There is nothing standard about Stirling. How could there be with a band that includes a drummer who wanted to be Buddy Rich and a lead guitar player who bought every recording the Jesus and Mary Chain ever made. After finally making good on their drunken promises, Stirling was formed in Edmonton by the aforementioned lead guitarist Josh Dallmann and vocalist/guitarist/piano player Matt Booi during the long, cold winter of 2000. Taking their cue from such influences as the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Verve, the Beatles and David Bowie, they convened in a number of basements, rehearsal spaces, bars and legion halls to throw around musical ideas, expound conspiracy theories and share the odd drink. The band began to develop a sound that was distinctly at odds with the alt-country and punk rock that dominated the local music scene. Gigs were booked, shows were played. Members joined, members left. Along the way, two EPs, The View From Here and The Idea and The Deed, were recorded with mad genius Ian Martin at the Twilight Living Room.

Despite positive reviews and a loyal following, Dallmann and Booi concluded that the time had come to leave Edmonton and to head for Toronto in November of 2002. Goodbyes were made and a rhythm section was left behind. Fortunately, just after their arrival, they ran into UK born drummer and Buddy Rich aficionado Michael Broadley. The product of jazz musician grandparents and his father’s huge vinyl collection, Broadley brought a new sense of dynamics to the band with his ability to hit the drums very, very hard. Stirling continued to hone its epic, swirling sound built on Booi’s powerful, expressive voice and Dallmann’s reverb and delay enhanced sonic adventurousness. A showcase in mid-2003 brought them to the attention of popguru founder Graham Stairs who was impressed enough to sign the band to a management agreement. The last piece of the puzzle finally fell into place in the fall of 2003 when they enlisted the services of bassist and sole Ontarian Jeremy Gontier. Stirling is currently in the midst of recording their debut album at Phantom Studios in Toronto.

Press Quotes:

“If the guys from Stirling lived in Britain, they’d be on the cover of every music magazine and hailed as the new saviours of rock.” Edmonton Journal

“Booi delivers literate, feeling lyrics against the counterpoint of Dallmann’s textured guitars. Stirling does what all good music aspires to do: provide listeners with a place to hide, offer them comfort and reinforce their spirit.” Vue Weekly