For immediate release: Monday, June 25th, 2001
EPISODE ENTERS CHOM ESPRIT 2001 BAND COMPETITION

Montreal, QC: EPISODE has entered songs 'Just Another Day' and 'True Addictions' for consideration in Budweiser's CHOM FM L'Esprit 2001 talent search. Deadline for entries is July 6th, at which point the field will be narrowed to 12 finalists. The 12 announced finalists will go on to play a series of live 'show-downs' at various clubs in and around Montreal during the month of July until 4 bands are left standing.

The winners of CHOM FM L'Esprit 2001 will receive a recording package adequate for four songs at the award winning Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This session will be produced by MOIST guitarist Mark Makoway and renowned producer/engineer Nick Blagona. (Deep Purple, Serial Joe, Limblifter, Tea Party) The resulting EP, which will be manufactured by American Pro Digital (500 copies in total), will receive promotional support and radio servicing through Aquarius Records and advertising support in the Canadian Music Network.
The winning band will also receive $4,000 in Peavey Electronics equipment from Steve's Music Store and a prime showcase at NXNE 2002 in Toronto - the Canadian music industry's prime trade event for showcasing new talent.

For more info contact EPISODE at (514) 817-2817 or email:

episodemusic@hotmail.com

EXCERPT FROM 'THE CHRONICLE':

BAND DREAMS OF MAKING IT BIG
By Sarah Evans

Friends first. Words to live by, according to the West Island-based band Episode.

The local contemporary rock group, comprised of five long-time friends in their late 20s, has a philosophy for success.

Episode has been together writing and performing for the last six years and members are extremely excited about recording their debut album. They said they could not have done it without each other.

"The beauty of our band is our friendship," said 29-year-old bass player Pierre L'Ecuyer. "That is where the energy of the music comes from."

With successful Montreal-area bands like Rubberman, amongst other fierce competitors, Episode wanted an original sound. "It is very hard in this city to make it as a band," claimed L'Ecuyer. "CHOM L'Esprit battle of the bands is coming up and we hope our participation in this will allow us to break through."

The tracks on their album are fairly versatile and diverse, enabling listeners to appreciate the different influences incorporated into Episode's music. Lead vocalist Dave Longlade, 27, stressed that their songs are developed purely from personal inspirations.

"My participation in Becket Players' Cabaret has become a real asset to me and the band," said Longlade, who once sat on the production committee for the musical. "My dad started cabaret 27 years ago and I guess he took me under his wing."

Drummer J.J. Arpin, 26, and guitarist Stefan Schreiber, 27, also took part in the cabaret for a couple of years.

The band is very grateful for the support of their parents when it comes to their musical careers.

"We would rehearse in J.J.'s basement when we first got together," recalled Longlade. "We would give his mom money so she'd go out for dinner."

Lead guitarist Chris Sapienza, 25, inspired by his dad, also a guitarist, is claimed to be the most open-minded by his band mates. "He is able to compile all sorts of different styles of music," said L'Ecuyer.

From ballads to pop music, Episode is multitalented and musically diverse. "We know we are giving a performance when we are on stage," said L'Ecuyer, who used to attend law school at the Université de Montréal. "We like to jump around when we perform and take the audience by surprise. When we do covers we like to add our own twist, Episode style."

Episode's self-titled album, a name that symbolizes each chapter of the band's career, contains music that will suit everyone's taste and style, Longlade believes. "Our music has the ability to be played on any radio station," he said. "It all goes back to our influences."

L'Ecuyer and Longlade both envisage Episode's future career solely on a musical level.

"Instead of going out on Saturday night, we'll stay home and jam," said Longlade.

Episode will be playing at Pointe Claire's Club Rock Quest sometime in July and will compete in the CHOM L'Esprit battle of the bands.

The Chronicle, Wednesday, June 13th, 2001.