Billy Talent
Billy Talent at the 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards. (from left to right) Jonathan Gallant, Ian D'Sa, Aaron Solowoniuk, Benjamin Kowalewicz
Background information
Origin	Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Genre(s)	Alternative rock Post-hardcore Punk rock
Years active	1993 - present
Label(s)	Atlantic, Warner
Associated acts	The Kitchen Party, To Each His Own, Dragonflower
Website	www.billytalent.com
Members
Benjamin Kowalewicz Ian D'Sa Jonathan Gallant Aaron Solowoniuk

Billy Talent is a Canadian rock band formed in 1993 in Mississauga, Ontario. The band consists of Benjamin Kowalewicz (vocals), Ian D'Sa (guitar/vocals), Jonathan Gallant (bass/vocals) and Aaron Solowoniuk (drums/percussion). Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Wikinews has related news: Wikinews to attend MuchMusic Video Awards this Sunday in Toronto Wikinews has related news: 2007 MMVA Peoples Choice nominees announced The 2007 MuchMusic Video Awards were held in Toronto, Ontario at MuchMusics headquarters on June 17, 2007 and featured performances by Fergie, Maroon 5... Jonathan Gallant, born on July 23, 1976, is the bassist of the Punk Rock group Billy Talent. ... Ian DSa, born October 30, 1975 in the United Kingdom, is the guitarist for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Aaron Solowoniuk (pronounced Solo-von-yuk), born November 21, 1974, is the drummer for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Benjamin Ben Kowalewicz (IPA: ) is the lead singer of the Canadian rock group Billy Talent. ... For the First Nation, see Mississaugas. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Alternative music redirects here. ... Post-hardcore; this specific genre was created by others as a sourse to relaese the emotion that builds inside, making the music intimate and touching to listeners. ... Punk rock is an anti-establishment music movement beginning around 1976 (although precursors can be found several years earlier), exemplified and popularised by The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned. ... In the music industry, a record label can be a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... Benjamin Ben Kowalewicz (IPA: ) is the lead singer of the Canadian rock group Billy Talent. ... Ian DSa, born October 30, 1975 in the United Kingdom, is the guitarist for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Jonathan Gallant, born on July 23, 1976, is the bassist of the Punk Rock group Billy Talent. ... Aaron Solowoniuk (pronounced Solo-von-yuk), born November 21, 1974, is the drummer for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... This article is about the genre. ... For the First Nation, see Mississaugas. ... Benjamin Ben Kowalewicz (IPA: ) is the lead singer of the Canadian rock group Billy Talent. ... In music a singer or vocalist is a type of musician who sings, i. ... Ian DSa, born October 30, 1975 in the United Kingdom, is the guitarist for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Lead guitar refers to a role within a band, that provides melody or melodic material, as opposed to the rhythm of the rhythm guitar, bass, and drums. ... A backup vocalist is a vocalist that sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, with other backup vocalists, or alone but in the background of a song. ... Jonathan Gallant, born on July 23, 1976, is the bassist of the Punk Rock group Billy Talent. ... A sunburst-colored Fender Precision Bass The electric bass guitar (or electric bass[1][2]; pronounced , as in base) is a bass stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers (either by plucking, slapping, popping, or tapping) or using a pick. ... A backup vocalist is a vocalist that sings in harmony with the lead vocalist, with other backup vocalists, or alone but in the background of a song. ... Aaron Solowoniuk (pronounced Solo-von-yuk), born November 21, 1974, is the drummer for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... A drum kit (or drum set or trap set) is a collection of drums, cymbals and sometimes other percussion instruments, such as a cowbell, wood block, chimes or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single drummer. ... Percussion instruments are played by being struck, shaken, rubbed or scraped. ...

Although they are often described as having punk rock roots, the band claims that they have no bands that they have drawn inspiration from; they did not "emulate popular bands at the time." The sound is original and unique, something different that they recognized when they first started playing together.^[1] Punk rock is an anti-establishment music movement beginning around 1976 (although precursors can be found several years earlier), exemplified and popularised by The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned. ...

