IT STARTED BACK IN 1994.
Formed by Michael Tension (then Michael S. Montgomery) back in the early nineties. Many faces changed along the way. But the lineup from 1995 until the end in 2005 remained constant. Only the lead guitar player Christian Down (then Christian Downie) was replaced in 2000 by Joey HiFi (then Joel Bryant). To keep an indie band together that long is story-worthy.
Jai Joans (then Jai Soloy) was first to join in 1995 followed by Christian Down the same year. The original drummer, Dave Shaw (1994–1996), was replaced by The Negative Bastard (then Chris Hitchcock).
None of these guys were known by Michael Tension before becoming band members. As mentioned, it took time to assemble the right group of people. Jeffery Sez got along better than brothers. But take the band away and you saw exactly how different these people were. Don’t get me wrong, they still get along really well today. They just don’t hang out much anymore.
ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME!
Building Rafts Out Of Burnt Bridges, released by Supreme Echo, is a collection of 12 Jeffery Sez songs ranging from 1998–2004.
It includes tracks from Don’t Stand By Dick (1999), 15 Smiles to the Gal (2002–2003) + three unreleased tracks (2003–2004).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS (A.K.A. SOME SHIT).
This is taken mostly from our original website you can see on the Way Back Machine if you’re interested. Or get the new record Building Rafts Out Of Burnt Bridges. It comes with an 8-page story of Jeffery Sez from start to finish. Like a massive 11.5 inch by 11.5 inch fucker. We’re not putting it all here.
- Western Canada’s leg of “Jägermeister Live Rock Shooter Tour” opening for The Salads in fall 2003.
- Winner of Best Album at the 2003 M*Power Music Awards. Victoria's 2nd annual indie music awards. Six nominations in total including Best Live Band and Best Artist.
- Signed on with Cordova Bay Records. Amongst other things, the partnership included distribution across Canada and eventually internationally.
- Chosen as “Band Of The Month” on 91.3 The Zone for the month of January 2003.
- Nominated for six awards at “The M*Power Music Awards” 2002, Victoria's first annual independent music awards show. Winner for “Best Promotion”.
- Chosen from over 120 bands to appear on 100.3 The Q’s Rocktoria 2000. One of the premier CDs for supporting local Canadian talent. Released June 30th 2000.
- Received airplay for “Someone Worse”, “Red Dress” and “Postcard” on local radio stations 100.3 The Q, 107.3 Extreme as well as college stations across Canada.
- Performed at “New Music West” three times from 2000 through 2002.
- 1/2 hour features on The 100.3 The Q's “B.C. Grown” with Kevin Wilson. Broadcasted November 25th, 2001 and July 7th 2002.
- T.V. interview and promo spots on The New VI's “VIland News” (November 29th 2001, Saturday July 13th, 2002).
- 22-show tour of southwestern Canada completed in July, 2000. Follow-up tour completed in March 2001.
- Played the “Concert Under The Stars” concert series on July 30th, 2000. Broadcast live on 100.3 The Q.
- First Canadian tour (May 6th–June 2nd 1999) covered major cities between Victoria, BC. and St. Catharines, ON. Short western follow-up tour completed in October 1999.
- Represented Victoria in the “Vancouver Island Showcase of Bands,” giving Jeffery Sez their first national exposure on MuchMusic. Spot included interview and clips from the live show.
- Have supported such bands as Nickleback, 54-40, Big Sugar, The Salads, The Special Guests, Barney Bentall, J.Englishman, Elevator Through, Flybanger (Jar), Retrograde, Starling, Todd Kearns and yeah, more.