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Transistor Sound & Lighting Co.

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Transistor Sound & Lighting Co.
Also known asTransister Flux; The Transister Family; Transister Deli[1] Transister, Transister Sound & Lighting Co.[2]
OriginWinnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
GenresIndie rock, pop
Years active1995–2000
LabelsViK. Recordings
MembersJason Churko
Marty Kinack
Dino D'Ottavio
Past membersMarcia Fifer, Mark Sawatzky, Michael Marshall[3],[4],[5]

Transistor Sound & Lighting Co. was an indie rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The group was active from 1995 to 2000.[6] Throughout the band's lifespan, they went under different names, such as: Transister Flux, The Transister Family, Transister Deli, Transister, & Transister Sound & Lighting Co.[7]

History

[edit]

The band formed in 1995,[8] and self-released a 3-song cassette recording that year, The Transister Flux[9] and performed local shows. The band distributed a 5-song cassette EP in 1996, called Transistor Sounds.[10] They were signed to the Canadian arm of Sony Records, ViK. Recordings, and released a 5-song CD EP, called Transister Sound & Lighting Co., of early mixes in November 1996,[11][12] a 7" vinyl single called Transister Sound & Lighting Co., featuring a different 4-track version of "Prince Vince", and two non-LP tracks, in 1996.[13] Their debut, eponymous LP, was due to be released in 1997,[14] but wasn't released until April 1998[15] The band released two music videos for the album, "Anyways/Mayonnaise",[16] and "Prince Vince".[17] "Anyways/Mayonnaise" was also released as a promotional-only CD single.[18]

The band toured throughout Canada performing at festivals such as NXNE,[19] SXSW[20] and Halifax On Music in 1996[21] Canadian Music Week both in 1997[22],and 1998[23] & and opening for many different bands and artists, such as Hayden[24],Beth Orten,[25] By Divine Right,[26][27] The Weakerthans[28],Duotang[29] Treble Charger,[30] Cracker[31]Swervedriver,[32] and Sianspheric.[33]

The band received a 1998 Juno Nomination for Best Alternative album.[34]The band and their single, “Anyways/Mayonnaise” were nominated for Best New Group in the 1999 Canadian Radio Music Awards.[35]

During live performances in 1998, the band performed two songs that weren’t released on their self-titled record, but were recorded during the album sessions; “Gone Mind”,[36] and “Evil Song”[37] They were hired by Emm Gryner in October 1997,[38] to record a single version of her songs "Summerlong"/“Phonecall 45" from her major label debut Public, for a special 7” promotional-only release.[39] “Summerlong” was later released on Gryner’s 2000 release, Dead Relatives.[40] In July 1999, Churko began working at Winnipeg’s local record store, Music Trader / Into The Music. [41] At Canadian Music Week 2000, members of the band backed Emm Gryner for her performance at The Horseshoe Tavern, in Toronto.[42][43][44] In the course of record label reorganization, they left the label.

In December 2023, Innerservice Records in Winnipeg, released a tribute album to Transistor Sound & Lighting Co.’s eponymous sole LP, featuring many local Winnipeg bands’ takes on the songs, called A Tribute to Transistor Sound & Lighting Co., for the albums twenty-fifth anniversary.[45]

Alternate & Unreleased Songs & Recording of Second LP

[edit]

During a July 2024 appearance on the Meowing Into the Abyss Podcast, Jay & Dino discussed that there are many different outtakes of songs to what was eventually released on the Transistor Sound & Lighting Co. album.[46] They stated that there are about 21 different alternate versions of “Prince Vince" that the band recorded.[47] An unreleased acoustic version of “Sasparilla”, with tambourine, also exists and is circulating amongst fans.[48] “Three Chords” had a couple different versions recorded, notably one as a full band which featured drums.[49] A version of “Crayola” exists without keyboards, and there may be alternate, different mixes of the song.[50] There is a different version of “Proletariat Rant” with Marty performing a carnival type of theme during the outro of the song.[51]

During the podcast, Jay & Dino also discussed that there were about nine or ten unreleased songs, recorded for a potential second album, that were 90% completed, including mixing.[52]One of these unreleased tracks is "Gone Mind". "Gone Mind" was performed live by the band in August 1998.[53] A slow, bass & guitar-only version of this track is circulating amongst collectors.[54] Dino noted within the interview that there also exists a faster version of this song, which is currently uncirculating.[55] Another song slated for a second LP was "Freedom Park". A studio recording exists for this song. This song was also performed live in October 1998, by the band. [56] Another unreleased song, "Evil Song" was also performed live in August 1998.[57] It is unknown if a studio version of this song exists or was recorded.

