biographical info
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)
lineup
Neil Osborne
Dave Genn
Matt Johnson
Brad Merritt