMERICANS ...

    “I predict FUTURE HAPPINESS for AMERICANS

    if they can PREVENT the GOVERNMENT from

    WASTING THE LABORS OF THE PEOPLE

    under the PRETENSE of taking care of them.”

    ~ Thomas Jefferson

    PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 6TH ~

    DON'T SILENCE THE VOICE OF FREEDOM!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    6 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    PARADISE is always where LOVE DWELLS Republic!
     

    "JACKSON'S LOVE - FOR THE LOVE OF A CHILD" - MY BRAND NEW CD - HAS JUST BEEN RECORDED - WATCH FOR IT SOON @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT PASSIONATE LOVE ...

    "LOVE is a BURNING DESIRE,

    That makes your HEART light on fire,

    Love is BEING WITH YOU,

    Someone saying I LOVE YOU TOO,

    Love is your TENDER KISS,

    Something you don't want to miss,

    Love is YOU and ME,

    And that is all I see."

    THERE IS ONLY ONE HAPPINESS IN LIFE ~

    TO LOVE AND BE LOVED IN RETURN!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    7 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    Make it a GREAT DAY Republic!
     

    "JACKSON'S LOVE - FOR THE LOVE OF A CHILD" -  MY BRAND NEW CD - HAS JUST BEEN RECORDED - WATCH FOR IT SOON @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT SELF-RESPECT ...

    “Would that there were an award for people who come to

    understand the concept of ENOUGH.

    GOOD enough.

    SUCCESSFUL enough.

    THIN enough.

    RICH enough.

    SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE enough.

    When you have SELF-RESPECT, you have ENOUGH.”

    ~ Gail Sheehy

    CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH COMPASSION,

    KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS AND PATIENCE.

     With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE, my friend

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    8 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    Been WORKING LIKE A DOG lately Republic?
     

    "JACKSON'S LOVE - FOR THE LOVE OF A CHILD" -  MY BRAND NEW CD - HAS JUST BEEN RECORDED - WATCH FOR IT @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT HARD WORK ...

    Hey - you deserve to take the day off and enjoy yourself!

    HAPPY LABOR DAY Republic!

    Sending you lots of LABOR DAY LOVE!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    8 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    Ask Yourself - Have You Been KIND TODAY Republic?
     

    I AM RECORDING A NEW ALBUM THIS MONTH - WATCH FOR IT @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT KINDNESS ...

    One Million Acts Of Kindness is a goal. A goal for each person to individually perform One Million Acts Of Kindness in their lifetime. Can you imagine a greater goal for one's life?

    Most of us think that changing the world is impossible. The world is too big…too many people in it…too many problems to solve. Do you often feel this way? While it’s understandable, be assured that it is not true!

    NO ACT OF KINDNESS ~ HOWEVER SMALL IS EVER
    WASTED!  HOW MANY LIVES CAN WE CHANGE IF WE
    PRACTICE KINDNESS EVERY DAY?

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    9 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    THANK YOU for Being My FRIEND Republic!
     

    I AM RECORDING A NEW ALBUM THIS SUMMER - WATCH FOR IT @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT FRIENDSHIP ...

    "A HUG is worth A THOUSAND WORDS.

     A FRIEND is worth MORE."

     ~ Jasmine Fitzwilliam

    FRIENDS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT

    INGREDIENT IN THE RECIPE OF LIFE!
     
     With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    11 months ago
  • Richard Harris


    LIFE is SWEET Republic!
     

    I AM RECORDING A NEW ALBUM THIS SUMMER - WATCH FOR IT @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT LIFE ...

    "LIFE

    is

    10% WHAT HAPPENS TO US

    and 90% HOW WE REACT TO IT.”

     ~ Dennis P. Kimbro

    WE CONTROL HOW WE FEEL ABOUT LIFE.

    DESPITE ITS BUMPS AND BRUISES ALONG THE

    WAY ~ LIFE IS GOOD!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com

    1 year ago
  • Richard Harris


    Thank You for the GIFT of your FRIENDSHIP Republic!
     

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT FRIENDSHIP ...

    "TRUE FRIENDS are NEVER FORGOTTEN,

    they live within our HEARTS and SOULS ....

    FOREVER , and ALWAYS ,

    DANCING on our stage of memories."

    PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID

    OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

    HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL!  FRIENDS LET YOU KNOW

    THAT YOU ARE NEVER ALONE ON THE ROAD OF LIFE!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.myspace.com/richardharrislive

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com


     

    1 year ago
  • Richard Harris


    Be a WINNER Republic!
     
