Stabilo, consisting of vocalist-guitarists Jesse Dryfout and Chris Moerman, Karl Williaume on bass and Nathan Wylie on drums, first garnered industry attention when their independently released album spawned a surprise radio hit, Everybody.
The song was nominated for a 2003 Canadian Radio Music Award, with Stabilo the only independent band in the Best New Rock Group category.
Stabilo have been growing their fanbase and repertoire steadily since forming in Vancouver in 1999. Dryfout and Moerman, who share vocal duties as well as their unique electric-acoustic guitar counterpoint, have known each other since kindergarten. Wylie joined while all three were in high school, with Williaume later cementing the band as Stabilo Boss. Their blend of rock, folk and jazz has won fans across the country with harmonized vocals, beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Amongst those fans was Alex Grigg, an agent at SL Feldman & Associates who signed the band in 2002, booking their first cross-Canada tour. "I just know these guys have what it takes to be world class.," he says. Grigg brought the band to Sam Feldman's attention, who was instantly converted. "It's not often you hear such unique voices together. I was blown away," says Feldman, who co-manages Norah Jones and The Tragically Hip with partner Steve Macklam. Stabilo soon signed a co-management deal with Watchdog, the newly formed artist development division of Feldman & Associates. The band are currently managed by Brian Crowe and Jarrod Levitan at Watchdog, and are legally represented by Patrick Aldous.
Stabilo were approached by several labels, but preferred to wait for the right label and the right deal. "EMI truly believe in our artistic vision," says Dryfout, "and we look forward to working with Tim and his team." The band released 2 independent EP's and one self-titled album in 2001. They will be entering the studio shortly to begin work onwhat can only be a highly anticipated major label debut.
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