BIO: THE FRAMEWORK
Some bands are born of a master plan, while others are formed on a whim, discovering a common sonic sensibility in the early stages of their musical journey. Toronto-based rock band The Framework followed that latter path when they joined forces in late 2006 to produce what became their trademark, new wave-inspired sound.
Barely three months after uniting—with only a few songs to their credit and nary a live performance—the band entered its now-signature track ‘She Thinks I’m Famous’ in the Mix 99.9 2007 RadioStar Songwriting Contest. The song would earn runner-up honours and helped build momentum for a debut performance at Toronto indie-rock institution The Rivoli in July, 2007 and the release of their first self-titled EP.
By the time they finally brought their post-modern sound to the stage, The Framework had worked tirelessly to carve a niche in the online realm and quickly built a strong following. As proof, denizens of the Toronto indie music scene paid the newcomers respect by singing back the lyrics to their songs, never missing a beat, and reaffirming the lasting impression the band had already made through exposure on social media networks such as MySpace. The Framework returned the favour by delivering an on-stage exuberance that has come to define their live performances; shows are peppered with elements of the glam era’s freewheeling lasciviousness, but anchored by the tight sound of a five-some at the top of its game. National media attention soon followed with major features in Metro Toronto newspaper and InsideE magazine introducing the group to a wider audience.
Since those early days, The Framework has carved a niche as one of Canada’s most sought-after indie acts, as well as gaining a substantial international following thanks to continuing targeted Internet exposure. Sold-out gigs at Toronto landmarks such as The Horseshoe Tavern, opening for DJ Champion in Ottawa, as well as a stint at New York’s legendary Arlene’s Grocery, have all helped reinforce the band’s powerhouse live reputation. Following this, The Framework continued to build their international following by enlisting critically acclaimed international DJ's such as Crookram of the RAC (Bloc Party/Tegan and Sara) and Camp America (Athlete/Caves) to contribute remixes for their digital remix EP released in February 2008, titled THE FRAMEWORK: REWORKED.
Playing off of this international exposure, The Framework were invited to perform prime spots at the Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati, and the North by Northeast Festival in Toronto, as well as to a packed house at the Canal Room in New York City. The Framework were honoured as being one of 5 top bands at North By Northeast Festival 2008 (InsideE Magazine) and also placed 3rd in the Virgin Festival Road to V contest—selected by fans and music industry judges including Richard Branson (CEO, Virgin).
The Framework signed with Last Gang Labels in April 2009, to release their first full-length album 'Before Tonight'. The album, entirely self-produced, recorded, mixed & mastered, features 11 tracks, including the hot new songs ’Starlight’, ‘We Are The Trend’ and ‘Video,’ as well as revamped and re-recorded versions of songs from their EP, including 'Turn Off The World' and 'Wasted'. The first single & video from the album, 'Always Left Behind,' received massive exposure on MuchMusic Television (in Canada) as it was kept in solid rotation for over a month. The video also reached Number 3 on the MuchMoreMusic Top 10 Video Countdown (MuchMusic) for 6 weeks, helping to propell the band’s album to a Number 4 ranking in sales in Toronto Best Selling Records Top 10 List for the week of August 18th (Nielsen SoundScan).
The band followed-up their successful first single with the song “Starlight”. "Starlight" also marked the band’s first ‘International’ release, commencing on June 29th worldwide. A video for “Starlight” (starring Kirsten Prout from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) was also released, and was featured on MTV's The Freshman, and as well received rotation on MuchMusic's The Wedge.
The band, who’s sound has been described by critics as “a synth-rock assault that strikes a nonchalant medium between happy pop and stadium rock” (InsideE Magazine), plans to maintain the musical balance that informed its spontaneous beginnings while finding new ways to grow and satisfy its ever growing fan base.
Currently, the band is working on their second full-length record, as yet untitled, due out in 2011.