    The Nobel Prize Medal

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT WINNING ...

    "The WINNERS IN LIFE  think constantly in terms of

             I CAN,              I WILL,           and   I AM.

    LOSERS, on the other hand, concentrate their waking

    thoughts on what they SHOULD HAVE or WOULD HAVE

    done, or what they CAN'T DO."

     ~ Dennis Waitley

    VICTORY IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR THE PERSON

    THAT REFUSES TO STOP FIGHTING!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.myspace.com/richardharrislive

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com


     

    1 year ago
  • Richard Harris


    Sending THURSDAY LOVE Republic!

     

    TODAY'S THOUGHT IS ABOUT BEING YOU  ...

    "The EASIEST THING to be in the world is YOU.

    The most DIFFICULT THING to be is WHAT OTHER

    PEOPLE WANT YOU TO BE."

    ~ Leo Buscaglia

    GREAT THINGS ARE NOT ACCOMPLISHED BY THOSE

    WHO YIELD TO TRENDS AND FADS AND POPULAR

    OPINION!  BE YOURSELF!

    With LOVE, RESPECT, and PEACE my friend,

    Richard

    www.myspace.com/richardharrislive

    Please take a minute and give my music a listen!

    MY ALBUM "LOVE'S SWEET SONG" HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR A WAMMIE AWARD AS JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR! LISTEN TO SOME SWEET SOUNDS - AVAILABLE @ www.RichardHarrisLive.com


     

    1 year ago
10 of 231More

Bio:

See photos of Republic of Safety at FormerTransformer Founded in 2004 as an utopian alternative to the dearth of imagination in our beleagured nation, from its inception the Republic of Safety made citizenship freely available. Fervent audiences from Buffalo to Brantford to Montreal responded to the call. Clothes were torn. Undergarments revealed. Xenophobes and non-dancers cowered and retreated. Within months the first 500 pressings of its Passport (2005 EP: 15 minutes of punk perfection) were snapped up, and access to their borders passionately sought. Their abundant natural resources of talent, charisma, incisive political critique and hemlines quickly drew raves from the media: from the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star to state radio CBC Two and 3. In 2006, they returned with a brand new four song CD single, the Vacation EP on Montreals Ta Da! Records (run by Patti Schmidt of the groundbreaking late-night CBC Radio programme Brave New Waves and Jeff Waye of Ninja Tune Records). Recorded and mixed by Don Pyle (of the revered Fifth Column and Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet), this second EP came closer to harnessing the feverish energy of the Republic writhing live on the floor, and featured appearances by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) on violin and Gentleman Reg on backing vocals. The front line of the Republic includes state agitator and lyricist Maggie MacDonald (also of The Hidden Cameras, and a critically acclaimed author/playwright) on vocals and Jonny Dovercourt (co-founder of Toronto's Wavelength series and a veteran of numerous math-rock bands) on shouting and riffage, with bassist and '06 recruit Marlena Kaesler now stepping up to the plate to sweeten the pie with her velvety vocal harmonies. The Republic's Ministry expanded in 2007 to include new Minister of Percussion, Steve Sidoli (of Ottawa and Quebexico), and saxophonist and Minister of Internet, Martin "Martron" Eckart (of electronic bike army, Special Purpose). A compact army of lovers AND fighters, RoS extract a new kind of exuberantly slutty nationalism from the most unimaginative observer, and their impact upon the more stolid institutions of Toronto and beyond is currently being felt. -- bio by Helen Spitzer (with 2007 updates from J. Dovercourt)

Member Since:

February 22, 2005

Members:

Maggie MacDonald (voice/lyrics, 2004-08), Jonny Dovercourt (guitar/voice, 2004-08), Marlena Kaesler (bass/voice, 2006-08), Steve Sidoli (drums, 2007-08), Martin Eckart (saxophone, 2007-08), Evan Davies (drums/voice, 2004-06), Kat Gligorijevic (bass, 2004-06), Kate McGee (bass, 2004-06), Dennis Amos (drums, 2004).

Sounds Like:

Wire, Gang of Four, Patti Smith, Mission of Burma, Bikini Kill, Dead Kennedys, Rocket From The Crypt/Drive Like Jehu, Springsteen, Motown, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Joy Division/New Order, The Fall, Fugazi, Billy Bragg, Archers of Loaf, Life Without Buildings, The Contortions, Crass.

Record Label:

Ta Da! + RoS Issuing Office

Label Type:

Indie

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