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After the Lounge is showing there is really life after the lounge -- in the confines of a studio.
Following five years touring nonstop, the London-based band, headed by Simcoe native Scott Bollert, finally hunkered down to create its first full-length album. However, its finished product Lights Go Out thrives on the band's energetic presence honed on the stage over the years.
"If I would have stopped and looked around, I would have realized we played too much," admitted Bollert, who added the band would play up to 100 shows each year.
While the eight-song disc only required three days to record, After the Lounge spent months rehearsing for the album. What rose from those months of toil is a danceable album produced by Darren Morrison, of London's Big Room Studios.
"He took everything we did in the past and he made them epic," Bollert said.
The band also tapped into the expertise of Hollywood-based sound engineer Stephen Marsh. He has mastered tracks for the likes of Barenaked Ladies, Incubus and Korn.
The art of mastering is vital in the digital age, he added. That's why the band took its time in committing to a producer and sound engineer. It wanted to create a record with quality sound.
"The mastering process is a big part of it," Bollert said.
With its first full-length album under its collective belt, the eight-year- old band has an ambitious slate of further recording sessions lined up. It plans to release a live album featuring a hodgepodge of recordings from various concerts. It will also return to the studio to work on a new album in February 2011.
"Now it's time to make up for lost time," Bollert added.After the Lounge will also return to the road. It is organizing the Band of Brothers tour, a throwback style of touring where independent bands would hit the vast countryside together.
"Back in the days of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, they would get together and roll into town together," he said.
Its first stop will be at Port Dover's The Brig (Norfolk Tavern) on June 11. It will be joined by the Mudmen, fronted by the bag-piping Campbell brothers who created the new Hockey Night in Canada theme song.
"They're just a phenomenal band," Bollert added. "They're Canada's children of rock 'n roll."
The local band Lazy Hamma will also open the show, he added. He said it's always a treat for him to return home to see family and friends.
"Coming home is always a big deal," he said. "I love the area. I would live there if my career allowed me to."
Doors open at 9 p.m. for the Port Dover show. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Partial proceeds will benefit Norfolk's Relay for Life. Advanced tickets can be purchased at all Harry's locations and Erie Music.
Barbara Simpson 519-426-3528, ext. 112 bsimpson@bowesnet.com
This year's Ribfest may just be the biggest and best yet.
So says event chair Dave Johnson, who's hoping for record numbers at the 12th annual event, to be held July 23 to 26.
"It's probably one of the best lineups we've ever had," said Johnson, noting headliners include Jason Blaine and Rik Emmett.
"If this doesn't draw 'em in, I don't know what will."
This year's Ribfest -- the main fundraiser for the Sarnia Kinsmen Club -- will feature rib vendors competing for coveted titles, including the "People's Choice" award, and a lineup of more than a dozen acts.
The event will kick off Thursday, July 23 at noon.
Taking the stage that evening will be three local bands: Finding Core, After the Lounge and Hydrosmith.
On Friday, Chatham's Jade Lester -- who won Ribfest's Youth Talent Search in 2008 -- will perform with her new band.
"It's pretty neat that she's coming back," said Johnson. "I really like that."
Joining Lester for the Friday night lineup are London's Shelly Rastin, Sarnia's Scott Manery and the Barnburners, and headliner Jason Blaine -- a Canadian country singer from Pembroke, Ont. All three are familiar with Centennial Park, as former Bayfest performers, including Blaine, who opened for Tim McGraw last year.
"It's a huge lineup for country fans," said Johnson.
On Saturday, Painkiller Jane, Wild Domestic, and VanScott will open for headliner Rik Emmett -- former lead singer of the Canadian hard rock band, "Triumph."
"There's lots to do this year," said Johnson, noting the return of the "exotic critters" exhibit, Carter Shows, the Youth Talent Search, and "Fernandez the Hypnotist."
And of course, there's the ribs. "We're looking for eight vendors this year," he said. "And as always, admission is free, but donations are accepted at the gate."
Proceeds from Ribfest are used to assist more than 50 organizations, everything from the Sarnia Minor Athletic Association to the Humane Society.
The event, which relies on donations from the public, typically brings in $35,000 to $45,000 -- but the weather is always a huge factor.
"We pretty much got rained out last year," said Johnson, noting some disappointing numbers. "We really need to have everything go off without a hitch this year if we want this thing to continue."
thagan@theobserver.ca
After the Lounge, featuring Norfolk native Scott Bollert,
will be returning to the local area with a show this Friday night at the Norfolk
Tavern in Port Dover.