The band existed for almost a decade before hitting mainstream success. The members met and played in high school under the name Pezz and remained underground in Toronto's indie music scene until 2001. The band renamed itself Billy Talent after running into legal trouble with the old name. It was then that Kowalewicz's connection with a worker in Warner Music Canada's A&R landed the band a record deal and launched them into mainstream success.^[2] Since then, Billy Talent has made two multi-platinum records in Canada,^[3] and continues to expand their success overseas. As of September 11, 2007, the band has completed sixteen months of touring, and they have returned to Canada for a rest before beginning work on a new album.^[4] According to My Chemical Romance's official webpage, Billy Talent will be performing with them during their US tour. Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... In the music industry, Artists and Repertoire (A&R) is the division of a record label company that is responsible for scouting and artist development. ... My Chemical Romance are an American rock band formed in 2001. ...

History

Origins as Pezz: 1993–1998

Music sample:

"M & M" Image File history File links Pezz_-_M_&_M.ogg‎ A 31 second sample of M & M, a song by Pezz, who later became Billy Talent. ...

A sample of "M & M" from the album Watoosh!, the band's first album. This song was about a bunch of goth kids that came into the record store where Kowalewicz worked.^[5] They were still known as Pezz at this time, and the different name carried a different sound and style.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

The band originated in Meadowvale and Streetsville, two neighbouring districts in Mississauga, Ontario. In 1993, Ben Kowalewicz and Jon Gallant were part of a band called "To Each His Own", where Gallant played bass, and Kowalewicz was on drums. Kowalewicz moved to vocals, and Aaron Solowoniuk was recruited in his place. Then backstage at the talent show of their high school, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary, they met Ian D'Sa, who played with a different band by the name of "Dragonflower".^[5] The two bands started playing local pool halls and bars together. Eventually Kowalewicz asked D'Sa about starting a new band with him, Gallant, and Solowoniuk. He wanted to make a band that focused more on creativity, and D'Sa agreed.^[1] This merger would bring on the name "The Other One" for a short time, and eventually "Pezz".^[5] Watoosh! is the debut album released in 1998 from the Canadian band formerly known as Pezz, now known as Billy Talent. ... This article is about the subculture. ... Meadowvale is a community located in the northwestern part of Mississauga, a suburb of Toronto, in Ontario, Canada. ... Streetsville (pop. ... For the First Nation, see Mississaugas. ... Benjamin Kowalewicz (Born December 16, 1974) is the lead singer in the group Billy Talent. ... Jon Gallant serves bass guitarist and backup vocal roles in the band Billy Talent. ... Aaron Solowoniuk (pronounced Solo-von-yuk), born November 21, 1974, is the drummer for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School is a Catholic Separate School in the Meadowvale area of Mississauga, Ontario. ... Ian DSa, born October 30, 1975 in the United Kingdom, is the guitarist for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ...

It wasn't until the recording of Watoosh! that Kowalewicz and D'Sa started singing, "creating unique harmonies accented by the loud rock sound that the band was pumping out."^[6]

Pezz began writing, performing songs, and gaining attention and credibility at first locally, and soon in Toronto's broader indie music scene. Their first recording was a cheap 4-track demo. It was recorded in Ian D'Sa's basement in July of 1994, and was named Demoluca, after a friend of the band named Jason Deluca had stopped by the house, banging on a basement window while the band was recording. Soon after, in January 1995, they all put in money to record another demo of better quality with engineer/producer Dave Tedesco at the "Signal to Noise" studio which they called Dudebox.^[5] Originally, two tracks from Demoluca and four newly recorded tracks were compiled onto it, but a year later the band recorded four more tunes live in the studio and re-released it. After these releases and their continued performances in the immediate area, Pezz was gaining a following in Mississauga and it continued to spread.^[6] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 600 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1615 × 1615 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 600 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1615 × 1615 pixel, file size: 1. ... In popular music, independent music, often abbreviated as indie, is a term used to describe genres, scenes, subcultures, styles and other cultural attributes in music, characterized by their independence from major commercial record labels and their autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. ... // Demoluca is a 4-track EP cassette tape from Billy Talent in their high school days as Pezz. ... // After recording the 4-track tape Demoluca Pezz decided to move on and record Dudebox. ...

