The Waking Eyes

The Waking Eyes
Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	2002
Headquarters	Winnipeg and Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada
Products	Albums, music videos, radio singles

The Waking Eyes was a rock ensemble originating from Winnipeg and Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.

History

Following the dissolution of Manitoba-based groups The Pets and Novillero, The Waking Eyes came together and launched their first album, Combing the Clouds, in 2002. Their sophomore release, Video Sound, arrived in 2004 and secured a Western Canada Music Award in 2005. During this period, bassist Russ Dufault exited the band, initially succeeded by Michael Small from The Meligrove Band, before Joey Penner became the permanent replacement.

The band embarked on extensive tours throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe, notably performing at Germany’s POPKOMM festival. In 2005, they received a nomination for the Juno Award in the New Group of the Year category.

Between 2006 and early 2007, The Waking Eyes concentrated on songwriting and pre-production efforts in Winnipeg. Their third studio album, Holding on to Whatever It Is, was recorded in May 2007 under the guidance of producer John Paul Peters. This album was digitally released in July 2008, followed by vinyl and CD formats, and earned a Western Canada Music Award for best independent album.

Hiatus

The Waking Eyes entered a hiatus in July 2010 to allow members to pursue separate ventures. Matyas established the soul-pop project Imaginary Cities with Winnipeg vocalist Marti Sarbit; additionally, he performed solo as Terrier and collaborated with Ewan Currie in The Mothers Brothers Band.

John Paul Peters’ 2010 release with his group Royal Canoe, titled Co-Op Mode, featured contributions from all members of The Waking Eyes. Peters remains active in Winnipeg’s music scene as a writer, producer, and recording artist working with acts such as The Liptonians, Slattern, Demetra, Ruth Moody, This Hisses, and Triunfo do Gato. Both Peters and Matyas also collaborate on Milk, a hip-hop endeavor, while Peters leads Racket (pronounced "Racket in Brackets"), a dance project influenced by Ratatat.

Discography

Music videos

"Watch Your Money"
"The Beginning"
"On a Train"
"But I Already Have It"
"Taking the Hard Way"
"All Empires Fall"
"Wolves at the Door"

Radio singles

"Watch Your Money"
"Beginning"
"On a Train"
"If You Know Why"
"All Empires Fall"

External links

Official website
Interview with Matt Peters – October 15, 2008