The Rebel Year

The Rebel Year is a five-piece rock and roll band from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Formed in the summer of 2007 the band has released two EP's, Pins, Needles and Lights (2008) and The Rebel Year (2009). The band has shared the stage with acts such as The Stills (Arts & Crafts), Secret Machines (TSM Records) and Arkells (Dine Alone Records).

Formation

The Rebel Year was formed in the summer of 2007 when vocalist and guitarist Kris Ward returned home from Montreal. Ward had been performing as a solo artist for the previous three years and had decided that it was time to form a new group. Some phone calls were made and the initial lineup was formed featuring Jon Ward (no relation) on bass, Max Figueredo on drums, Dan Seguin on guitars and keyboard and Blair Hogan on guitars. Hogan would leave the group prior to their debut performance and was replaced by Dave Farquharson.

Pins, Needles and Lights

After some successful performances in and around central Canada the band entered Little Bullhorn Studios in Ottawa and teamed up with veteran indie producer Dave Draves (Kathleen Edwards, Jim Bryson). The end result was a four-track EP called Pins, Needles and Lights. The title track and debut single earned the band some radio play throughout North America reaching radio stations from Montreal to Waco, Texas.

Lineup changes

Shortly after the release of their EP, drummer Max Figueredo amicably left the group to focus on family life and was replaced by Alex Seguin. Later on that summer guitarist Dave Farquharson left the group and was replaced by Alex's brother Sam Seguin on guitar.

After some sold-out performances in their hometown the band secured a show with The Stills followed by one with the Secret Machines and others before returning to the studio to record the new tracks with the new members.

The Rebel Year EP

In November of 2008 the band began work with Dean Watson at Gallery Recordings in Ottawa. In March of 2009 the band officially launched their new five-song self-titled record with a free download via their website. The leadoff single "Amielia," is currently spinning on radio stations across Canada and the United States.

The band is currently touring in support of their new record with shows scheduled throughout 2009 including a slot performing at the Bluesfest music festival in Ottawa, Canada.

Current members

Kris Ward – vocals, guitars, keyboards
Dan Seguin – guitars, keyboards
Jon Ward – bass, vocals
Alex Seguin – drums
Sam Seguin – guitars

Discography

Pins, Needles and Lights (2008)
1. Union Station
2. Pins, Needles and Lights
3. Midnight Poker
4. Indifferent Cities

The Rebel Year (2009)
1. Amielia
2. Waving White Flags
3. Games for Strangers
4. Telephone Poles
5. Our Greatest Ending