Eventually the boys left high school and had to move onto other head spaces. D'Sa studied classical animation at Sheridan College, and even worked on Angela Anaconda as an animator. Gallant almost finished a business degree. Kowalawicz was in between jobs, one which included working at 102.1 the edge. Solowoniuk worked at Chrysler Canada. But during all this, each member found the time and finances to max-out their credit cards, and record their first full-length album in 1998.^[5] They laid down twelve tracks at a studio called "Great Big Music", collaborating with Juno-nominated music producer Brad Nelson. Kowalawicz started singing in melody with D'Sa. The music began to transform from a "raw rap-rock" songs into "catchy and angst-ridden pop punk anthems". With that, Watoosh! was born and independently released.^[6] While popular within Toronto's indie scene, it did not reach large mainstream sales levels.^[5] Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is a diploma and degree granting Canadian polytechnic institute with campuses in Oakville, Ontario and Brampton, Ontario, both western suburbs of Toronto. ... Ḍ Angela Anaconda is a cutout animation cartoon from Canada that aired on the Fox Family Channel (now called ABC Family) in the U.S. It revolves around an eight-year-old girl named Angela who has wacky brothers, weird friends, and hates a fake-French girl named Nanette Manoir. ... CFNY-FM is a Canadian radio station, broadcasting at 102. ... Chrysler Canada Inc. ... The Juno Awards are awards of achievement presented to Canadian musical artists and bands. ... In the music industry, record producer designates a person responsible for completing a master recording so that it is fit for release. ... Brad Nelson (born December 23, 1982 in Algona, Iowa), is a minor league baseball player in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. ... Watoosh! is the debut album released in 1998 from the Canadian band formerly known as Pezz, now known as Billy Talent. ... In popular music, indie music (from independent) is any of a number of genres, scenes, subcultures and stylistic and cultural attributes, characterised by perceived independence from commercial pop music and mainstream culture and an autonomous, do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. ...

Billy Talent and mainstream success: 1999–2004

In 2001, the band was threatened with a lawsuit from an American band that was also called Pezz, which resulted in a name change.^[7] Billy Talent would become their new name, inspired by the guitarist "Billy Tallent" from Michael Turner's novel Hard Core Logo. The film adaptation by Bruce McDonald would be the inspirational medium for the band.^[5][2] However, this still led to fans mistaking Kowalewicz of being named Billy Talent.^[8] Arsenal Press Promotional Photo Michael Turner Shares Chocolates and Insights on Romance Novels at Fuse, VAG For other people named Michael Turner, see Michael Turner. ... Hard Core Logo is a classic Canadian mockumentary adapted by Noel Baker from the novel of the same name by author Michael Turner. ... Bruce McDonald (born May 28, 1959 in Kingston, Ontario) is a Canadian film and television director. ...

Music sample:

"Try Honesty" Image File history File links Billy_Talent_-_Try_Honesty. ...

A sample of "Try Honesty" from Billy Talent's self-titled album, the band's first album under the name. The album showed evidence of being more aggressive and influenced by punk rock.^[2]

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

Now known as Billy Talent, their sound began to move in a more aggressive, punk rock direction. During this time, Kowalewicz ran into a co-worker, Jen Hirst, at 102.1 the edge, the Toronto radio station he worked at. She had previously seen the band perform as Pezz, and he asked her to check out the band's performance at a club. This would prove to pay off, as Hirst was later hired by Warner Music Canada to work in A&R. This connection would get the band their producer Gavin Brown, and a demo deal with the label. Before the demos were recorded, a local manager called Atlantic Records A&R executives, who were already in Toronto, to see the band perform in its tiny rehearsal space.^[2] Billy Talent is the second full-length album of Canadian band Billy Talent, after their first, Watoosh!, was released under their old name of Pezz in 1998. ... CFNY-FM is a Canadian radio station, broadcasting at 102. ... Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... In the music industry, Artists and Repertoire (A&R) is the division of a record label company that is responsible for scouting and artist development. ... Gavin Brown has been the name of several notable figures. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ...

