FM (Canadian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Toronto, Canada |
| Founder | Cameron Hawkins, Jeff Plewman (Nash the Slash) |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
FM is a progressive rock ensemble from Canada, established in 1976 in Toronto by Cameron Hawkins alongside Jeff Plewman, who performed under the moniker Nash the Slash. The band has experienced several periods of activity: from 1976 to 1989, 1994 to 1996, briefly in 2006, and continuously since 2011. Their sound, frequently described as space rock, is distinguished by lyrics that explore themes related to science fiction. In November 2011, Hawkins revived FM with a fresh lineup.
Original Duo: Hawkins and Plewman ("Nash the Slash")
The founding members in 1976 consisted of a duo: Cameron Hawkins handling synthesizers, occasional bass guitar, and lead vocals; alongside Jeff Plewman (alias Nash The Slash), who played electric violin, electric mandolin, and provided backing vocals. Notably, the band eschewed the use of guitars entirely. Their collaboration began while jamming with the group Clear.
Their earliest recording sessions took place in July 1976. Shortly thereafter, TVOntario captured an in-studio performance for the Night Music Concert television program, which aired on November 3. This 30-minute episode showcased three extended compositions: "Phasors on Stun," "One O'Clock Tomorrow," and "Black Noise." It also featured a spoken-word biography narrated by David Pritchard, complemented by electronic soundscapes and visuals created by Paul Till. None of this material or any other recordings from the original duo were officially released until 2001.
FM's debut live show occurred in November 1976 at Toronto's A Space art gallery, shortly following the television broadcast.
Trio Formation: Hawkins, Plewman ("Nash the Slash"), and Deller (First Lineup)
In February 1977, FM expanded into a trio with the addition of drummer Martin Deller, who had previously collaborated with Nash on David Pritchard's album Nocturnal Earthworm Stew in 1976.
After appearing on CBC's Who's New, FM received an invitation from CBC to record an album resulting in Black Noise. CBC chose to distribute it primarily through mail order and radio promotion, pressing only 500 copies for this limited release. The original CBC pressing featured a monochrome image of a manhole cover, which was later replaced by artwork from Paul Till in subsequent reissues.
Following his recovery from a serious injury, Plewman departed in 1977 to focus on his solo career as Nash the Slash. He cited that incorporating drums shifted FM's sound toward a more commercial style, which motivated his exit.
Lineup Change: Hawkins, Mink, and Deller
Before the conclusion of 1977, Ben Mink joined FM as Plewman's replacement, contributing electric violin and mandolin. Their first recording as this trio was Direct to Disc (also referred to as Head Room), produced using a direct-to-disc recording technique without tape; various versions of this album exist.
In 1978, FM secured significant record deals with Visa Records in the United States and Passport Records in Canada; distribution was handled by GRT Records. Their initial release under these contracts was a reissue of Black Noise, now available commercially. The U.S. edition was released mid-year with the Canadian version following later. The single "Phasors on Stun" served as the album's promotional track and earned them a gold record. Despite this success, Hawkins revealed that they never received royalties from Canadian sales due to payments being routed through Visa Records in the U.S., while Canadian distributors failed to forward earnings.
The follow-up album Surveillance appeared in summer 1979 as their first widely distributed release featuring this lineup. However, its launch was postponed when GRT Records ceased operations shortly before release. Capitol Records took over Passport's Canadian distribution rights and reissued both albums. Passport filed for bankruptcy in 1981 but was revived in 1982 by A&M Records, which again re-released Black Noise.
In 1980, FM unveiled City of Fear, produced by Larry Fast (known professionally as Synergy), an electronic musician notable for his collaborations with Peter Gabriel. Additionally, Ben Mink issued an instrumental solo project titled Foreign Exchange, supported by fellow FM members. Mink exited FM in 1983.
Hawkins / Nash the Slash / Deller Lineup No. 2
In 1983, Nash the Slash suggested a joint tour with FM, aiming to capitalize on their overlapping fan base since Nash had contributed to FM's acclaimed 1977 album. With Ben Mink absent, Nash rejoined FM. As they commenced work on a new album in 1984, Passport Records ceased operations permanently. Nash, who had signed solo with Quality Records in 1983, planned to release American Band-ages and successfully brought FM onto the label as well. Members of FM also participated in Nash's album sessions. The double bill tour continued, featuring Nash as the opening act for FM concerts. FM's 1985 release Con-Test saw the return of Ben Mink.
A live performance recorded in 1985 at Toronto's Masonic Temple was broadcast by the CBC as part of its Rock Deluxe series.
FM encountered repeated setbacks due to label closures; shortly after Con-Test's release, Quality Records—Canada’s largest domestic label since the 1960s—shut down. MCA Records acquired reissue rights for both Con-Test and Nash's American Band-ages, but a series of label transitions resulted in limited promotional efforts. Following the 1986 tour, Martin Deller departed the band.
Hawkins / Nash the Slash / Brierly / Critchley Lineup
In 1986, Greg Critchley (formerly of The Partland Brothers and The Spoons) replaced Deller on drums, while guitarist Simon Brierley (ex-Lee Aaron, Strange Advance) joined the lineup. This marked a notable change in sound for FM, which had previously avoided electric guitars. The group recorded Tonight under Duke Street Records; its initial pressing was distinguished by green vinyl. Duke Street also issued a CD version featuring five bonus tracks from Con-Test, followed by a CD reissue of that earlier album. Five tracks from this period appeared in the horror film Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988).
