Stereos

Not many bands get to live the life of rock celebrities — full houses, screaming fans, video shoots, media interviews, autograph sessions and access to a tour bus with 12 bunks and a lounge.

But for Stereos, the Canadian pop-rock band that came out top dog on DisBand, the hyped MuchMusic talent show, their 30-city, coast-to-coast tour is a dream come true. Tomorrow night the fivesome performs at the Edmonton Event Centre, formerly Red’s at West Edmonton Mall.

“It’s been insane,” says St. Albert son and lead vocalist Pat Kordyback. “We’re sold out almost every night. It was what we’ve always dreamed about.”

But celebrity is a double-sided coin. Along with the fame is loss of privacy. Just the other day the band composed of Robb Chalifoux (guitar), Daniel Johnson (bass), Miles Holmwood (guitar/keyboard) and Aaron Verdonk (drums), stepped out for food and were instantly recognized.

It’s a daily occurrence. Servers in restaurants fight over who will serve them and boyfriends at parties get jealous when girlfriends stop and talk too long with the band.

“It’s uncomfortable in some ways because it’s different. When it’s 9 a.m. and I’ve just woken up and a photographer steps out in front of the bus, it’s weird. But at the end of the day we would never complain.”

The band’s eventual win on DisBand earned them a contract with Universal Music Canada. Their first single Summer Girl hit double platinum, selling over 80,000 and Throw Ya Hands Up went single platinum.

“I want to give credit where credit is due. The TV program bought us instant recognition. Once given the attention, we started writing infectious, catchy and identifiable tunes.”

Since the band went on tour Nov. 7 promoting their first self-titled album, they haven’t had a day off. And it’s been tough composing fresh songs on the bus shared by The Midway State, a four-piece known for their blend of rock, piano and soulful vocals. But there’s always the cellphone voice recorder for bursts of inspiration, adds Kordyback.

Before hitting the big leagues, the band shared an old house in Edmonton. Returning to the old stomping grounds evokes nostalgia. But with media interviews, tech rehearsals and a performance, there’s little time to visit with family and friends.

“This is our favourite place to come. Everyone has shown us so much support here and we just want to give it back.”

In addition to the concert, there is also an autograph signing session in West Edmonton Mall at the NewCap Radio Stage, tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.