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Biography: Who is Streetnix?
One of today's most innovative vocal bands, Streetnix, the four-member a cappella band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has worked within the parameters of a cappella music to create the sounds of a full band using only their voices. Their third album, Ignition, released in 1998, was recognized by the international Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards as "Pop/Rock Album of the Year".Formed in the fall of 1991 by six students from the University of Saskatchewan, Streetnix spent its early days performing mostly traditional a cappella standards at conventions, banquets and coffeehouses. Soon, Streetnix transformed into a five-piece band that expanded its performance venues to include public schools and community shows. In the summer of 1993, Streetnix recorded its first CD, Listen, with producer Don Schmid, drummer for The Northern Pikes. To date, Listen has sold more than 15,000 copies, making Streetnix one of Saskatchewan's top-selling independent bands.
In 1994, Streetnix began touring full-time, embarking on a successful tour of fringe festivals, public concerts and exhibitions from Ottawa to Vancouver. After a fall and winter tour of more than 200 performances in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Streetnix evolved into its current four-member format.
In late 1995, Streetnix released their second CD, Time Permitting, of which over 10,000 copies have been sold. This album included a few more original songs and more interesting arrangements as the band began to explore the more creative realms outside of traditional a cappella. That spring, a successful showcase at Pacific Contact in Vancouver resulted in a tour of over 200 shows for 1996/97 in British Columbia. This vast performing opportunity allowed Streetnix to develop their live show into a truly amazing experience. Again, more daring arrangements evolved, including contemporary rock songs performed with only four voices, but carrying the impact and full sound of a live band.
In the summer of 1997, Streetnix created an album that has become a landmark a cappella recording. Original songs were scored, and two professional producers, Darryl Neudorf and Dave Mockford, joined the production team. In late 1997 Ignition was released, generating a wave of enthusiasm from the public and the media. Ignition has since received air play on college and commercial radio stations across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Founding members Aaron Genest, BJ Harris, Tony Hughes and newest member Corey Slutsky are currently expanding their performance repertoire and are touring the release of their newest album, "Real". Using only their voices, they have incorporated the studio techniques and sounds created during the recording of Ignition, into an exciting full-length live performance. The new show, featuring songs from Ignition, began in the fall of 1998 and has furthered the reputation of Streetnix as a group to watch in Canada.
Streetnix has performed alongside such artists as Lawrence Gowan, Ashley MacIsaac, Susan Aglukark, Lisa Brokop, John McDermott, Bob McGrath, Charlie Major, Chris Cummings, Prairie Oyster, Connie Kaldor, Farmer's Daughter, and Jason McCoy, and has opened for Spirit of the West, Roger Hodgeson, Lee Greenwood, and The Band.
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