The Waking Eyes - holding on to whatever it is

The Waking Eyes are Rusty Matyas, Joey Penner, Matt Peters and Steve Senkiw. The group formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 2001 as more of a musical collective and recording project than a band proper. From the beginning they have refused to be one-dimensional and predictable, with the only constant in their sound coming from their distinct songwriting style. Their debut album Combing The Clouds is a rich tapestry of neo-psychedelic and orchestral pop recorded in various basements, garages and bedrooms in Manitoba. It was released to critical acclaim on Endearing Records in 2002. Soon after they signed with Coalition Records and recorded the rock album, Video Sound, in Toronto. After extensive touring over the next couple of years and finally solidifying their membership, The Waking Eyes went home to work on something new. From the fall of 2005 until the summer of 2007 they wrote and recorded far too many songs to count. After the dust had settled they were left with a 3-CD set of B-sides and rarities (Operation Walter Prychodko), two side projects (Rusty’s Terrier and Matt’s Royal Canoe) and the real prize - a full length album called Holding On To Whatever It Is. The album was recorded and co-produced by John Paul Peters in Winnipeg and will surely be something completely unexpected. The group is currently preparing for the release of this new record in the coming summer.

Matt and Rusty contribute their voices and accompany them with melodies and chords played on guitars and keyboards. Steve counts from 1 to 4, sometimes to 6, and hits things precisely with sticks and feet. Joey makes his bass sound like a soul singer. Previous members include Myron Schulz and Russ Doerksen