Within the interview, the band noted that they own 50% of their song publishing. The band sold their masters to the record label.[58]

Discography

[edit]

LP

[edit]
  • Transistor Sound & Lighting Co. (released April 7, 1998[59] on BMG)[60]

EPs

[edit]
  • The Transister Flux (3-song cassette, single sided, 1995)[61]
  • Transister Sound & Lighting Co. (5-song CD, EP, Nov. 1996)[62]
  • Transistor Sounds (5-song cassette EP, 1996)[63]

Singles

[edit]
  • Anyways/Mayonnaise (CD Single, 1998)[64]
  • Transister Sound & Lighting Co. (7’, Translucent Purple, 1996)[65]

Compilation Appearances

[edit]
  • "Prince Vince" - Tune In, Turn On, Bug Out (CD, Comp, 1996)[66]
  • "Trampoline Delay" - Tune In Turn On Bug Out! (Fall '97) (CD, Comp, 1997)[67]
  • ”Puddlecloud, Lovesong” - Life Don’t Get Any Better Than This: 1997 National Campus Community Radio Conference Sampler (CD, Promo, 1997)[68]
  • “Anyways/Mayonnaise” I’m with ViK (CD, Promo, Sampler, 1997)[69]
  • “Anyways/Mayonnaise” - BMG Pop Promo CD - Comp.#34 - February 1998 (CD, Comp)[70]
  • “Anyways/Mayonnaise (New Edit)" - BMG Pop Promo CD - Comp.#39 - April 1998 (CD, Comp)[71]
  • "Summerlong (Radio Edit)" - Radioactive Top 40 & Alternative Series #06 (September 1998) (CD, Comp, 1998)[72]

Band Members

[edit]

Previous Members

[edit]
  • Michael "Mike" Brownlee - drums & live shows (1995 - 1997)[73][74]

