Pushed

Formed in the month of January of 2004, Pushed has quickly risen in the rankings of the Winnipeg music scene. Formerly known as Hard Luck Knights, their name was changed after the original bass player left the group late in ’04. Pushed fits into several music categories. They don’t conform to one general genre. They have songs that are of modern rock, different aspects of alternative and acoustic rock persuasions within their powerful sets. Their musical and lyrical stylings have been compared to that of Nirvana, Seether, Nickelback, Art Of Dying and many see them as truly unique in their choice to just write as they feel and let the music take them in whatever direction it leads. Pushed is comprised of four longtime, close friends and talented young musicians; Willy Harvie (Vocals, 22), Shawn “Galahad” Colpitts (Guitar/Vocals, 25), Ryan Street (Bass, 26) and Scott “Skab” Kelly (Drums, 33).

Their career as Pushed began from a simple common interest in music and a casual conversation. Willy and Shawn started doing a little cooperative writing and decided to take it to the next level and form a band. Willy had competed and won several vocal competitions and was featured on CKND. Shawn has been playing an instrument for as long as he can remember and is son to famed Winnipeg musician Roger Colpitts. They recruited a bass player and drummer and began playing community clubs and jams as Hard Luck Knights. Eventually, they would stick through on their own and join up with closer friends and form Pushed with Ryan on Bass and Graham Moorby on drums. Ryan was a tattoo artist with a flare for the arts. With this team, they began playing bigger venues and showcases, really creating a name for themselves within the business and generating a following of their own. Unfortunately, Graham’s school and other interests led him away from the band. Scott , who is son to Paul Kelly, was already a professional musician and formerly played with Tall, Dark and Hammered, came into the picture with Pushed. Four friends, so close they could be family, together as Pushed, doing what they do by crafting memorable tunes and generating powerful performances.

Pushed started out small, opening for Big Bob’s Big Band and playing jams where Shawn’s father, Roger Colpitts, was hosting. They looked upon these spots as practice for the big show that was yet to come. Veteran Winnipeg musicians complimented the band on their performances and reached out helping hands to get the ball rolling and keep it in motion as time would pass. As they grew accustomed to the stage, it was only natural that they branched off on their own. Supernova offered Pushed their first featured performance in a bandwar at The West End Cultural Centre behind Britt Black. They didn’t leave winners, but they had an open invite to play whenever Supernova came back into town and made contacts with several of the bands there. Pushed began hosting their own biweekly gig at the Miss Q’s on Osborne. That place had never seen such business as what the guys brought them during their performances. Soon afterwards, Pushed started striving forward. They opened for Giv’R and tried at a few other battles. After every performance there would be someone else offering them a gig and many more contacts were made. During the Supernova show at The Ramada Entertainment Centre, they played on the same bill as Social Code and were noticed by radio hosts of Freq107. Up to that point, their biggest show was opening for Barry G Player Band at The Pyramid, which had a crowd of 200 and featured two of the best musicians in the city, Barry Player on guitar and Roger Colpitts on Bass. Veteran performers later stated that Pushed had stolen the show. By the time two months had gone by, the guys were ready for the big show and showcased their first real headliner, having Rude Dale and Servants of Society open for them at Rookies. They continue to play as hard and as much as they can.

Now, in 2006, there are numerous plans to keep things moving and growing rapidly. The guys are ready to go into the studio and complete a finished demo that is worthy of airplay for the purposes of finding a record company to back them, open the doors to more venues and shows, and be showcased on Freq107 during The Buzz with Gordo one Tuesday evening. With the list of bands that are acquainted with Pushed, many shows are on the way. The veteran musicians of Loaded, Kingbees and BGP are proud to bring the guys to the stage with them. Pushed has their own plans to headline at the landmark Park Theater, have entered The Search For RA NRG, will headline and play several showcases around the city, and are currently in the midst of planning a cross-Canada tour for the summer of this year. As always with these guys, things are looking up.