Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
You know humour is going to play a big part in the life of a band whose name is The Kiltlifters.
But not far behind this Nanaimo-based band's longing to mock is their desire to skank their way into the hearts of ska fans everywhere. This fun-loving band had their chance to do that when they travelled the country last month on a 28-date tour.
As that tour demonstrated, this young band---whose average age is 25---are well on their way to becoming as well known as they are funny.
"I think that where we ended up on this tour financially is something we can all be proud of," said the band's trumpet player, Scot Rounding. "We took 500 CDs and we only have about 100 left."
The Kiltlifters have just released their infectious debut, 'Pass the Popcorn,' a platter of "gourmet Canadian ska" that is as accomplished as any local release this year. And of course, it's a side splitting party ride from start to finish.
Mike Devlin
Nov 05, 1999 - Times Colonist, Victoria BC
As if they needed an excuse…
we’ll call the Kiltlifters’ show at Malaspina’s Velvet Underground on Thursday Nov. 10 a Canucks after-party, the “NHL Overtime Frenzy.” Go Canucks, Go!
And who better to than the band who put the verb back in “party.”
Vocalist and trumpet player Scot Rounding is looking forward to Thursday: “The September show at the Velvet Underground Pub was sold out with a lineup for over an hour. I hope to do this again,” he says.
The band has been hunkered down writing and recording the follow up to last year’s album Serious George...and it looks like national retail is jumping onboard. Toronto’s Nuff Entertainment has signed on to distribute the band’s catalogue with major retailers like A&B Sound and Future Shop across the country.
While world domination seems just around the corner, it all comes back to the music.
Alexandria Stuart
Sound Check Nov. 09, 2005
- Harbour City Star
I liked, I bought! - Ron Robson-CBC Radio Winnipeg
"Makes me wanna put on leather shorts and order a beer bigger than my head." - Steve Jones-Malaspina U/C, Music Dept. Chair
"I want nothing but the best on our show... That's why I use Kiltlifters tunes, because they are the best!"
Todd Jones
Director / Producer
The Tom Harris Chevrolet Locker Room
Shaw TV Nanaimo - Todd Jones-Producer
Discography
Dynomite [Single] (2005)
Serious George (2004)
If You Bought This You Were Probably There [Live] (2002)
Pass the Popcorn (1999)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Kiltlifters formed in 1999 in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The band members were students or graduates of the renowned Malaspina University jazz program. After six months, they recorded their first CD, "Pass the Popcorn." The disc reached #41 on the National Campus Radio charts, including #1 in Fredericton, New Brunswick!
Amplifying their success across Canada were three cross-country tours in support of "Popcorn," in 1999 and 2000. With the release of their newest
effort, "Serious George," the band has taken to the road again, touring British Columbia and Alberta in 2005 and crossing the country in June 2006.
"George" consists of sixteen tracks, ranging from pop-ska anthems, crunchy ska-punk, jazzy instrumentals and even a soca homage to the beaches of their beloved hometown. The band is also working on their first music video, for "I Wanna Be a Goalie (for the Vancouver Canucks)."
The band has headlined and performed as part of numerous Vancouver Island festivals and shows, including the CHUM TV's VILand New Years, Victoria Ska Festival, Nanaimo Marine Festival, Youthfest Victoria, and the Nanaimo's Canada Day Festivities.
In November of 2004, the Kiltlifters appeared in a series of videos for Shaw TV's "Locker Room," an Island-based sports-feature program - a show the band composed the theme music for.
A key to the success of the Kiltlifters is the band's diversity; with over 200 shows in their history and a strong rooting in jazz theory, the band is able to perform appropriately whether at a punk show, family-oriented festival, university pub, or even weddings!
Band members are active on Vancouver Island as music educators and clinicians, sponsored by Yamaha Canada and Long & McQuade Music.
The band believes passionately in the spirit of ska and encourages everyone to learn about and enjoy the roots and energy of this musical community.
Links
