Originating from Montreal, Quebec, October Sky has been playing music together for a decade. What started as four teenagers with a passion for music developed into a foursome with a common desire to excel in the studio and on stage. The Canadian quartet consists of Karl Raymond (vocals & guitars), Alex Racine (drums), Yanik Rouleau (keyboards), and Andrew Walker (bass). Their musical output includes two albums (1 EP and 1 LP), two music videos, a cross-Canadian tour, and a host of sold-out live performances.

In September 2008, October Sky released their first full-length album “Hell Isn’t My Home,” which garnered them instant success. The album features 10 tracks which alternate between frenzied rock and ambient alternative. The LP earned them three awards for best provincial rock song, rock CD, and rock music video. Two music videos soon followed, one of which was in rotation on MUCH Loud and in the Top 5 on Musique Plus. During this time, the band also performed live on national TV for CTV’s Telethon of Stars and was interviewed on Musique Plus.

Since this time, October Sky has not looked back. They followed their debut LP release with a national tour which touched down in 15 Canadian cities from Montreal to Vancouver. Their music often brings them on the road and they have recently performed alongside such well-established artists and Alexisonfire, Mobile, Bad Religion, and Michel Pagliaro. As national winners of the Global Battle of the Bands, October Sky represented Canada in London, England in April 2010 at The Scala.

October Sky has over 100 live performances to their name and their singles have been in rotation on over a dozen Canadian radio stations. In addition to regular airplay, their music has been featured on more than 20 commercial stations and they have been interviewed on programs in Texas, California, Missouri and the UK, as well as throughout their home nation. The media coverage they regularly receive on air and on paper is a testament to their mounting status as serious musicians. Their studio work produces strong, alternative riffs punctuated by soft, captivating interludes. Their live performances feature a mesmerizing, harmonic fusion of music, voices, lights, and video effects.

In the past few years, October Sky has strengthened their commercial impact. Role Model Clothing, owned by two of Simple Plan’s members, and worldwide guitar company Indie Guitars, are both official partners. October Sky will stretch their musical muscles in Europe with December performances in France and Belgium. They will also release their 2nd EP in September, a launch highlighted by a concert at Le Cafe Campus.

Since the band’s inception, October Sky have been reaching forward, both musically and professionally. Their singles bring together the best in alternative music, with songs so engaging you would think you had heard them already. One listen, live or on CD, will ensure you that they offer a great deal and promise even more.

Awards & Nominations

• International Global Battle of the Bands -  Best Regional Band - Best Canadian Band
• Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards (TEMA) - Best Provincial Rock Song “Hell Isn’t My Home” - Best Provincial Rock CD Album “Hell Isn’t My Home” - Best Provincial Rock Music Video “Hit the Ground”
• Toronto Independent Music Awards - Nomination for Best Out of Province Group of the year

Press

" Up-and-Comers" - ChartAttack.com

“Their music is simply captivating… The show, lighting and sound absolutely spectacular!!!” – Pulp Magazine

"October Sky is undoubtedly one of the best bands to come out of Canada in years and with their infectious blend of rock/pop shaking up the radio airwaves," – Toxic Hollywood.

"October Sky is the next big thing to come out of Montreal"- Uncharted Sounds

Highlights 

• First international tour to France November 2010. Playing in front of a total of 5000 people.
• October Sky won the first prize in a Talent show on TV called "Zéron à mille" The show has 250 000 viewers daily.
• October Sky was named: "The Best Canadian Band" at the International Global Battle of the Bands. They were flown to the World Finals in London, UK where they were identified as some of the world's best up coming band.
• CANADIAN TOUR '08 - More than 15 different cities. Coast to coast
• Top4 most requested video on Musique Plus – Hit the ground
• Video Rotation of Hit The Ground on Much Loud (Much Music)
• Partnership with ROLE MODEL CLOTHING, owned by Simple Plan’s – Pierre Bouvier & Chuck Comeau.
• Partnership with Indie Guitars and Dream Builders Studios.
• Partnership TAXI.ca w/ October Sky (advertisement and marketing)
• Performed on CTV, broadcast throughout Canada for Telethon of Stars. (1.3 million viewers)
• Performed for UNICEF – UNITED AGAINST AIDS CAMPAIGN
• Winners of EXPOSURE Contest (Club Soda with 700 people)
• Winners of "Studio 6eme Sens" contest (50 bands)
• Top Finalist at Omnium Du Rock’s biggest contest in Quebec (1st place, the Judges – 2nd Fan’s choice)
• Top Finalist – Toronto Indie Week 2006 (370 North American bands)
• YouTube – Hit the Ground - Ranked #6 for top played Canadian Musicians video on first day.
• YouTube – Hit the Ground - Ranked #18 for top played Canadian Musicians video of the Month.
• Sonicbids EPK Spotlight for One week (May 19-25, 2008)
• FRONT PAGE MAGAZINE – Les versants de St-Bruno – 50 000 distrib.
• FRONT PAGE MAGAZINE – Le Messager de LaSalle – 50 000 distrib.

Music

Hell Isn't Our Home

Video

October Sky Links