Wassabi Collective Bio

"Believe in tomorrow, live for today"; The story so far....

     In mankind’s collective past, music is the fabric that has given culture its’ identity. Stitched into every aspect of one’s life, music has the power to create emotion, tell stories, heal, motivate and celebrate. It is with this spirit that Wassabi Collective have embarked on their musical expedition, spreading their west coast vibes, taking the country by storm. Each of Wassabi’s unique performances is a legendary, and spontaneous encounter. Tribal beats anchor a driving electronica rhythm that pushes audiences to a feverish frenzy, before veering unexpectedly into a deep reggae groove fueled by captivating vocals. Expect to find live organic electro grooves, smooth jazzy textures, hip hop, reggae, house, and percussion all naturally colliding creating a fusion that constitutes the Wassabi Experience, which is made up of Melissa Meretsky (vocals and percussion), Brent 'Gisto' Hongisto (guitar and vocals), Jimmy Lewis (drums and vocals), Scott Milne (bass) and Rahj Levinson (Keyboards).

     This high-energy, progressive group has provided non-stop grooves to many a packed dance floor, winning over crowds and in turn reaping in thousands of new fans each performance. The accolades and exposure WC has received over the past five years is tremendous. With the completion of their sixth national tour in July 2005 this solidified lineup is no stranger to relentless touring, and continues to sing positive messages of environmental, social, and spiritual activism on stages great and small. Numerous appearances on television, radio and opening/co-headlining slots for Randy Bachman, Hot Hot Heat, Bedouin Soundclash, Garaj Mahal, The New Deal, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bassnectar, Ganga Giri and K-OS go to show that the WC mean business. Adding to their long list of appearances Wassabi has also headlined many major music festivals in the country including Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Come Together, Whistler Music and Arts Festival, Komasket, North Country Fair, Victoria Folk Fest, Evolve(5,6&7), Sunseekers Ball, Shambhala Music Festival and more.

     Wassabi Collective has thrived in the music scene independently and has maintained status possessing a positive attitude, solid musicianship, and the onus to succeed. Audience members, promoters and media personnel alike have embraced WC and the support behind their albums is astonishing. Despite exclusive live show availability, sales of their first two albums “The Masquerade Sessions” and “Blue” topped over 5500 units before going out of print. A series of live shows recorded in 2004 continue to sell, with now over 1000 copies in circulation and numerous downloadable shows on the web. Their EP titled “Cato” (2005) has sold over 3000 copies to date, is still garnering rave reviews, and can be found on various radio stations Canada-wide. “Well produced, recorded and tastefully played…” (Re: Cato, NOW Magazine, June 2005 Toronto, ONT) The documentary “Collective” (by Kevan Mcgovern) which cronicles the making of “Cato” has won “Best Canadian Documentary” at the Calgary Fringe Festival, “Best Technical Film” at the Okanagan Film Festival and has just been nominated for “Best Documentary” at the Action/Cut Short Film Competition. Wassabi is gaining momentum as they expect to release their latest recording this Fall, and already have enough material to hit the studios again. .

“Wassabi Collective is critically acclaimed as one of Canada’s best live independent bands.For over five years, they have enthralled audiences from coast to coast with their dynamic,explorative jams and eclectic...soul-satisfying sound...”(Off Centre Magazine-Dec 2005, Kelowna,BC)

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