The MuchMusic original series “Disband” kicks off Season 2 on November 17th. The show offers Canadian band hopefuls the opportunity to gain national as well as industry exposure. There were more than 2000 applicants this year, and the final 13 will appear on “Disband” as they’re put through a week-long boot camp and perform in front of a panel of judges. This season, Greig Nori (“The Guru”) and MuchMusic VJ Sarah Taylor will be guiding the bands through the boot camp and performing process.
Last year, the bands Stereos and Dean Lickyer gained invaluable publicity because, following the end of the show, both of them received major record deals. Stereos had a debut single that went double platinum, and they opened for Katy Perry as well as played the Virgin Festival. When they recently visited MuchMusic for a live appearance, they were met by thousands of fans. “It’s a little like home,” says bass player Dan Johnson of Much in a recent interview with “The Vancouver Sun.” “When we first moved here, we were here, like, all the time. But those fans, I’ve got to say, are the most amazing, because they’ll do anything. They’ll skip school to come to this, they bring us gifts.” Dean Lickyer of Season 1 has also received kudos (and some financial backing) from icon Gene Simmons of KISS since the show aired.
On this season of “Disband,” the judges include Mark Spicoluk, a well-respected producer and member of the band Closet Monster, Colin Lewis, a senior agent at the talent firm The Agency Group, and guest judge and Canadian rapper JDiggz.
The top three finalists of this year’s program will earn a spot on the disBAND Spring Tour, which will hit major cities across the country next year.
