Northern Light

There is nothing standard about Stirling. How could there be with a band named after a famous British racing driver, that includes a drummer who wanted to be Buddy Rich when he grew up and a lead guitar player who bought every recording the Jesus and Mary Chain ever made. After finally making good on their drunken promises to each other, Stirling was formed in Edmonton by the aforementioned lead guitarist Joshua Dallmann and vocalist/guitarist/piano player Matthew Booi during the long, cold winter of 2000. Taking their cue from such influences as the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Verve, the Beatles and David Bowie, they convened in a number of basements, rehearsal spaces, bars and legion halls to throw around musical ideas, expound conspiracy theories and share the odd drink. The band began to develop a sound that was distinctly at odds with the alt-country and punk rock that dominated the local music scene. Gigs were booked, shows were played. Members joined, members left. Along the way, two EPs, The View From Here and The Idea and The Deed, were recorded with mad genius Ian Martin at the Twilight Living Room. In November of 2002, despite positive reviews and a loyal following, Dallmann and Booi concluded that the time had come to leave Edmonton and head for Toronto. Goodbyes were made and a rhythm section was left behind. Fortunately, just after their arrival, they ran into UK born drummer and Buddy Rich aficionado Michael Broadley. The product of jazz musician grandparents and his father's huge vinyl collection, Broadley brought a new sense of dynamics to the band with his ability to hit the drums very, very hard. Stirling continued to hone it's epic, swirling sound built on Booi's powerful, expressive voice and Dallmann's reverb and delay enhanced sonic adventurousness. A showcase in mid-2003 brought them to the attention of popguru founder Graham Stairs who was impressed enough to sign the band to a management contract. The last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place in the fall of 2003 when they enlisted the services of bassist and sole Torontonian Jeremy Gontier. Stirling recorded their debut album at Phantom Studios in Toronto. Northern Light was released on June 22nd in Canada on the popguru label with national distribution through MapleNationwide/Universal. A video directed by Raj Dias for 'I Came Late To The Party' was added into Medium rotation on both MuchMusic and MuchMoreMusic as well as MTV Canada. The song also has been featured on the Sony Pictures television series Joan of Arcadia and the N Network's Radio Free Roscoe. Stirling recently showcased at Popkomm in Berlin, the Water Rats Theatre in London and has opened for the Futureheads, Kasabian and the Trash Can Sinatras.