press kit

Quotes

“Everybody likes to feel they were on to something before everybody else. It feels even better when it works out. Feels even better when it exceeds your expectations.

I remember working with this kid from smalltown Northern Alberta, who reminded me that while talent can learn to put on a show, some just have it to be a show. Felt good when someone else saw the same thing a couple years later. Jason McCoy handpicked Clayton Bellamy to be his front-man sidekick and now Road Hammer fans are getting to see the same show.

It’s trickier when it’s your friend’s band. What if they suck? What do you say? Little or nothing. 

Having worked with Rob, Stacie and Darren at different times previously, I instantly sensed that there was a sum potentially greater than the parts. That they kept on that path, getting tighter and brighter, making well-covered songs sound fresh and sometimes completely their own, was good to see. And to do it with an eye on a long term goal, while maintaining a professionalism that didn’t get in the way of their immediate job - keeping people dancing their asses off - is even more impressive. And all too rare in the business. Doing a gig well, and keeping their enthusiasm while doing it, is all well and good. But the big dream usually ends when the original songs come out.

Some think that writing smooth, hook-filled songs with some lyrical depth is an easily dismissed thing. Probably from hearing too many paint-by-number ditties full of pandering cliches. Truth is, they are the hardest songs of all to write. When I first heard the first takes of their songs I had the same feeling as when I first heard the band. It felt good.”

Dave Crash Cameron- writer, soundman

“In a world of generic country copycats, Hey Romeo*stands out with a refreshing crispness. They bring a creative mix of traditional and contemporary, topped by the addictive ring of Stacie’s buoyant vocals. I would love to work with these guys!”

Brian Allen….Producer/Songwriter….Former VP A&R Attic Records Canada

“Stellar musicianship with beautiful vocals and harmonies! This is a very exciting band….. Hey Romeo’s*

recording of “Wrap These Around You” is a songwriter’s dream come true.”

Byron Hill…..Producer/Songwriter….Nashville,TN

“With their tight musical arrangements, high energy performance, and great harmonies, Rob Shapiro, Darren Gusnowsky, and lead singer Stacie Roper of Hey Romeo* have developed a huge following throughout the province. Whenever there’s a big party going on, whether it’s the Calgary Stampede, Klondike Days, or Big Valley Jamboree, promoters know this is a band that will attract and hold a large audience. Their first single, Wrap These Around You, totally blew me away.”

Bill Borgwardt……Edmonton Correspondent/ Photographer

Country Music News

“It’s not easy to stand out from the field of cookie cutter acts on today’s country music scene. Hey Romeo is a breath of fresh air with a look, sound and style that sets them apart from the rest. It’s great to know that there is a total package band that is constantly raising the bar and perfecting its craft up in the Alberta hinterland.  I’ll continue to follow Hey Romeo’s* development into national and international recording artists.”

David Schumacher…NY,NY.…producer…..writer for American TV music series

The Demo

“Big valley jamboree has had the pleasure of working with Hey Romeo* on several occasions, the diversity and talent of the band makes them a favorite with our country audience. The band understands the theory of working hard and entertaining well, it is those things that set them apart from other artists!”

Larry Werner…….Producer………..Big Valley Jamboree

February 8, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing on behalf of the band Hey Romeo*. As the owner of Mitchell Entertainment Services, I have had the pleasure of booking this band for many events, from prestigious corporate bookings to concerts, fairs, and expositions. I have had many opportunities to listen to their original material and to observe audience reaction.   The response is always great, and the quality and style of the writing, in my opinion, affords them a chance for great future success. It is not just the material they present - it is how they present it. They know how to reach an audience and the people know that this is a group of musicians who really enjoy working together. If you have any questions regarding Hey Romeo please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Margie Zahn

Mitchell Entertainment Services Ltd.

In Support of Hey Romeo* I first heard this very talented band a few years back while they were still developing their unique sound and I was totally impressed with their musicianship and professionalism. Last summer I heard their debut single” Wrap These Around You”, on Gord Bamford’s tour bus….I loved it. The band’s sound is their own, with great players and the very talented Stacie Roper on vocals, in my opinions this band is going to be winning CCMA awards very soon. In fact I asked Stacie to sing on my new album project due out this spring and she’s added a great new voice and depth to the project. I know this band is very talented and hard working, I can’t wait to hear more. Regards,

Duane Steele

* Hey Romeo is formerly know as the band Udder Maddness