It's hard to write about Sparkmarker because it was a band that not only had such a great impact on my own life - but also touched many people who came to our shows. I guess in some ways - we were a big part of the soundtrack to the Vancouver and Seattle hardcore scenes in the 90's - 7 years was long enough for us to make a mark on a whole generation. We grew with those fans (our first show sucked bad!) and they suported us, as we supported the scene. Quite influenced by the ethics of Fugazi - we played only all-ages shows (until the last year where we opened up to bar shows to pay our bills) and took many stands on local, community and political issues. For a while we were courted by some major labels - but decided we wanted to grow with a label that had hardcore roots (Revelation Records) - we had many experiences and opportunities. The other band members were my best friends and we learned so much together. This band says more about me and where I came from than any of my other projects - as idealic as it was, it was all I lived an breathed for 7 years - and I don't regret a second of it.

Sparkmarker was together between 1990 and 1997 in Vancouver, BC. We toured North America 5 times, the West Coast of the US another 7 times and Europe once - we release 3 demos, 7 eps and 3 full length albums. There were 3 line-ups of Sparkmarker - Rob and myself consistantly thru all line-ups - I always played guitar, was the main song-writer and eventually took on lead vocal duties as well.

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Skinjobs was neccessary. Much like I wrote about Faggo in the 'zine section of this site - the Skinjobs was part of a dream I concocted when driving on endless miles of interstate with Sparkmarker. I wanted to start a band that was queer and punk in the way that I wanted to see it... and like so often in the past - if I didn't see what I wanted, I created it. Started out as a fun 'jam' once in a while to becoming a band, playing our first show and inviting our friends to come up on stage and dance with us (hence the formation of our famed Go-Go dancers) - we became a 'community band' that celebratetd all aspects of queer identity with our friends. It was one of the most fun bands I've been in. For more info check out the (old) official website

Skinjobs was together for 4 years betweem 2000 and 2004 in Vancouver, touring to Toronto/Ottawa and down the westcoast to California. We released one demo, one full-length CD and a split 7" (with Pansy Division). As the main song-writer I played guitar, sang lead/backup and occasionally played drums.

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Strain came about because a bunch of us hardcore kids thought it was about time that Vancouver had a straight-edge band... Jinx (was the only one who wasn't straight edge) was also in BNU, Eric was ex-Fratricide and ex-Head First, Sean would eventually be in By A Thread and Jody would eventually be in Kersey - so I guess it makes it a super-group of sorts. It was really more of a joke band, to rile things up in the scene - to get people to question militant views. At least that's were I was coming from. At one point I was practicing 7 days a week between Sparkmarker and Strain - it was quite amazing to be so involved in the hardcore scene at the time. In some ways I wish I could have stayed in both bands - but it would have been impossible. One of my fondest memories was when we played a crazy house show with Unbroken and Undertow in San Diego- good times, good friends.

Strain was together for 5 years - i was in Strain (playing guitar) for the first 2 years between 1992 and 1993. I recorded on the first demo and an unreleased Overkill recording - as well as toured down the westcoat to California. I co-wrote a couple of songs (like Cataract, not sure what others) - but for the most part just played second guitar.

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SAMSARAsevin could also have been referred to as Sparkmarker-lite. At least to me. It was right after Sparkmarker's break up that the band formed - a couple songs were even left-over Sparkmarker songs. Being the primary song writer for both bands - it's not so surprising. The line -up was Greg on second guitar (he was actually the original replacement for me in Strain), Emilio on drums (ex-Sineater), Leo (ex-Pebble) on bass and myself on guitar and vocals. Eventually I felt like I was too jaded and bitter with having to start a new band 'at the bottom' after achieving decent success with Sparkmarker and I wanted some perspective (we even practiced in the old Sparkmarker practice space) - so i left the band and we broke up. Oddly enough, looking back - I really wish I continued further with SAMARAsevin (at least musically). In time, the rest of the band would recruit Ryan (the original singer from Sparkmarker) and start Deadsure

SAMSARAsevin was together from 1997 until 1998 - I think we played 12 shows through-out BC and managed to record one demo. I was the main song-writer and played guitar and sang.

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What do you do when you can't play an insturment? Why start a record label of course. That was how Final Notice started - out of a love for music and a desire to be a part of it's magic. I can't even begin to describe the excitement of putting out the first release - because those bands (Fratricide and Mission Of Christ) were so inspiring to me at the time. Eventually the excitement of putting out records wore off and I had to think of making my money back. What do you do when all your artists on your label break-up and don't tour? Why start your own band of course. That's kinda how Sparkmarker came to be.

Final Notice Records released music on varying formats from 1987 until 1995.

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I didn't want to lose these projects in the 'Design' section of this website - I feel that these projects are more indicative of the bands I was in and the sense of community I felt within the Vancouver Hardcore 'scene' of the time. I was excited and thrilled to work on these projects at the time - and my friends made it so enjoyable - wether you're in the band, doing design, releasing records or just buying them - you are a part of what makes music exist and thrive. So I'm putting them here - and don't pick on me if I change my mind later.


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