It will likely be the last time the band is in the area until next spring. The band has decided to focus less on the club scene in order to complete its album, Lights Go Out. With almost 70 shows last year and just under 100 this year, the group finds it difficult to be productive with writing and recording.
Band members plan to finish their song entitled, Lights Go Out, and start on the next EP for release in 2010.
ATL is currently recording with Big Room Studios producer, Darren Morrison who holds recording credits of Bill Durst as well as many other well known names. The tracks will then be sent to Los Angeles to be mastered by the legendary Stephen Marsh. Marsh is behind such names as Barenaked Ladies, Incubus and Korn.
The band is in negotiations with a handful of different labels for distribution.
Lights Go Out will headline the full length album followed by the band's regularly performed songs, Fever Coming On, University Girls and Before My Eyes. Lights Go Out is also part of an Indie Compilation, New Faces New Music Vol. 3 released last month in Las Vegas by Radio RNR. This will contribute to the American dates added to the Canadian Tour already planned for the new album.
Last month, the 2009 You Discover Concert Series chose ATL out of hundreds of bands to perform as part of the Top 28 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The group played for 1,000 fans on a massive stage alongside the falls and the fireworks. You Tube videos can be seen on the band's website at www.afterthelounge.com.
The boys of After The Lounge have also been recording video footage of antics, interviews and shows for a DVD entitled Road To The Top, due for release with the Lights Go Out album.
After The Lounge hits the stage at 10 p.m. on Friday night.
Simcoe Reformer
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An original tune, “Lights Go Out” by London pop/rock group After The Lounge has been chosen by Radio RNR from Las Vegas, Nevada for inclusion on their on New Music, New Faces Vol. 3, a compilation series of original music from unsigned and independent artists. The tune will also be the title tack of the group’s forthcoming album.
“Lights Go Out was written by me and our former guitar player Bryan Parsons. We wrote quite a few tunes together and many of them are finally see the light of day on the new album. Our sound is slightly heavier from our last album, Beauty, but will have that danceable pop/rock feel.” said lead vocalist Gregory Scott Bollert.
Formed in 2001, After The Lounge is comprised of Bollert, guitarist Christopher Eveland, bassist Jefferson Sheppard and drummer Carlos La Torre. While the bands anxious to release their new album, they’re thrilled that they will gain exposure through the New Music compilation.
“We are happy to have an immediate release of material as our album has taken longer than anticipated. ATL and Radio RNR did both agree that the single, Lights Go Out will perfect for the compilation. Radio RNR will distribute the CD online for digital downloads through CD Baby’s partners, including iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster, Rhapsody, Verizon V-Cast and GroupieTunes.
At the present time After The Lounge is negotiating with a number of major labels for distribution of their full-lenth album. Engineered and produced by Darren Morrison and master by Stephen March, the album is close to completion and should be ready for later this summer.
John Sharpe Scene Magazine London, Ontario July 2009
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You don't need a boat to get yourself to the annual Pottahawk Point party.
Thousands of boats launch from the north shore of Lake Erie every second Sunday in July for a party on the water. If you don't have a boat, don't worry -- just hitch a ride.
Josh Erskine and Matt Ward from the Hamilton area both missed their boat rides early yesterday morning and hitched a ride with Nathan and Donna Hutter from Simcoe.
"No, we've never done this before," Nathan Hutter said.
But dock hand Lewis Metcalfe, who works at MacDonald Turkey Point Marina, said he sees it all the time.
"You're not supposed to hitchhike out there but it happens," he said. "We kick them out. Earlier this morning, 13-year-old kids were offering $75 to get a ride out to Pottahawk."
But the more the merrier is most people's attitude when it comes to the annual party.
Boats lined the coast of the small island a few kilometres from Norfolk County's shoreline. Thousands launched from Turkey Point, Port Rowan, Long Point, St. Williams and Port Dover. They drop anchor two or three kilometres down the coast, three or four rows deep to sit, drink, dance, mingle and relax.
"It's great just to hang out with family and friends out on the water and under the sun," said Melissa Lancaster of Brantford.
Lancaster and her family stay away from all the hoopla that takes place behind the rows of boats in knee-deep water.
"Away from the crazies," said Jack Robillard.
It's true that behind the boats, just off the shore, is where the large amounts of "wobbly pops" are consumed, where girls take their tops off and move to the dance music. They also set off fireworks, hoot and holler and toss around the football. The band After the Lounge entertained from a barge.
