The Kingpins (Canadian band)
| Company type | Ska band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Eric "Boum Boum" Boulanger, Jordan Swift, Ian "Hot Tub" Hodkinson, Lorraine Muller |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States, Europe, Japan |
Key people | Lorraine Muller (lead vocals/saxophone) |
| Products | Ska music albums and singles |
The Kingpins, with Lorraine Muller – acclaimed as The Queen of Ska, were a ska ensemble originating from Montreal and played a pivotal role in founding the Stomp Records label alongside Montreal's The Planet Smashers. Their active years spanned from 1994 until 2004, during which they embarked on extensive tours across Canada, the United States, and Europe, performing in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and Japan. Renowned for their energetic ska grooves and bilingual lyrics in both English and French, they secured a notable position within the ska music industry.
History
Established in 1994 by Eric "Boum Boum" Boulanger on drums, Jordan Swift handling bass duties, Ian "Hot Tub" Hodkinson on organ, and Lorraine Muller playing alto saxophone—who later assumed lead vocal responsibilities earning the title "The Queen of Ska"—the group gained early recognition with their 1995 single "On the Run." This track earned them the Montreal Independent Music Industry award for Best Single, significantly enhancing their stature within Montreal’s ska community and attracting larger crowds.
Their initial album, Watch Your Back (1997), laid the groundwork for their musical identity; however, it was their sophomore release Let's Go To Work (1999), a classic ska collection, that propelled them into wider prominence. This album facilitated appearances at major events such as the Warped Tour and Montreal Jazz Festival, along with extensive touring throughout Europe.
With the release of their third record Plan of Action (2000), the band underwent a stylistic transformation emphasizing Muller’s role as lead singer. They infused elements of new wave and breakbeat into their ska foundation and featured collaborations with notable Canadian ska figures like Dave "JFK" Adams and Mitch "King Kong" Girio. This artistic progression was met with positive reception and broadened their audience reach.
By 2004, Lorraine Muller remained as the sole original member. Reflecting changes in personnel and musical direction, the group rebranded themselves as Lo and the Magnetics. At the time of The Kingpins’ dissolution, the lineup consisted of Muller (lead vocals/saxophone), Chris Raz (guitar), Dan Meier (saxophone), Russ Cooper (bass), and Mike Gasselsdorfer (drums). Lo and the Magnetics occasionally performed material from The Kingpins' repertoire but have since ceased regular activity.
Discography
- On the Run (1995) (CD single)
- Watch Your Back (1997)
- Lootin' Shootin' and Wailin' (7" vinyl single)
- Let's Go to Work (1999)
- Plan of Action (2000)
Compilation appearances
- "Spy vs. Spy" featured on The All-Skanadian Club Vol. 1 (Stomp Records, 1996)
- "Watch Your Back" included in The All-Skanadian Club Vol. 2 (Stomp Records, 1996)
- "Johnny Ratchet" appearing on The All-Skanadian Club Vol. 3 (Stomp Records, 1997)
- "Manon Viens Danser Le Ska" on 2Tongue: le Québec en montre une! (Disques Sapristi)
- "Ball of Fire" (in collaboration with The Pilfers) and "Give it to Me Now" on Oi!/Skampilation Vol. 3 (Radical Records)
- "Bed Rock Twitch" on FlashBack (Discos del Toro, 2000)
- "Plan of Action" included in Forty One Sixty (JAM Records, 2009)
Videography
- Supernova
- Consequence
- Bordel
- Manon Viens Danser le Ska (1999)