THE  SIDEWALKS

   The Sidewalks are a five piece group from Charlottetown who have defined ska their way by incorporating influences drawn from mainstream pop, a '90s upbringing, an affection for 80s metal and a well-spun collection of records from the 70s. They've fused these styles together and buttered them with tight, melodic brass to produce Skalternative Rock.

    Gigging started in June of 2008 and since then word has spread about their energetic live performance and stage antics. Dance offs and loads of cow bell are not uncommon at a Sidewalks show.

    They caught the attention of Sandbar Music in November 2008 and began working with the record label. The following February saw the boys jamming away on the ferry to Corner Brook, NFLD, for the 2009 East Coast Music Awards where they played the ECMA Discovery Stage and the Music PEI Rock Showcase without even having an album released. During this excursion their first single “Ready, Set, Go!” was released on the web and to FM radio. Back home after the ECMAs the band got to work on their first studio EP, "Better Late Than Never", containing seven high energy tracks including a re-mixed version of “Ready, Set, Go!” recorded at Big Grey Sound Studio (ECMA 2009 Recording Studio of the Year nominee) with Jon Matthews at the controls (ECMA 2009 Studio Engineer of the Year nominee).

    Songs like 'S.O.S. From the Burlesque' 'Guess What?' and the remixed 'Ready, Set, Go!' are the quintessential ska songs found on any ska lover's mix tape—catchy hooks, steady grooves, and memorable horn lines make up these fast paced tunes—while 'A Better Way' and 'Down Too Fast' show the band's ability to incorporate sonic elements unheard of from any self-described ska band. 'On Empty' is a testament to the heartbroken in need of a pick-me-up and the title track, 'Better Late Than Never', manages to take themes of regret and still turn it into a pumping kitchen party.  That EP is now available at fine stores locally and on the web on iTunes, eMusic, and Sandbar Music's official website.

    The Sidewalks have shared the stage with FRED, The Artist Life, The Brains, Attack In Black, You Say Party! We Say Die! and God Made Me Funky. They were also selected to play the 2009 Canada Games VIP Party and the 2009 IWK Telethon.