The band found much success in their home country, with their debut album going 3x platinum in Canada.^[3]

In 2002, the band met with record executives, and ended up signing a co-venture agreement with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Canada.^[2] In the fall of 2003, the band released their full-length self-titled album, Billy Talent. The album found considerable mainstream airplay and sales success. "Try Honesty" was a successful first single, and was followed by other singles "The Ex", "River Below", and "Nothing To Lose" into late 2003 and 2004. The band played sold-out shows in Canada and the United States and had success in Europe as well. The band received Juno, (They won two Junos, Best Album of the Year, and Best Band of the Year) and MuchMusic Video Award nominations and awards, and spent late 2004 and most of 2005 touring. Billy Talent went on to be certified 3x platinum in Canada.^[3] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 900 pixel, file size: 274 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1200 × 900 pixel, file size: 274 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... The Canadian Recording Industry Association is a non-profit trade organization that was founded in 1964 to represent the interests of Canadian companies that create, manufacture and market sound recordings. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... Billy Talent is the second full-length album of Canadian band Billy Talent, after their first, Watoosh!, was released under their old name of Pezz in 1998. ... Try Honesty is the first single released from the Canadian music group Billy Talents debut self-titled album. ... The Ex was the second single released from the Canadian music group Billy Talents debut self-titled album. ... River Below is a song by the Canadian band Billy Talent, released in late spring of 2004. ... Nothing to Lose is a single from the Canadian band Billy Talents debut self titled album. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... The Juno Awards are awards of achievement presented to Canadian musical artists and bands. ... Michelle Trachtenberg at the MuchMusic Video Awards preshow, 2004 The MuchMusic Video Awards (or the MMVAs, as they are also known) are an annual music award presented by the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic to honour the years best music videos. ...

A track from the album was titled "This Is How It Goes", and it was about one of Kowalewicz's friends who had multiple sclerosis. On March 17, 2006, Aaron Solowoniuk revealed in a personal letter to fans that he was the friend in that song. Solowoniuk was confirmed to have the disease, which causes anything from numbness in the limbs to paralysis or loss of vision, in January 1999. His neurologist prescribed him medication that he would have to self inject three times a week, possibly for the rest of his life. Although it was a struggle for Solowoniuk to come to terms with the reality of the disease, going to numerous doctor appointments, and touring with the band with a mini-fridge in their van has become normal routine. The medication has let him continue drumming with the band, as it eliminated his symptoms, and he has stated that "this changes nothing about my band or me."^[9] is the 76th day of the year (77th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system and disorders affecting it. ...

Billy Talent II: 2005–present

Music sample:

"Devil in a Midnight Mass" Image File history File links Billy_Talent_-_Devil_in_a_Midnight_Mass. ...

A sample of "Devil in a Midnight Mass" from the album Billy Talent II. This demonstrates the general theme that fueled the record: "trust, the lack thereof or breaking up." "Devil in a Midnight Mass" is based on the story of a priest who was convicted of molesting children, and then murdered by another inmate while serving his time.^[10]

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

Billy Talent's second album was mostly recorded at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, British Columbia,^[10] which was produced by Gavin Brown again, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge. This time however Ian D'Sa got a chance to try his hand at producing.^[11] Beginning in the fall of 2005, demos from the new album were purposely leaked by the band to gain publicity. This put about half of the record out in the public, "and then someone got the other half and then it was just all out," so the band purposely leaked it.^[12] Billy Talent II is the second album by the Canadian band Billy Talent, released on June 27, 2006. ... For other uses, see Vancouver (disambiguation). ... Motto: Splendor sine occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Official languages English (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 36 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 20, 1871 (6th province) Area  Ranked 5th Total 944... Audio mixing is used in sound recording, audio editing and sound systems to balance the relative volume and frequency content of a number of sound sources. ... Chris Lord-Alge is a mixer who has worked on various albums including Bad Religions No Substance, Darren Hayes Spin and Underoaths Define the Great Line, My Chemical Romances The Black Parade, Rise Againsts The Sufferer and the Witness. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into news leak. ...

