MySpace a place for friends

Well lets keep this short, sweet and to the point. If you want the more detailed bio that was previously posted go to our official band website.

The Participants started out as just a few friends who one day decided to form a band. Coming from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and influences the sounds that was produced has become a unique blend of the greats of rock, jazz, metal, blues and hip hop.

Reid Vanier, Vocals:

Reid's influences are far reaching and include Billy Joel, Queen and Sting to name a few. He is greatly experienced in the ways of rock and has unmatched charisma.

Arun Das, Lead Guitar:

Arun finds his influence in a number of places from Angus Young to Jimmy Page to Slash and everywhere in between. His basement has become the centre of operations for all things jammin'.

Paul Gardin, Rhythm Guitar:

Paul's inspiration comes from the great riff writers of rock lore. BTO, Boston, Led Zeppelin and countless other sources. Paul's use of effects add a dynamic sound to already fierce guitar riffs.

Steve Kux, Bass Guitar:

Steve takes his inspiration from everything he hears from John Paul Jones to Cliff Burton to Flea and all other members of the bass community. His variablilty in riff writing only adds to the band's full sound.

Geoff Lee, Violin:

Geoff has ben playing violin for over a decade and takes influence from the giants of classical music and rock including Vivaldi, Bobby Yang and The Trews. His stage presense is unrivaled.

Amad Abdullah, Drums:

Amad has been a welcome addition to the line-up since the release of the debut album and finds his influences from hip hop beats and the drum stylings of Neil Peart.

The Participants have recently finished their album entitled Left of Centre. September 1st was the release date, and interest and sales continue to skyrocket. Send your orders to theparticipants@gmail.com. Currently, the members of the band are extremely busy, but are eager to play a show and rip it to shreds. February 25 we are playing the Threefold Promotions One Year Anniversary show at the Z Beside the Y. Also watch for Rock The Mill this year.