And while most of it is all good-natured fun in the sun, sometimes it can lead to trouble. Norfolk OPP's marine patrol, along with the Canadian Coast Guard and OPP from across Southwestern Ontario were on hand to keep an eye on everyone.
"We don't want to stop Pottahawk party," said OPP Mark Foster. "We just want everyone to be safe."
With close calls of broken necks (jumping into shallow water), near boat collisions and a drowning at last year's event, Foster said sometimes people think it's a free for all.
"But it's not," he said. "There are some serious risks and we want to be sure people are being safe."
Lancaster and her friends are grateful for the increased police presence.
"It makes for a more enjoyable day and safe party," said Tracy Storr. "Even for those partiers who don't want police around, they don't realize that it's because of them that we go home after and not to the hospital."
Norfolk OPP marine patrol caught two impaired boat drivers Saturday night. They were on full alert Sunday. On land, Norfolk OPP had numerous ride programs going in and out of the lakeshore communities.
Like the bikers who flock to Port Dover on Friday the 13th, boaters will flood the waters of Lake Erie this weekend for this year's Pottahawk party.
The annual event sees more than 1,000 boats arrive with passengers to enjoy the sun, sand and music off the coast of Pottahawk Point.
"It's like Friday the 13th but for the marinas," said Larry Christiaen, president of Pottahawk Enterprises Inc., which organizes many of the festivities on the water. "There is so much business for the marinas along Erie's north shore this weekend. Being a tourism county, we have to keep this tradition going."
DJ Spin Doctor Rob Bollert and London rock/dance band After the Lounge will keep people groovin' on Sunday playing on barges at either end of the beach.
But the party really gets going Saturday night.
While many consider Turkey Point as the unofficial start to Pottahawk party, Christiaen has also brought the festivities to Port Dover after selling the family marina in Turkey Point.
After the Lounge, with local singer Scott Bollert, Boogie Band, Maxout (which includes former members of Max Webster and Mitch Ryder), and the Detroit Wheels are all lined up to play at Port Dover's Pier Saturday night.
"It's a bridge between the young and old," Christiaen said. "We've got After the Lounge for the youth and bringing some nostalgia is Maxout and Mitch Ryder."
The Pottahawk Party, which is a tradition that dates back more than 50 years, attracts boaters from across southern Ontario and American neighbours from Erie and New York State.
Brad Thomson, owner of MacDonald Turkey Point Marina, said overnight dockage is already booked up, as are many transient slips across Norfolk's lakefront.
And marinas won't be the only businesses to benefit from this weekend.
"Motels, campgrounds, eateries and restaurants will also be packed," Christiaen said. "This is great for everyone."
Norfolk OPP will be out in full force on the water, along with the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP and officers from other OPP detachments in southern Ontario.
Last year, a 48-year-old Stoney Creek man went missing from a boat that was headed back to a marina. His body was found two days later in the water near Port Rowan.
Christiaen is stressing that boaters have a fun and safe time.
"We can't stress enough to have a designated driver whether on the boat or when you get back on land," Christiaen said.
A shuttle boat from Port Dover Harbour Marina to Pottahawk Point is also available from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday.
| Scene Magazine 2006 | Toronto Exclusive Magazine Dec 2006 |
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Showcase THE BRANTFORD EXPOSITOR THURSDAY, MAY 5th, 2005
After The Lounge
After The Lounge plays Brando's Simcoe native Scott Bollert brings his London-based band, After the Lounge, into Brantford for a show at Brando’s on the Market on Friday night. Previously a jazz vocalist and dance instructor, Bollert brings those elements to the band’s music, which is also influenced by pop, rock and funk. The group recently released a four-track CD of original music and is working on a full-length album. In addition to the frontman, After the Lounge includes bassist Kerry Hayden, drummer, Jon Dias and guitarist Bryan Parsons. The show is at 10 p.m. at Brando’s 135 Market St.
