Labels Warner | Website thekilljoys.ca Members Mike Trebilcock | |
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Years active 1992–1998, 2015-present Awards Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year Similar Limblifter, Terry Brown, The Gandharvas, The Age of Electric, I Mother Earth | ||
The Killjoys is a Canadian alternative rock band that formed in 1992 in Hamilton, Ontario. It enjoyed moderate success in Canada during the grunge/alternative rock heyday of the 1990s before disbanding in 1998 and reforming in 2015.
Contents
Overview
The Killjoys released their first album Starry in 1994 through Cargo Records; the album was later re-released on Warner Music Canada. This was, followed by Gimme Five in 1996 and Melos Modos in 1997. In 1998 a live album was released entitled Onenight and a Morningafter. A "best of" compilation was released in 2005 called Essentials.
In 2011 The Killjoys were featured on a compilation entitled, "Today I Hate Everyone - Perfect Songs For A Crappy Day", alongside The Ramones, Ween and Hüsker Dü.
They received a Juno Award for "Best New Group" in 1997 and a Rock Radio Award for "Independent Artist of the Year". Mike Trebilcock was also nominated for a Juno Award with Antoine Moonen in 1994, for "Best Album Design" for "Starry".
The singles "Today I Hate Everyone" and "Dana" were played on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. The song "Rave + Drool" from Gimme Five was included on the very first Big Shiny Tunes compilation album.
After filming a music video for "I've Been Good" (from Melos Modos) in Mexico, the film was stolen by a crew member. The crew member demanded $13,000, threatening to destroy the film otherwise. The ransom was paid and the footage was returned safely.
In 2000, lead singer/guitarist Mike Trebilcock released his first solo album entitled Shield Millions. He produced "No Rush" by Dave Pomfret in 2009, "Love, War and Propaganda" by The Caretakers in 2012, and The Hell Bent Rockers self-titled debut in 2015. He's written music for the horror films, "The Friday Night Death Slot", and "Poltergeist Encounters".
Gene Champagne formed Junior Achiever, and released "All the Little Letdowns" in 2008.
They reunited for a show in Hamilton that coincided with the Juno awards being held there in March 2015.
The Killjoys are working on new material for a 2017 release.
Popular Culture
"Rave + Drool", "Soaked", "Any day now", "Today I Hate Everyone" and "I've Been Good" were frequently included in the repertoire of Canadian Alternative DJ, DJ SDGV.
The songs "Monkeysucker" and "Everything" were used in the movie The Boys Club (1997) starring Chris Penn. "Candyland" was used in the film "Sweet Karma" (2009). "Today I Hate Everyone" was used in the film "Wet Bum" (2014)
Members
Mike Trebilcock was the primary songwriter, and he played guitar and sang vocals. Gene Champagne played the drums and Shelley Woods played the bass and provided back-up vocals.
Discography
Songs
Rave + DroolGimme Five · 1996
Look Like MeGimme Five · 1996
I've Been GoodMelos Modos · 1997