Eight Seconds
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Ottawa, Canada |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Eight Seconds was a Canadian band blending synthpop and progressive rock styles, established in 1982 in Ottawa. Their most notable hit is the 1986 track "Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)," which climbed to #14 on Canadian charts and remained for 28 weeks, featured on the album Almacantar. The group consisted of Andrés del Castillo (vocals/guitar), March Cesare (bass), Frank Levin (keyboards), Scott Milks (drums), and Marc Parent (guitar).
Profile
Starting out as a cover band in Ottawa, Eight Seconds gained prominence after their original song "Where's Bula?" won the CHEZ 106 Sharechez '83 contest. This victory awarded them a music video that was broadcast on MuchMusic and MTV's Basement Tapes. The video subsequently earned the 1984 Canadian Film and Television Association’s award for Best Music Video of the Year.
In 1985, the band participated in CBC Television's Rock Wars competition and released a five-track EP titled Ottava Rima, which achieved local chart success. Producer Rupert Hine, impressed by their songwriting abilities, traveled to Canada to see them live and soon signed them to an international contract with Polygram New York.
Early in 1986, Eight Seconds recorded the album Almacantar at Hine’s Farmyard Studios located in Buckinghamshire. Released by Polydor, this album included the single "Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)," which reached #14 across Canada, topped charts in Quebec, and peaked at #72 in the United States. The band embarked on extensive tours throughout North America, supporting artists such as Wang Chung, Paul Young, and David Bowie, while also headlining shows in major markets.
By mid-1987, Eight Seconds had earned a Juno Award nomination for "Most Promising Group" and received six nominations at the CASBY Awards. The remainder of that year was dedicated to composing and rehearsing new songs.
In early 1988, they recorded their sophomore album, Big Houses, produced by Paul Northfield alongside Frank Levin. Although planned for release through Warner Music Group, the album was delayed due to management complications and was ultimately issued in 1990, which hindered the band's forward momentum. Additionally, the merger and subsequent closure of their U.S. label ATCO negatively affected their trajectory, leading to their breakup shortly thereafter. The single "Tell Diane" saw modest chart performance, peaking at #76 for three weeks.
The band reunited in 2002 and contributed a cover of The Beatles’ "Hey Jude" for Bullseye Records’ 2004 tribute compilation It Was 40 Years Ago Today: A Tribute To The Beatles.
Following the band's activities, Andrés del Castillo founded r+d creative, a company specializing in video production and live events serving Canadian government agencies and crown corporations. Marc Parent continued his career as a Montreal-based guitarist and songwriter. Frank Levin pursued various business interests internationally before passing away in 2017 due to health complications.
Albums
- Ottava Rima (1985) [EP]
- Almacantar (1986) - CAN #87 (3 weeks)
- Big Houses (1990)
Singles
- "Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)" (1986) - CAN #14, U.S. #72
- "Where's Bula?" (1986)
- "Sincere (I Shall Return)" (1987)
- "Tell Diane" (1990) - CAN #76
External links
- Eight Seconds entry on CanConRox
- Tribute Website, dedicated to the reissue of Almacantar
- Tribute to Frank Levin aka Fish