Artist description FTA's music is infused with driving riffs and melodic pop sensibility.

Music Style Rock/Pop

Musical Influences U2, Radiohead, Blue Rodeo, Live

Artist History Having consolidated their regional popularity through playing university cabarets, local clubs, touring western Canada twice, as well as sharing the stage with acts such as Tal Bachman, Limblifter, Matthew Good, Moist, 54-40, The Headstones, Nickelback, Jeff Healey, The Skydiggers, The New Meanies and the Kill Joys; FTA is working hard to expand their fan base nationwide. They have recently completed recording their self-titled debut album. Produced by Jason Plumb of Waltons fame, the independent release is a real indication of the diverse potential of this band.

Group Members Scott Fellner - guitarTodd Rennebohm - drumsNathan Schalm - guitar, vocalsBrett Tyson - vocalsNathan Wilson - bass, vocals

Instruments drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars

Albums From the Ashes

Press Reviews The Prairie DogJuly 13, 2000FTA Preview ...FTA puts on an act second to none, but From the Ashes is an album that you're going to want to cuddle up with and learn all its secrets. This is an album that you don't mind listening to before you've had a chance to comb your hair. Sing along in your underwear; don't even need the acoustics of the shower to feel good about this one. That's important for this kind of lyric driven pop-rock. The words matter, but if you can't hear 'em, they can't do any good. It's no secret that the Waltons Jason Plumb produced this gem, and undoubtedly his experience added to the smooth transition of FTA's warmth from the live setting to digital compact disc. FTA is a band whose music you can build a personal relationship with. Consider the CD release party a "how-do-you-do." Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association, June 2000"Hooky melodic pop with lyrics that read like a conversation..." The Leader PostJuly 20, 2000FTA ready to make more believers Living up to your own expectations isn't always easy. Everyone involved in the local music scene knew the potential of FTA (From the Ashes), but the group members still had to get into a studio and prove it to themselves first. "No one expects as much from us as we expect from ourselves," guitarist Nathan Schalm notes. "We're our own worst critics, so if we're happy, and proud of our music, hopefully other people liking it won't be a problem." With the group's new self-titled independent album, the band is poised to make believers out of everyone. Schalm and guitarist Scott Fellner give much of the credit to producer Jason Plumb - a man who knows a thing or two about being a musician from Regina. Both say the Waltons' singer/guitarist helped the band maximize their true potential. "He challenged us to give the best of what a song needed." Fellner says. "He challenged us as musicians and brought out the best we had to give." Schalm agrees. "Prior to working with Jason, we didn't really understand what our roles were in the band. Everyone was always trying to do too much. He taught us the phrase, 'save your bullets!' He taught us patience. Further, his selection of songs and his vision helped us to see through any 'mother's syndrome' we may have had - he recognized the potential of songs we really hadn't even considered. His well of knowledge is incredible and he really knows what he is doing." But even though Plumb was captain of the boat, it was Schalm, Fellner, drummer Todd Rennebohm, singer Brett Tyson, and bassist Nathan Wilson that did all the rowing. The new album encompases the drive and passion of an FTA live show, but it also features the subtleties that can make a decent song into a great one. "I think people might be a little surprised a some of the more acoustic moments in the album," Fellner admits. But I hope it turns out to be a pleasant surprise." "It's us, its just a that it's a lot more accessible to a wider audience," he says. "I think there's really a little bit of everything on there. We have songs like 'Lost in You' and 'Sweet Memory' which are indicative of the heavier side of the band, and there's 'I Don't Care' and 'Evade Me' that are more acoustic, and then you've got pop ditties like 'Highway 6' and 'Become One.' "I really hope this is an album that people can throw on and listen to from start to finish and not be bored. I think there's a cohesiveness to the album, but yet the songs are all fairly different ." Overanalysis? Perhaps, but FTA tends to listen to what its audience says. Schalm says that most of the songs that appear on the new album have been extensively road tested. "We're all songwriters and it seems like you just know when a song is going to cut it or not," he says. "Also, we're fortunate enough to have a pretty decent following and an honest following who are...you can just tell a lot about a song by crowd reaction. They let us know if a song had what it takes." With the new album in local record stores and the single 'Become One' getting airplay on local radio stations, the group has been busy doing mail-outs to various booking agents and record companies. Juggling jobs and university, the members of FTA make no bones about the fact that they are 100% committed to the band. "Right now we're fishing with the CD and we're waiting for responses. Judging by what happens with that we'll make our next move. We're considering all of the options - including moving - and doing whatever it takes." "This is what we want to do." Sevenfiveo Music Review, June 2000FTA is a group of five from just north of New Jersey, Canada. this is an easy review for me for a couple of reasons. The first reason is cleaniness. From the package design to the music itself, everything is clean and tight...The vocals are soft and dignified and the music is in fine balance...These fellas have lofty aspirations and their determination and sound should put them on the right track. If you head north of the border, chances are you'll probably find some FTA flyers floating around.

Location Regina, SK - Canada

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