Hawkins / Nash the Slash / Brierly / Cooke Lineup
In 1988, drummer Randy Cooke took over from Greg Critchley. This formation disbanded after completing the Tonight album tour.
Hawkins / Shaw / Brierly / Marangoni Lineup
By 1989, FM consisted of Hawkins and Brierly alongside Martin Shaw (also known as Marty Warsh) on mandolin and violin, and Paul Marangoni on drums. Although there were plans to record new material, this configuration dissolved in the early 1990s. Marangoni has since shared video footage of this lineup on YouTube.
Hawkins / Nash the Slash / Deller Lineup No. 3
In 1994, Cameron Hawkins established Now See Hear Records, initially handling distribution independently before partnering with MCA Records in 1996. That year, he secured ownership rights to Black Noise from the CBC by outbidding competitors; however, the CBC no longer possessed the master tapes, only an inferior cassette copy remained. Hawkins searched former Passport Records archives in the United States for original masters but was unsuccessful. Consequently, the Now See Hear reissue of Black Noise was sourced from vinyl pressings and licensed to One Way Records for U.S. distribution.
Following this reissue, FM’s classic lineup reunited for live performances between 1994 and 1996, resulting in the live album RetroActive, recorded in Toronto during November 1994 and released by Now See Hear in 1995. This album included previously unrecorded compositions.
In 2001, Nash the Slash issued Lost in Space on his Cut-throat Records label; this compilation featured unreleased and live FM recordings from the late 1970s and 1980s. The release was not authorized by other band members and credited as "Nash the Slash, Cameron Hawkins & Martin Deller," containing early material from 1976–77 as well as demos intended for Con-Test from 1984.
Hawkins / Vena / Deller Lineup
FM reassembled in 2006 for a live appearance at NEARfest in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on June 24, following a Toronto show on June 16. Italian musician Claudio Vena joined on electric violin and mandolin. This version of FM released new CD and DVD recordings; however, their official website has not been updated since that year.
In 2010, Martin Deller promoted drumming and recording lessons through a YouTube video featuring excerpts from their NEARfest performance noted as an upcoming release.
From 2011 to 2014
Starting in 2011, Cameron Hawkins led a refreshed FM lineup comprising Paul DeLong on drums, Aaron Solomon on violin, and Ed Bernard handling viola and mandolin duties. They were developing material for a forthcoming album slated for release by Esoteric Recordings.
On May 12, 2014, Nash the Slash passed away at age 66.
In 2015
April 2015 saw FM release Transformation through Esoteric/Cherry Red Recordings—their first studio album after a 28-year hiatus. The lineup featured Hawkins (bass and keyboards), DeLong (drums), Bernard (viola and mandolin), and Solomon (violin).
Members
Current Members
- Cameron Hawkins – keyboards, lead vocals, bass (1976–1989, 1994–1996, 2006, 2011–present)
- Paul DeLong – drums (2011–present)
- Edward Bernard – viola, mandolin (2011–present)
- Aaron Solomon – violin (2011–present)
Former Members
- Nash the Slash – violin, vocals, mandolin, harmonica (1976–1977, 1983–1989, 1994–1996)
- Martin Deller – drums, percussion, keyboards (1977–1986, 2006)
- Ben Mink – violin, backing vocals (1977–1983)
- Simon Brierly – guitars, backing vocals (1986–1989)
- Greg Critchley – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals (1986–1988)
- Randy Cooke – drums (1988)
- Martin Shaw – mandolin, violin (1989)
- Paul Marangoni – drums (1989)
- Claudio Vena – violin, mandolin (2006)
- Ivana Popovic
Discography
Albums
Studio Albums
- Black Noise (1977) (#60 Canada)
- Direct to Disc (1978) (reissued as Head Room in 1980 with alternate takes)
- Surveillance (1979) (#69 Canada)
- City of Fear (1980) (#86 Canada)
- Con-Test (1985) (#56 Canada)
- Tonight (1987) (#87 Canada)
- Transformation (2015)
Live Albums
- RetroActive (1995)
- Lost in Space (credited to Nash the Slash, Cameron Hawkins & Martin Deller) (2001)
- Live @ NEARfest 2006 (2014)
Singles
- "Phasors on Stun" / "Dialing for Dharma" – Passport Records, 1978
- "Shapes of Things" – Arista Records 0477 (USA), 1979
- "Just Like You" – Quality Records, 1985 – Canadian chart position No. 38
- "All of the Dreams" – 1986 – Canadian chart position No. 86
- "Why Don't You Take It" / "Just Like You" – MCA Records 52840, 1986 – Canadian chart position No. 90
- "Why Don't You Take It (Flight Mix)" / "Just Like You (Fun Mix)" – MCA Records 23634 (12-inch), 1986
- "She Does What She Wants" – MCA Records, 1986; later included on Duke Street's Tonight, released in 1987
- "Good Vibrations" / instrumental – released in 1987; exclusive to fan club members
- "Dream Girl" / "The Real Thing" – Duke Street Records, 1987 – Canadian chart position No. 41
- "Magic (in Your Eyes)" / "I'm Not Mad" – Duke Street Records, 1988 – Canadian chart position No. 52
- "She Does What She Wants" / remixes – Duke Street Records catalog number 10042, released in 1988
- "Hideaway" / edited version – Now See Hear catalog number 1095 released in 1995; mixed mode CD containing CD-ROM data alongside audio tracks