Music Lately News 

-Who are all of the band members? And what do they do in the band?


Dawson Lemky-Bass/Vocals. Sheldon Pardy-Guitars. Justin Hamilton-Drums.
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-What's the origin of your band name, 10th Avenue? Have you changed the band's name before?
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Dawson Lemky: The name was something my grandfather actually suggested. At the time I was going through at least a dozen different name ideas and I landed on 10th Avenue because I thought it matched the genre and had a marketable ring to it if you will.
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-What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
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Sheldon Pardy: I would say our genre is pop/rock. We all have a wide range of different influences that include G.N.R, Foo Fighters, Blink-182, Rise Against, All Time Low, Dream Theater and many more.
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-How old were you when you started this band?
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Dawson Lemky: 10th Avenue officially became a band when I was 16
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-How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
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Dawson Lemky: Justin and I met a couple of years ago when his old band opened up for 10th Avenue at a local show. it wouldn't be till a year later that he showed interest in playing music with me. He responded to my Kijij ad and the rest just kinda took off. The two of us met Sheldon again through Kijiji he and his girlfriend had moved up from Newfoundland for work related reasons last September. He wanted to play music and we needed a guitarist. The rest just fell into place.
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-When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
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Dawson Lemky: The original project started in 2009 but this current line up got together last September. I think it's the fact that we're all so passionate about music. We all bring so many things to the table because we all have different styles and that makes the writing process both unique and enjoyable
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-Do you have a record label? If so, what is it?
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Dawson Lemky: We are currently unsigned
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-What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/colour preference?
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Dawson Lemky: I've been playing Fender Basses since I first picked up the instrument and I now own three. So many of my favourite musicians play them Mark Hoppus, Mike Dirnt, Geddy Lee, and Sting just to name a few. I've been playing bass coming on 5 years now and no matter what kind of tone I'm looking for I always find it in Fender.
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Sheldon Pardy: I play all sorts. Les Paul's, Tele's, Strat's, I like to mod my guitars and also like MXR effects pedals.
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Justin Hamilton: For drums it's a set of Yamaha Oak Customs and as for Cymbals it's Sabian. Long lasting, great sounding and affordable.
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-Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
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Dawson Lemky: We've played a number of shows in our home town and in the surrounding area. We like any venue with a good feel and that can attract an awesome crowd. We have played our share of not so great places but once in a blue moon you come across those. The next big local show we have coming up is in August and we've tossed around the idea of getting out of town for a weekend.
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-Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list for your shows?
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Dawson Lemky: Depending on what type of show it is we may throw in a cover here and there. We try to get a nice mix of upbeat rockers and lower energy ballads. With our album being in the last half of the recording process we're working on putting together a setlist that shows a wide range of what we can do and that people of all ages will enjoy. 
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-Who writes your songs? Is it a group effort?
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Dawson Lemky: I write most of the lyrics and the bare root of what my idea is and together the three of us shape the song to what it ends up being. As we get to know and get more comfortable with each other the writing process is definitely becoming more of a group activity.
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-What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
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Dawson Lemky: The theme for most of the music at this point in the bands cycle is about growing into yourself and all the adventures and situations that come with learning and maturing as a person. However we all like to keep our minds open to other concepts and themes and as we evolve as people and musicians our music will too.
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-Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
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Justin Hamilton: Dawson starts with the basics then Sheldon and I work around the foundation to make it prettier.
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-What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
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Dawson Lemky: At the moment rehearsals have been kind of all over the map. The main focus right now is finishing the album which in it's own way is like rehearsing I guess because you really get to know the song.
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-How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
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Sheldon Pardy: since we've started playing together the sound has gotten more experimental, heavier
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-What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
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Dawson Lemky: The biggest challenge of the band actually comes from my personal life believe it or not. Me being the only original member of the band the toughest thing was to find bandmates that shared my same passion and drive for success. I'm happy to say I feel like I've finally found my guys.
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-What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
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Sheldon Pardy: Our goal is to become a household name
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-What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
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Justin Hamilton: Practice to a click.
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Dawson Lemky: have faith in your craft as a musician and build a great relationship with the guys and/or girls you play music with.
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Sheldon Pardy: Do your own thing and don't let anyone hold you down.
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-How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard your music before?
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Dawson Lemky: Pop music with a rock edge for young people with energy and that like to have just an all around good time.
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-How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
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Dawson Lemky: We'll soon have two songs available for free download via our FaceBook page.
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-Website links in which other people can find your music, or more information for your band?
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Dawson Lemky: FaceBook.com/10thAvenueband, and on Twitter @10thAvenueBand
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-Would you ever do an interview like this with us again?
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Dawson Lemky: Yes we would!
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-Would you like to do more fun/funny questions in another interview?
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Dawson Lemky: That'd be great!
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-Any last words?
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We want to thank you for this opportunity and for being interested in what we do! Also thanks in advance to everyone who reads this it means a lot to us!