Additional live support

[edit]
  • Brad Garinger - keyboards, guitar (1998 - 2000)[75]
  • Alfie Catalico - drums (1996 - 2000)[76],[77]
  • Marty Chapman - drums[78]
  • Michael "Mike" Marshall - drums [79],[80],[81]
  • Mark Sawatzky - drums [82][83][84][85]
  • Marcia Fifer - bass guitar (1997 - 2000) [86]
  • Greg Hanec - Trumpet & clarinet, tapes, vocals (1998 - 1999)[87]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=1407
  2. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20000616024136/http://transistorsound.hypermart.net/
  3. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991114205508/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/disco.htm
  4. ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/Winnipeg/comments/17uo2wf/the_lovedaddys_old_winnipeg_indie_band_live_2000/
  5. ^ https://www.discogs.com/artist/14847133-Michael-Marshall-14
  6. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1995/the-royal-albert-winnipeg-mb-canada-3aee107.html
  7. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20000616024136/http://transistorsound.hypermart.net/
  8. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1995/the-royal-albert-winnipeg-mb-canada-3aee107.html
  9. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/31401326-The-Transister-Flux-The-Transister-Flux
  10. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/25273168-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sounds
  11. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3308676-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co
  12. ^ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-10-19.pdf (page 57).
  13. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3498887-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co
  14. ^ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-10-19.pdf (page 57).
  15. ^ "Retrospective Reviews: Transistor Sound & Lighting Co.'s Self-Titled Album". Vice, Matt Williams, Jan 6 2015,
  16. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybP0Psp22Ls
  17. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94LBJwijIgk
  18. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/22630487-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co-AnywaysMayonnaise
  19. ^ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/RPM/90s/1996/RPM-1996-06-17.pdf
  20. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=7699
  21. ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20071021084420/http://sloannet.yupislyr.com/msg05/msg05354.html
  22. ^ https://archive.org/details/thevarsity117/mode/2up?q=%22Transister+Sound+%26%22
  23. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1998/reverb-toronto-on-canada-39e8d6f.html
  24. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991011044805/http://web.idirect.com/~hayden/h-shows.html
  25. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20010602164437/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/transistor.htm
  26. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201214/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/photo.htm
  27. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19990907215309/http://www.geocities.com/sunsetstrip/arena/1422/melreview.html
  28. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201214/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/photo.htm
  29. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201214/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/photo.htm
  30. ^ https://archive.org/details/offbeat-1997-09-sep-01/mode/2up?q=%22Transister+Sound+%26%22/
  31. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991127201214/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/photo.htm
  32. ^ https://archive.org/details/seemagazine215239albe/mode/2up?q=%22Transistor+Sound+%26+Lighting%22
  33. ^ https://digitalcollections.ucalgary.ca/asset-management/2R3BF1FFHPD0G VOX Magazine, June 1998, issue 172
  34. ^ https://www.worldradiohistory.com/CANADA/RPM/90s/1998/RPM-1998-03-16.pdf
  35. ^ The Hamilton Spectator, January 22, 1999
  36. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1998/horseshoe-tavern-toronto-on-canada-1b549d18.html
  37. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1998/horseshoe-tavern-toronto-on-canada-1b549d18.html
  38. ^ The Winnipeg Sun (February 11, 1999, p.21)
  39. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/2093378-Emm-Gryner-With-Transistor-Sound-And-Lighting-Co-SummerlongPhonecall45
  40. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3374611-Emm-Gryner-Dead-Relatives
  41. ^ https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/2013/11/10/spinner-and-a-movie
  42. ^ https://www.angelfire.com/indie/emmgryner/back003.html
  43. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20000506100341/http://chartattack.com/damn/2000/03/0612.cfm
  44. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/emm-gryner/2000/horseshoe-tavern-toronto-on-canada-35491a3.html
  45. ^ https://inservicerecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-tribute-to-transistor-sound-lighting-co
  46. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww
  47. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=1782
  48. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHxeBm0V-sc&t=1744
  49. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=5219
  50. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=3335
  51. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=6997
  52. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=9014
  53. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1998/horseshoe-tavern-toronto-on-canada-1b549d18.html
  54. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHxeBm0V-sc
  55. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=5305
  56. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20010602164437/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/transistor.htm
  57. ^ https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/transistor-sound-and-lighting-co/1998/horseshoe-tavern-toronto-on-canada-1b549d18.html
  58. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww&t=8538
  59. ^ http://transistor.pollutionlake.com/news.htm
  60. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/2256502-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co
  61. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/31401326-The-Transister-Flux-The-Transister-Flux
  62. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3308676-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co
  63. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/25273168-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sounds
  64. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/22630487-Transistor-Sound-Lighting-Co-AnywaysMayonnaise
  65. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/3498887-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co-Transister-Sound-Lighting-Co
  66. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/15432167-Various-Tune-In-Turn-On-Bug-Out
  67. ^ https://www.discogs.com/master/901616-Various-Tune-In-Turn-On-Bug-Out-Fall-97
  68. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/9316576-Various-Life-Dont-Get-Any-Better-Than-This-1997-National-Campus-Community-Radio-Conference-Sampler
  69. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/31189075-Various-Im-with-ViK
  70. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/11624129-Various-BMG-Pop-Promo-CD-Comp-34-February-1998
  71. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/11630344-Various-BMG-Pop-Promo-CD-Comp-39-April-1998
  72. ^ https://www.discogs.com/release/11246189-Various-Radioactive-Top-40-Alternative-Series-06-September-1998
  73. ^ The Winnipeg Sun 1998-04-03
  74. ^ Kendle, John, The Winnipeg Sun, 1996-02-09
  75. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991114222024/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/news.htm
  76. ^ [1] from information section of track
  77. ^ https://www.angelfire.com/mb/christinacanadamusic/transistor.html
  78. ^ The Winnipeg Sun, 1998-04-03
  79. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991114205508/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/disco.htm
  80. ^ https://www.reddit.com/r/Winnipeg/comments/17uo2wf/the_lovedaddys_old_winnipeg_indie_band_live_2000/
  81. ^ https://www.discogs.com/artist/14847133-Michael-Marshall-14
  82. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991114205508/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/disco.htm
  83. ^ https://www.angelfire.com/mb/christinacanadamusic/transistor.html
  84. ^ Meowing into the Abyss Podcast - Ep. 13 TS&LCo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6RmP6qLuww) - Mark was in a band called The Harlots, and The Ballroom Zombies (afterwards, and previously to Transistor)
  85. ^ https://www.angelfire.com/mb/christinacanadamusic/harlots.html
  86. ^ [2] from information section of track
  87. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19991114222024/http://webhome.idirect.com/~treble/news.htm
[edit]
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