Billy Talent II hit the shelves on June 27, 2006. It fared very well in Canada in its debut week, landing in at number 1 on the Canadian charts.^[10] It also enjoyed significant success in Germany, where it also debuted at number 1 in the album charts in its debut week,^[10] and was one of the top 10 selling albums in the country.^[13] As of June 15, 2007, the album has sold almost 700,000 units worldwide, 215,000 of them in Canada^[13] making it certified 2x Platinum,^[3] and 200,000 shipped units in Germany achieved it platinum status there.^[14] However the success did not duplicate itself in the U.S.^[13] The band has expressed that they know they are a new band there, and they are choosing to concentrate their attention to Canada, Europe, and other places overseas instead.^[12] Billy Talent II is the second album by the Canadian band Billy Talent, released on June 27, 2006. ... is the 178th day of the year (179th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Kowalewicz at the Cardiff University Students' Union on August 8, 2006. This was the band's second international tour, but this time they played in countries like Finland, Norway, Luxembourg, and Belgium for the first time.^[13]

The album has less anger and language than their previous self-titled album, as they had mellowed out and matured as men and as a band. More of the songs dealt with real-life issues, to the praise of fans and critics.^[10] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Cardiff University Students Union (Mywyfwyr Undeb Prifysgol Caerdydd in Welsh) is the students union for Cardiff University, which aims to promote the interests of its students. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Billy Talent is the second full-length album of Canadian band Billy Talent, after their first, Watoosh!, was released under their old name of Pezz in 1998. ...

The band ventured off on another UK tour in support of Billy Talent II, but this one would include more shows in countries they had not performed in before.^[13] During this tour leg, the gigs at London and Manchester, on September 8 and 16, respectively, were recorded live. Limited edition CDs were released as the band's only live album to date, Live from the UK Sept./2006.^[15] Also during the tour, the band had to miss their Southampton show "due to a death in the family".^[16] The whole band returned the following month to play the show.^[17] This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... This article is about the City of Manchester in England. ... Live From the UK Sept. ... For other uses, see Southampton (disambiguation). ...

The band started their first Canadian arena tour with the bands Rise Against, Anti-Flag, and Moneen, performing in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and ending in Ontario. Following the Canadian tour, the band ventured onto their first US club tour.^[18] For other uses, see Arena (disambiguation). ... Rise Against is an American band from Chicago, Illinois that was formed in 1999. ... Anti-Flag is a political punk band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America consisting of four members: Justin Sane (lead guitar, lead vocals), Chris #2 (bass, vocals), Chris Head (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), and Pat Thetic (drums). ... Moneen is a rock band from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. ... Motto: Splendor sine occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Official languages English (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 36 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 20, 1871 (6th province) Area  Ranked 5th Total 944... For other uses, see Alberta (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Saskatchewan (disambiguation). ... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Latin: Glorious and free) Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Official languages English French (de facto) Government Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament House seats 14 Senate seats 6 Confederation July 15, 1870 (5th) Area  Ranked 8th Total 647,797... This article is about the Canadian province. ... This article is about the Canadian province. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American...

