Everyone talks about the sophomore curse. However, for twenty something singer/songwriter Kris Ward he has encountered that sophomore curse on more than one occasion. With enough drive and perseverance Ward will break that curse in early 2009 with the release of Hands to the Sky, a new five song EP and a follow-up to (2005’s) Why is Everybody, Anybody?
Ward got his start in music at the age of sixteen when, after purchasing his first guitar, he put together his first band REVOLVER. Revolver would go on to write and perform for close to five years releasing just one album. On the cusp of releasing album number two the band would break up and leave this Ottawa Ontario native looking for a new musical home.
THE WELLWISHERS were formed in early 2002, and within months were playing gigs and in the studio recording their debut EP. The three song EP entitled Too Far Away would be released with moderate success, earning the band some notable opening slots as well as some light radio play. However, once again in late 2003, while trying to put the pieces together for a new recording the band would break up. This time however, Ward decided to go the route or a solo artist taking the reigns of command on his own.
Ward spent the better part of the next two years working with different musicians and writing songs that were to be included on his first album. In May of 2005 Why is Everybody, Anybody? was released and did considerably well. The success of this album was noticeable from heavier radio play, opening slots for bands like The Caesars (Astralwerks), Marble Index (Universal) and Peter Elkas (Maplemusic). It also saw heavier touring in both Canada and the United States with shows ranging from New York City to Halifax and everywhere in between.
Now, in 2008 Ward, who now also fronts the band THE REBEL YEAR, will finally get to do something he has yet to do, put out a follow-up record. With a release date of early 2009, Hands to the Sky, will feature five brand new songs and is slated to be recorded at one of Ottawa’s premiere studio’s Gallery Recordings, enlisting the help of up and coming indie producer Dean Watson at the helm. Finally, Ward will be able to say that this is one curse he was able to overcome.
For more info:
www.krisward.com
www.therebelyear.com
