Buzz about Stereos

Stereos, one of the hottest pop-rock bands in Canada, wants to do it all. But sometimes there’s not enough hours in the day to cram it all in — concerts, autograph signings, video shoots, publicity interviews, rehearsals, new recordings and writing new songs.

In the past week, the Edmonton-bred, Toronto-based fivesome are in full-throttle mode packing their tour bus. Tomorrow they hit the road for the western leg of a Canadian tour with stops in Saskatoon and Calgary, and the Edmonton Event Centre on Thursday, April 7.

The Juno-nominated band kept the industry buzzing with the release of the second full-length album, Uncontrollable, in December 2010. The 10-track recording has a decided electronic dance club vibe, a slight departure from their original pop-rock-funk-reggae sound.

To give the CD a distinct electronic feel, the band also features L.A. rap newcomer Colette Carr, known for her hit Back It Up on Take U Home and up-and-coming Toronto rapper Reema Major on Feel It.

But the musical shift hasn’t diminished their fan-base or popularity, says lead singer Pat Kordyback, a Bellerose high graduate. In fact, Uncontrollable peaked at No. 6 on the Canadian pop charts.

“I’d say we’re in the top five of our genre in Canada. We’re always doing something different, and we tend to polarize our fan base. We’re a lot like Nickelback. You either love ‘em or hate ‘em,” adds Kordyback.

The band’s Facebook page has a following that’s surpassed 321,000 ‘likes’ and they have 28,000 followers on Twitter. Kordyback matter-of-factly states he personally has another 13,000 Twitter fans. “It’s the quickest way to promote our band and keep in touch with the fans. I try to respond to as many fans as possible and it’s as good as any other media.”

As any band with a strong tide of support, they have attracted detractors who have created a Stereos Suck Facebook page. “We’re most thankful we’re a band that is being talked about and this just raises our profile.”

No matter what, Stereos just keeps on truckin’. This week they’re releasing the video to the catchy single Body Moves, planned to coincide with the upcoming tour.

“It’s the first time there’s a choreographed dance with professional dancers. It is so out of left field and I couldn’t be happier. But I don’t want to give away too much.” You can almost see Kordyback grinning over the phone.

The upcoming all-ages concert gears up a few notches on the fun barometer. “In the past we focused so much on trying to sound good. This time, we’re trying to make the concert entertaining.”

Opening is Neverest, a hot pop band managed by Howie Dorough from the Backstreet Boys and electronic synth-driven singer/songwriter Eric Solomon.