The band went on a large overseas tour, beginning on June 1, 2007. They temporarily came back in mid June to play shows at the MuchMusic Video Awards, the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, and the Festival d'été de Québec in Quebec City. They returned overseas, selling out multiple venues in Australia and performing at the MTV Australia Video Music Awards. They had planned to end their tour on September 3,^[13] but the band played shows in St. John's, Newfoundland, Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 5, 7 and 8, respectively.^[19] As of September 11, 2007, the band has indicated that their 18-month tour has officially ended, and they are "home for a while to catch [their] breath a little before [they] start writing the next record."^[4] In the meantime, a live DVD album called 666 was released on November 27, 2007, featuring footage and audio from the band's performances at London's Brixton Academy, Düsseldorf's Philipshalle, and Germany's Rock am Ring festival (at the Nürburgring).^[20] Currently, the band is opening for huge punk rock U.S group My Chemical Romance on a small American tour, Using My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar in one of their songs. The smaller group Drive By is also touring with the two groups. Benjamin Kowalewicz is featured in the song Smiling Politely by the Cancer Bats which is on their new album Hail Destroyer is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Michelle Trachtenberg at the MuchMusic Video Awards preshow, 2004 The MuchMusic Video Awards (or the MMVAs, as they are also known) are annual awards presented by the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic to honour the years best music videos. ... Molson Amphitheatre (commonly called the Amphitheatre) is a semi-enclosed outdoor concert venue in Toronto, Ontario. ... The Festival dété, or Summer Festival (Full French name Festival dété de Québec, full English name Québec City Summer Festival) has been taking place annually since 1968. ... Nickname: Motto: Don de Dieu feray valoir (I shall put Gods gift to good use; the Don de Dieu was Champlains ship) Coordinates: , Country Province Agglomeration Quebec City Statute of the city Capitale-Nationale Administrative Region Capitale-Nationale Founded 1608 by Samuel de Champlain Constitution date 1833 Government... The MTV Australia Video Music Awards started in 2005 and is Australias first awards show to celebrate both local and international acts. ... St. ... Nickname: Motto: O Fortunati Quorum Jam Moenia Surgunt (Latin for, O Fortunate Ones Whose Walls Are Now Rising. ... Motto: Template:Unhide = E Mari Merces (Wealth from the Sea) Logo: Location City Information Established: April 1, 1996 Area: (former city) 79. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Alternate cover CD cover of 666 666 is the name of Billy Talents upcoming live CD/DVD album. ... is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Brixton Academy The Brixton Academy or Brixton is one of Londons leading music venues. ... Düsseldorf (IPA: ) is the capital city of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia and one of the economic and cultural centres of Germany and western Europe. ... Philipshalle is an indoor arena located in Düsseldorf, Germany and built in 1971. ... Rock am Ring (Rock at the Ring) is a rock music festival held annually in Germany at the Nürburgring racetrack. ... Detailed Nürburgring map showing both the Nordschleife and the new GP section. ... My Chemical Romance are an American rock band formed in 2001. ... driev by is formed of Blaze ya dead homie and ABK the just released there first album as drive by the title is called pony down. ... Benjamin Ben Kowalewicz (IPA: ) is the lead singer of the Canadian rock group Billy Talent. ... Cancer Bats is a hardcore punk/metal band hailing from Toronto, Ontario. ...

Style

Watoosh! saw the band mixing multiple genres and making diverse songs on the same album, stretching from hip hop to indie and ska. However, this evolved into a more collected sound, something that they've described as their defining sound on their second album, Billy Talent.^[1] Although they intended not to draw any inspiration from other bands, their new sound had similarities to bands like Refused, Rage Against the Machine and Fugazi, bands that they have said they have great respect for. The similarities were especially related to a lighter post-hardcore genre and bands like Refused and At the Drive-In, but also the anger and hard rock from Rage Against the Machine as well as punk rock and the "Johnny Rotten-esque" stage presence and howls by the vocalist, Ben Kowalewicz.^[6] This, as well as the use of fast drum beat, ongoing guitar and bass tunes and as critics has described as an "in-your-face" and "fist-in-the-air rock 'n roll" sound, has made the critics address them as punk rock revivalists.^[21] Watoosh! is the debut album released in 1998 from the Canadian band formerly known as Pezz, now known as Billy Talent. ... Billy Talent is the second full-length album of Canadian band Billy Talent, after their first, Watoosh!, was released under their old name of Pezz in 1998. ... Refused was a hardcore band originating from Umeå, Sweden. ... Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1991. ... For other uses, see Fugazi (disambiguation). ... Post-hardcore; this specific genre was created by others as a sourse to relaese the emotion that builds inside, making the music intimate and touching to listeners. ... At the Drive-In were an American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, that was active from 1993 to 2001. ... Punk rock is an anti-establishment music movement beginning around 1976 (although precursors can be found several years earlier), exemplified and popularised by The Ramones, the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Damned. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Punk rock. ...

Although the similarities are faint, their mix and innovation of these genres has made them unique and pioneering in the modern music scene. There are raw and frequent backup vocals heavily collaborated by main vocals, quick changes between loud and quiet, and Kowalewicz's characteristic vocals which are the key elements that emphasize that assertion.

