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Firstly, let’s get the name out of the way. BUCKLE UP RUSSIA isn’t some political ideology, nor does it represent some deep meaning intended to fly over peoples heads. All it means is that if this band ever goes to Russia...
They had better buckle up.
In 2004 BUCKLE UP RUSSIA formed under their common credo of skateboarding, girls and velocity. Dean Young and Donavon Stinson had known each other for some time and had always played around with the idea of starting up a band that would declare war against the mediocrity enveloping the Vancouver Rock scene. Quickly the twosome set the gears in motion, hunting down the perfect pieces to create their “Voltron of Rock”. As luck would have it Geoff Trawick, ex drummer of THREE INCHES OF BLOOD was looking to join another band and being an old friend of Donavon’s, took little to no persuading.
Existing briefly as a foursome with guitarist Bryce “BRO” McClellan, the Vancouver-based group played a few shows in and around Vancouver before Bryce decided to ride off into the sunset. Shortly after Bro’s departure the band was gearing up for their first venture into the studio. B.U.R then picked up another Guitarist, Joel Collez. This handsome devil was gentleman enough to add a lick or two on a track of their Debut EP “The Black Spring”. Immediately after recording, Joel was approved for an extended leave of absence from the band to replenish his exhausted creative energy. After being in the studio, Buckle up Russia was faced again with the task of finding someone to fill Bryce and Joel’s shoes...enter Gordon Skilling. Being a friend of all the guys before joining the band, Gord was the perfect fit. Well, Gords calling came shortly thereafter and he left for Montreal to fulfill his duties as a movie maker. Joel Collez came back just like the cat does when you let it out at night.
BUCKLE UP RUSSIA’S fusion of catchy melodies with raw, spastic energy combined with earthy humor conveys what these guys really are...entertainers. Now fully formed and ready to destroy, BUCKLE UP RUSSIA is now concentrating all their efforts on playing as many shows in as many cities as possible and promoting their Debut EP, “The Black Spring”.
With his tongue and cheek battle cry, Dean Young has been at the fore front of the Indie scene in Vancouver for some time now. Having been in groups such as JOANIE LOVES CHACHI and local favorites MYSTERY MACHINE, Dean is no stranger to playing in front of crowds, large and small.
Not only playing bass and making faces in the band, Donavon Stinson boasts a substantial Film/TV repertoire. He has acted in many T.V Series and Commercials, and has been in such films as “A Guy Thing”, “Fantastic Four” and keep yours eyes open for him in the new Ryan Reynolds comedy “Chaos Theory.”
Joel Collez has a nice smile and likes ponies.
Geoff Trawick has been in bands since you were in diapers and is most famous for being the drummer in the heavy metal band “THREE INCHES OF BLOOD” which toured Europe with the Darkness.
With this current line up, their performance should not be missed. You never know what could happen with such a spectrum of personality and talent. Their website is under construction and they are currently soliciting Management and label support.
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