The `Catz
The Picklecatz were forged in "dark rooms with dusty ceilings" says Troy Jones, the band's leader singer and primary songwriter.
Want to learn a little more about The Picklecatz? Check out the bios of all of our band members by clicking on the links below.
Troy Jones
...it was the tail end of the 20th century. A young Troy Jones emerges from the millenium with a fire in his eye and a will to move... ...these are his stories.
Birthday: April 10
Hometown: Mann's Mountain, New Brunswick
Instruments: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Pet Peeve: Karaoke
Favourite Beer: Anything in quart size
In their own words...
"As monkeys are concerned, the evolution of the opposable thumb would only inhibit their ability to climb...", Jones sighs. He wishes he could climb uninhibited. -- Troy Jones, May 12, 2002
Rob Sample
Rob was the proprietor of the Lava Lounge and a SMASH! Court ringmaster. The Picklecatz's bass man lays down some heavy beats while he tries really hard not to crack a smile.
Rob's early years began in the wilds of Saskatchewan, where he grew up amidst a modern-day Partridge Family. His father and two younger brothers still play gigs in the wilds north of Saskatoon.
Birthday: November 6
Hometown: Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan
Instruments: BASS
Pet Peeve: Socks
Favourite Beer: Free and plentiful (preferably in keg form)
In their own words...
I really don't like socks. They are bad. Boris is mean for making me write my own bio. -- Rob Sample, May 12, 2002
Stephan Meyer
Hailing from Westville, N.S., Stephan demonstrates to audiences how years of classical music training can be squandered away through over-indulgence and partying. A self-proclaimed music junkie, his greatest claim to fame are that in past bands, he played with Kris MacFarlane (drummer for Kilt, and now with Great Big Sea) and Scott MacFarlane (bassist with Sandbox, then Kilt, now with Crush). Being the 'utility man' of the band, he can be found laying down a groove on the keys, playing the odd percussion, penny whistle, mouth harp, or even screaming out nonsensical lyrics.
Birthday: May 31
Hometown: Westville, Nova Scotia
Instruments: Anything that's not a bass, guitar, or drum kit
Pet Peeve: The fact that I can't sing and play piano at the same time
Favourite Beer: Alexander Keith's, of course!
In their own words...
The Picklecatz and our music is the sanity of our insane world. Outside the Lava Lounge, the world is coming apart, but in the Lounge, we just rock it all away! -- Stephan Meyer, May 12, 2002
Matt Scase
He's been known to be a 'Mad Doctor' on occasion, but mischievious Matt is usually remarkably calm and laidback despite the crazy surroundings he sometimes finds himself in.
Birthday: August 27
Hometown: Sharon, Ontario
Instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Pet Peeve: People who can't say my name right, but I'm getting used to it
Favourite Beer: Hacker-Pschorr
Favourite Activity Outside of The Picklecatz: Chasing plastic
In their own words...
Smash! SMASH! -- Matt Scase, May 12, 2002
Patrick Calnan
The oldest member of The Picklecatz (his Oil of Olay contract precludes him from telling us just how old he is), Patrick is a veteran of the Ottawa music scene having performed with dyssia, The Gutterboys and several other bands.
A self-taught drummer, Patrick deftly illustrates the old joke of "How can you tell when a drummer's at the door?... The knocking speeds up and he never knows when to come in!"
Birthday: July 24
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Instruments: Drums, Percussion
Pet Peeve: Getting cut off in rush hour traffic, grrr!
Favourite Beer: Corona
In their own words...
...being the newest addition to The Picklecatz, I've been blown away by both the warm reception I've gotten in this band and also by the music. When it boils right down to it, the tunes are where it's at and... well... judge for yourself.
P.S. Boris really is as cruel as Rob says he is -- be afraid, be very afraid. -- Patrick Calnan, May 12, 2002