artist 54-40

5440 are one of the most important popular music groups to emerge from the Canadian cultural landscape. With more than 2 decades of performing and recording behind them, the band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs. Lead by chief songwriter Neil Osborne, 5440 have carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and a outstanding reputation for their live performances that carries through to this day. Over 25 years, 2000 performances, and 16 releases the secret to 5440's longevity is their ability to redefine and reinvent themselves, taking long time 5440 fans on a ride that is bound to pick up new young fans on the way. To experience 5440 in concert is to experience how songs have touched and continue to touch people's lives. From people who have followed the band from their humble beginnings in east Vancouver to new young fans that have discovered the truly original band that is 5440, a 5440 concert is an extraordinary affair that bridges the gaps of generations through a shared love of music.

"I simply can't find the right words to describe 54.40, one of the most respected Canadian bands ever. Can one possibly gauge the accomplishments they have attained during their two-decade-long journey in one sentence? The answer in my mind is no," Scene Magazine.

In its original trio form, 54.40 played its first gig on New Year's Eve 1981 at the 'Smilin' Buddha Cabaret' in Vancouver. After recording a couple of independent releases and reconfiguring the band as a foursome, they signed with Warner Brothers in the US and released four albums. Then in 1991, 54.40 found a new home on Columbia Records at Sony Music Canada.

Since then, the band has toured throughout the world, released 9 more albums, received numerous awards and has achieved almost a dozen Top-10 hit singles. Along with their incredible songwriting ability, 54.40 expanded their horizons by opening their own studio, racking up producing and mixing credits. Neil Osborne produced Juno nominated Jets Overhead and Winnipeg singer songwriter Cara Luft, while guitarist Dave Genn produced up and coming rock bands Marianas Trench, Arm Chair Cynics and is a co-songwriter for the chart topping Hedley.

In 2005, the band appropriately signed a recording agreement with True North Records, one of Canada's longest standing independent labels. Since hooking up with True North, the band released the acclaimed "Yes To Everything" album and followed it with a live DVD titled "This Is Here This Is Now. The latter recorded at the magnificent Commodore Ballroom during their traditional annual October appearance at the Vancouver landmark.

Throughout their journey, 54.40 remains creative and fresh, growing musically and lyrically with each project. "A band has to evolve with its audience to keep their interest," stated Brad Merritt. "We make records based on where we're at, at that time. So it's kind of like a time capsule."

When asked about their track record Matt Johnson once commented, "one thing we hear consistently is 'I didn't know you guys had so many hits,' but we just consider ourselves songwriters. We enjoy the craft and whether we're trying to write an eight-minute epic or just a three-minute pop song, it's very enjoyable for us and we're not afraid to do either." (London Free Press)

Neil Osborne
Dave Genn
Matt Johnson
Brad Merritt