On Billy Talent II, the band altered their sound yet again, based on more mid-tempo and emotional compositions, more calmed down and collected than their previous work. It was also based on a far less angst-ridden and aggressive production, something that was known factor behind their debut.^[23] While this change was apparent on many of the songs, they kept the hints of hard rock, but with less screaming and more singing by Ben. "This Suffering" in particular shows the alteration because of its reminiscence of their previous album. Billy Talent II is the second album by the Canadian band Billy Talent, released on June 27, 2006. ... Hard Rock redirects here. ... The subject of this article may not satisfy the notability guideline or one of the following guidelines for inclusion on Wikipedia: Biographies, Books, Companies, Fiction, Music, Neologisms, Numbers, Web content, or several proposals for new guidelines. ...

As they grew on to be a mainstream rock band in several countries and played songs with intense vocals and often wore black clothes, they've also been said to be related to the emo music scene, but this has never been convincingly reasoned for. The band has commented on this issue, stating that this characterization is ridiculous and that they are far away from the typical emo scene.^[24]

Members

• Benjamin Kowalewicz - vocals (1993 - present)
• Ian D'Sa - guitar, backing vocals (1993 - present)
• Jonathan Gallant - bass, backing vocals (1993 - present)
• Aaron Solowoniuk - drums (1993 - present)

Benjamin Ben Kowalewicz (IPA: ) is the lead singer of the Canadian rock group Billy Talent. ... Ian DSa, born October 30, 1975 in the United Kingdom, is the guitarist for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ... Jonathan Gallant, born on July 23, 1976, is the bassist of the Punk Rock group Billy Talent. ... Aaron Solowoniuk (pronounced Solo-von-yuk), born November 21, 1974, is the drummer for the Canadian band Billy Talent. ...

Awards

The Juno Awards are awards of achievement presented to Canadian musical artists and bands. ... Michelle Trachtenberg at the MuchMusic Video Awards preshow, 2004 The MuchMusic Video Awards (or the MMVAs, as they are also known) are annual awards presented by the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic to honour the years best music videos. ... The CASBY Awards are a Canadian award for independent and alternative music, presented annually by Toronto radio station CFNY. The name CASBY stands for Canadian Artists Selected By You. ... ECHO is a German music award granted every year by the Deutsche Phono-Akademie (an association of recording companies). ...

Selected discography

Main article: Billy Talent discography

Date of release	Title	Record label	US Billboard Peak	Notes
1998	Watoosh!	(independent release)	N/A	Released under the name Pezz.
September 16, 2003	Billy Talent	Warner Music Canada/Atlantic Records	194	3x Platinum (Canada)
June 27, 2006	Billy Talent II	Warner Music Canada/Atlantic Records	134	2x Platinum (Canada), Platinum (Germany)

This is the discography of Canadian rock band Billy Talent. ... Watoosh! is the debut album released in 1998 from the Canadian band formerly known as Pezz, now known as Billy Talent. ... Billy Talent is the second full-length album of Canadian band Billy Talent, after their first, Watoosh!, was released under their old name of Pezz in 1998. ... Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ... Billy Talent II is the second album by the Canadian band Billy Talent, released on June 27, 2006. ... Warner Music Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records and is owned by Edgar Bronfman, Jr. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ...

References

MuchMusic (often referred to only as Much) is a Canadian English language cable television specialty channel owned by CTV Limited; a division of CTVglobemedia dedicated to music, music-related programs and youth culture. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Canadian Recording Industry Association is a non-profit trade organization that was founded in 1964 to represent the interests of American companies that create, manufacture and market sound recordings in Canada. ... is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... CFNY is a radio station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ... is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Toronto Sun is an English language daily newspaper published in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ... is the 174th day of the year (175th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 76th day of the year (77th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Ottawa Sun is a conservative daily tabloid newspaper in Ottawa, Ontario. ... is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... All Media Guide (commonly known as AMG), is the company which owns and maintains All Music Guide, All Game Guide and All Movie Guide. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Jam! is a Canadian website, which covers entertainment news. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 160th day of the year (161st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) is the organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. ... is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 249th day of the year (250th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 250th day of the year (251st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... The Toronto Sun is an English language daily newspaper published in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 190th day of the year (191st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 297th day of the year (298th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 301st day of the year (302nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Norsk Rikskringkasting (NRK) - the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation - is the Norwegian state-owned radio and television public broadcasting company. ... Atlantic Records (Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American record label, and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group. ...

External links

• Official site
• Billy Talent at MySpace