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Simcoe Reformer, Friday February 11th, 2005 ENTERTAINMENT Simcoe-born artist leaves boy band past behind Tiffany Mayer Simcoe Reformer There was a time when Scott Bollert could have been mistaken as the doppel-ganger for N’Sync’s Lance Bass – not a stretch considering Bollert was once in a tribute group devoted to the much-hyped boy band. These days, the Simcoe-born Bollert has left his sugar pop, bleach blond past behind in pursuit of paying tribute to his own musical talents. And they culminate on a four-track CD single of original music entitled Desperation that he’s released with his band, After the Lounge. Bollert was given every indication he and his band mates were on to something when the jazz vocalist was asked for the first time to autograph a copy of the disc after a recent performance. I was like, “No I should be asking you for an autograph,” Bollert recalled. “There’s a big difference between being someone else and being yourself and when you’re being recognized for being yourself, that’s great.” The single is also a sneak peak of the full-length disc Bollert and crew will be releasing in April. Most of the music that can be heard was written by Bollert over the past seven years, including a duet with London country artist Shelly Rastin. The songs include jazz, pop, rock, funk and dance elements. If he has to draw comparisons, the mixed bag of music has elements off the Dave Matthew Band and even the Tragically Hip. But that doesn’t mean After the Lounge is gearing up to become another tribute band. In fact, it’s their sound that sets them apart from all others, Bollert noted. “When I’m saying jazz vocal and funk, dance and rock hand, that’s the sound we discovered,” he said. “We all kind of got together and made the sound what it was.” And that’s a sound Bollert is more than happy to have discovered because it was exactly what he wanted. “Every time I’d do a single or demo or try to write a song, everyone pushes me back into dance jazz and jazz,” Bollert explained. The sound I have with After the Lounge is the sound I want. It’s the key that I want. It’s the emotion that I want. Desperation
is available at CD Plus in Simcoe.
For more information, log on to www.afterthelounge.com
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Scene Magazine, January 6th/2005 *NOTE* The following article "Lounging Around" states incorrectly the writers of After The Lounge's, Desperation. The song was actually written by Parsons and Bollert. Scene Magazine actually mistaken the song with another song called "Love On The Run", to which Gregory Scott Bollert has recorded as a solo artist. Also, Rastin will appear Thursday January 13th at the Salt Lounge with the band as part of the Debut Single Release Party. Lounging Around After The Lounge is a London-based pop band comprised of vocalist Gregory Scott Bollert, bass player Kerry Hayden, drummer Jon Dias and guitarist Bryan Parsons. Recently, Bollert learned of a song written by London country singer Shelly Rastin and Canadian rock icon Randy Bachman entitled Desperation. Scott felt the tune suited the band so with the help of producer Glen Teeple from The Music Room, After the Lounge recorded it, along with the tracks Pornstar, Stay Right Here and acoustic version of Reaching (Living For My Son). The band, with Shelly Rastin as a guest vocalist, will debut the single at a special release party on Thursday, January 13 at the Salt Lounge (183 King St.). The group will also perform sans Rastin on Saturday, January 15 at The Last Drop (511 Talbot St.).
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TIMES-REFORMER, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2004
Arts & Entertainment After the Lounge gets cozy in Simcoe Scott Bollert is using his home town as a promotional launch pad for a new single next month, as well as and informal southern tour of Ontario in the new year. Bollert of Simcoe is bringing is London-based band After The Lounge home for a weekend gig at Spanky’s on Oct. 22-23. After a solo career as a jazz vocalist, Bollert has found a niche with bassist Kerry Hayden, drummer Jon Dias and guitarist Bryan Parsons performing a fun, dance rock sound. "And there is still my jazz vocals," he said in a telephone interview last week from London. Bollert’s entertainment career began with dancing in clubs as a teenager. After moving to London in 1998, he began teaching ballroom dancing and got into swing dancing. "The swing invasion took me," he said. "Everyday, everything was swing." He and a partner would dance at shows and "never has anything been so cool." Bollert also ventured into vocals, singing classic jazz and four years ago formed his first band. After playing mostly tributes, a collaboration with Parsons marked a turning point in his career. "Bryan is the most passionate and devoted songwriter ever," he said. "He and I have clicked with our writings right from the start." But it was a meeting with London area country artist Shelly Rastin which may prove to be a breath for him. Rastin co-wrote a song with Canadian rock icon Randy Bachman and Bollert received the go-ahead to record it himself. "Its been sitting in the vault (since 2002), but I’ve just taken it to a new producer," he said. Bollert credited Bachman for promoting young Canadian artists like himself. "It’s a nice name to have behind you," he said. Bollert has since written and recorded several songs, including a duet with Rastin about the birth of his son in 2002. After The Lounge features original music and their distinctive covers of sings by major artists, such as Neil Young. "We play covers, but we funk it up," he said. He’s also looking forward to performing with his girlfriend, London model Marie Sauer, who will perform with the band in Simcoe. |
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