Small-town band with a big-time dream
STORY BY SAM TASKIE
Mackenzie Salhany, a Musical Theatre student, is on her way to becoming a pop star.
Lead vocalist Salhany’s five-member band, LUXA, consists of Ross Burant on guitar and vocals, Dan Minchom on bass guitar, Sam Migliazza on synthesizer and vocals and Pierre-luc Lalonde on drums.
LUXA performs pop songs including covers and original songs written by Salhany and Burant, who formed the original group with Minchom in Ottawa about two years ago.
“It’s something different than what we usually do which is kind of exciting. It’s a little bit more mellow,” said Salhany in an interview at their recent gig at the Central Bar in Toronto. “We usually play high energy stuff.”
LUXA performed without a drummer, but that did not slow them down. Minchom used his bass guitar and a looper to recreate the drum track. Looping is a method where an artist records tiny bits of vocals or instrumentals and replays the recording repeatedly.
“I thought LUXA was pretty cool,” said audience member Alicia Fricker. “I love the looping.”
Monique Angele, who was also performing that night said, “I just love their style, their music and them performing.”
Being in music programs helped LUXA make contacts. “My pop teacher, Mary-Lu Zahalan, has opened a lot of doors for me performing in Oakville and Toronto.”
The other members go to Humber College’s music program. “They’ve given us a lot of good connections,” said Burant.
Two weeks ago I opened for Fred Penner and that’s just from knowing people in the school, explained Salhany.
The band believes it’s time to take the next step – record an album, which they hope will be released later this year.
“We’re still in the process of finding our sound,” said Burant. “It’s kind of hard to qualify what you want to sound like.”
They are in the studio this week. “You always want to sound unique,” said Burant. Salhany added that the album will sound a little more hyped up.
Just like any band that isn’t signed with a record company, LUXA struggles with promoting themselves.
“Every artist struggles with money and funding your art, finding places to gig consistently and new audiences to appeal to so especially in the early stages,” said Salhany.
“It’s having to do everything yourself,” said Minchom.
Salhany took a little break from her Sheridan program to promote the band and write new material. “We’re working hard and it’s a lot of fun.”
LUXA is going to be focusing on performing and recording their album for the near future. “We’re upcoming. We like to make you dance, drink, think and all the good things,” said Salhany.
LUXA’s events are at www.facebook.com/luxamusic
Pictures and video below
Mackenzie Salhany, right, singing on stage with Dan Minchom on bass.
Ross Burant, LUXA’s lead guitarist, performing at the Central Bar in Toronto.
Dan Minchom, LUXA’s bassist, setting up the stage before the performance.
Mackenzie Salhany reacting to the crowd’s reception of her song.
LUXA – All I Want
http://youtu.be/ObMf6W51T6E
LUXA original song. Written by Sarah Peterson and Ross Burant
Three LUXA members performed at the Central on Saturday, Jan. 25.
