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Contrived

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For a definition of the term "contrived", see the Wiktionary entry contrived.
Contrived
OriginHalifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
GenresRock, alternative
Years active2000–2010
LabelsDependent
Hand Drawn Dracula
MembersMike Bigelow
Loel Campbell
Mike MacNeill
Tim D'Eon
Jon Samuel
Websitewww.myspace.com/contrived

Contrived was a Canadian indie rock band, active in the 2000s.[1] Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Montreal, Quebec, the band consisted of Mike Bigelow, Loel Campbell, Mike MacNeill, Tim D'Eon and Jon Samuel.[2] Four of the five members are also in the band Wintersleep, and two are in Holy Fuck.[2]

They released two full-length albums and one EP on Dependent Music[1] before signing to Hand Drawn Dracula,[3] which released their third and final album in 2008.[1]

History

Contrived was formed in June 2000 by McNeil, Campbell and Bigelow while they were high school students in Stellarton.[4] Although Wintersleep achieved national fame first, Contrived in fact existed earlier and Wintersleep was originally a side project in collaboration with Paul Murphy of the band Kary.[5] Campbell has stated in interviews that the band's name was a sarcastic riposte to the popularity of mainstream boy band pop at the time.[6]

They began performing in the Halifax area,[5] and in 2002 released an album, Pursuit of Plots, on the Dependent Music label.[7]

Contrived appeared in video for a television pilot in 2003, and became known locally for their highly energetic live shows; they released an EP in 2004.[4]

Their next album, Dead Air Verbatim, was recorded partly in London, Ontario, and produced by Andy Magoffin.[8] It included a second guitarist, Jon Samuel,[9] and was named as one of 2004's most anticipated releases by !earshot.[10] The album was supported by their first major national tour, on a bill that included both Contrived and Wintersleep as well as singer-songwriter Jill Barber.[11]

In 2008 the group released their final album, Blank, Blank, Blank.[12] The album pursued a less heavy rock sound than the band's previous work,[9][13] and was produced by David Newfeld of Broken Social Scene.[12]

By 2010, Wintersleep had been established as major national rock stars by the success of their breakthrough single "Weighty Ghost",[14] and Contrived were performing only occasionally.[9]

Contrived reunited in Stellarton in January 2018 to perform at a party celebrating the life of Campbell's late father. Over the following two years, Murphy and D'Eon moved back to Halifax, and Campbell also spent more time in the city, allowing for more collaborations as both Wintersleep and Contrived.[15]

Members

  • Mike Bigelow – bass
  • Loel Campbell – drums
  • Mike MacNeil – vocals, guitar
  • Tim D'Eon – keyboards, guitars
  • Jon Samuel – vocals, guitar

Discography

  • Pursuit of Plots (2002)
  • Starshine (2004, EP)
  • Dead Air Verbatim (2005)
  • Blank, Blank, Blank (2008)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Contrived draws a blank, blank, blank". The Coast, November 7, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Kate Harper, "Contrived Prep Third Album". Chart Attack, October 22, 2008.
  3. ^ Mike Doherty, "Able labels; Who would start a music imprint at a time like this? Only the passionate". National Post, January 31, 2009.
  4. ^ a b Jennifer Vardy, "Stellarton rockers launch new disc". New Glasgow Evening News, June 11, 2005.
  5. ^ a b Kevin Maimann, "Fans warming up to Wintersleep; Side project catches on for Nova Scotia friends". Edmonton Sun, February 15, 2008.
  6. ^ "Call & Response: Contrived". BlogTO, February 5, 2009.
  7. ^ Neil Haverty, "Contrived: Pursuit of Plots". Exclaim! December 01, 2002.
  8. ^ Sandy MacDonald, "Contrived's 'hexed' CD finally set for release". Halifax Daily News, June 9, 2005.
  9. ^ a b c Alison Lang, "Contrived’s comfort". The Coast, March 11, 2010.
  10. ^ "The Best, The Worst and the Rest". !earshot, December 2004.
  11. ^ Mike Devlin, "Dream streak for Wintersleep". Victoria Times-Colonist, March 30, 2006.
  12. ^ a b Ian Gormley, "Contrived: Blank, Blank, Blank". Exclaim!, January 26, 2009.
  13. ^ Lorraine Carpenter, "Contrived blank, blank, blank (Hand Drawn Dracula)". Montreal Mirror, December 4, 2008.
  14. ^ Mike Devlin, "Wintersleep won't hibernate in search of catchy chorus". Calgary Herald, November 16, 2010.
  15. ^ Cooke, Stephen (18 December 2019). "Nothing Contrived about band's revival: Rock Reunion". Chronicle-Herald. Halifax, Nova Scotia. p. A1. ProQuest 2328353433.
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