If you’ve missed the last few months, you probably have some questions. Coming to stages near you this summer as part of the 5.1 Surround Sound Tour… Addi, Alex, Avary, Grace and Nick… ultrasonik!

With the departure of Louis in September, Leave Those Kids Alone migrated as a trio to ultrasonik, the band name that we released our original music under. In the weeks after the trio’s final booking in October, Luca informed us that he would be leaving the band. His decision was personal and accordingly, his reasons shall remain so. Louis and Luca’s personal decision to leave the band comes with no angst or animosity. What a great run we had! Both are focused on post-secondary education, and for them, the time was right to step away.

When the band suddenly consisted of just Alex and Addi, it was certainly unexpected and we had a choice to make — we could revel in all that we accomplished and call it quits…, or we could dream it all up again.

For Alex and Addi, the choice was theirs and their answer was immediate. They want to play. And if you want the long story, keep reading. 🙂

Now, don’t think the idea of forming a new lineup wasn’t a terrifying proposition. After all, where would these new musicians come from? Sending out some early feelers led to some early no-shows and concern was definitely sparked… But then, as they have for us so often… the stars aligned.

Nick, Avary and Grace were immediately the perfect fit. None left their audition without being offered the role.

We’ve known of Grace for several years. Our first meeting would have been at a Leave Those Kids Alone performance at a Windsor Express basketball game. She’s a performer and since “all the world’s a stage” as some English guy said… she decided to take up well, everything. In addition to the Dance/Cheer team, she has performed on high school and local theatre stages and probably so much more than we’ve even come to know yet! But what has always caught our eye was this girl who grabbed her acoustic and performed solo. Cafes, pubs, bars, her school… Especially for kid musicians, it’s safe to say that they lean on the collective strength of several members to find the courage to perform. So, to watch Grace perform solo with just her voice and acoustic guitar or keyboard…that earns instant respect. And while we’d seen and heard clips of her performing, internet video did not prepare us for what she delivered when she auditioned. You ever smile so hard that you can’t help but laugh from the overwhelming joy? Michelle (my lovely spouse and Alex and Addi’s Mom) came down to interrupt the audition because the sound coming from the basement gave her goosebumps. Quite simply, Grace was amazing and at that moment, apprehension turned to excitement. You’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg from this 18-year-old who attends Cardinal Carter Secondary.

Alex’s music professor was quick to help with a list of suggested players. Within minutes of sending an email, Nick replied. When a Facebook group inquiry also suggested Nick, we knew he was likely to have the goods… and he did! A classically trained pianist who it turns out is also a classically trained guitarist! He’s as known within the Royal Conservatory’s halls and he’s made himself known in Windsor’s theatre and indie-rock scene. Reading this, he is likely shuddering with humility as I’ve unearthed these accomplishments as opposed to him proclaiming them, but he deserves the praise! Nick and Alex share a music class together and Alex was quick to spot Nick’s musical intelligence. Watching these powerhouses collaborate on guitar has been awesome and upcoming videos will soon demonstrate all that the 19-year-old Walkerville Collegiate graduate is capable of.

After his audition, Nick provided yet another wonderful contribution to the band… the name of a bass player he knew: Avary.

We’re still so busy and newly-formed that I haven’t even had time to ask Avary what she thought when a message landed in her Instagram inbox asking if she’d like to try out for a band. She obviously did and we were lucky to have her and her guitar-playing dad (Lee of Windsor’s very own J# Major) down for an audition. And good thing! Flying went late and Alex was at 2,000 feet while we jammed the first few songs, but Lee can shred!

Avary quickly demonstrated that she too was up to the task with an awesome bass tone and groove. She has locked in with Addi as both the rhythm section and as friends. 19-year-old Avary is also a Walkerville Collegiate graduate with extensive theatre background, though she’s very excited about now performing upfront and onstage vs. the pit. She’s jumped in with J# Major from time to time, and I can tell you first-hand that there’s an osmosis of experience and knowledge that comes from being the family member of someone who plays in a band. She plays with the quiet confidence of someone who has done it forever and she’s tackled everything thrown her way (while also managing a very busy schedule) without issue. She’s also a great singer and Alex and Addi look forward to sharing harmony duties with her.

Addi (who once proclaimed she would be the only girl in the band!) couldn’t be happier to have not just another, but two others! And can you believe all 3 picked “Working For The Weekend” from our songlist as an audition song?!? Is that Canadian folklore or what? We’re gonna be working for many, MANY weekends this spring/summer with a refreshed songlist and I can’t wait.

And with that, Addi and Alex welcome Avary, Grace and Nick. We know you’ll welcome and support them too.

J.P.
Manager, ultrasonik