Regatta - ST

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Wherever You Run	04:09
	2	This is Love	04:22
	3	Give Me a Sign	03:49
	4	Matter of Time	04:44
	5	Heartbreaker	03:58
	6	Moonlight	04:09

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Wild Girls	04:14
	2	Confidential Information	04:16
	3	Writing On the Wall	04:46
	4	I Will be There	04:28
	5	Devils in Disguise	04:30

Photos

Videos

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Information/Write-up

Regatta is a Canadian rock band that rose to prominence in the 1980s, known for their signature blend of rock, pop, and new wave influences. The band made waves early in their career by winning the Q107 Homegrown Contest, a prestigious competition that spotlighted emerging Canadian talent. This win helped launch them into the national spotlight, gaining them recognition across Canada’s thriving rock scene.

Their music is characterized by soaring melodies, crisp guitar riffs, and an energetic rhythm section, all woven together with the use of synthesizers, creating a sound that perfectly captures the spirit of the 80s. Regatta’s self-titled debut album gained regional success and established the band as a force within Canadian rock. Their songs received significant airplay, resonating with fans drawn to their polished production and memorable hooks.

Chris Smith, the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, is known for his powerful voice and his knack for writing melodic memorable songs. His ability to blend rock grit with melodic sensibilities gave the band its distinctive sound. Smith’s vocals were a defining feature of Regatta’s music, providing the emotional core to their tracks. After the band’s run, Smith continued to pursue his musical passions, releasing independent albums that showcased his versatility as a singer-songwriter.

Matthew Gerrard was the band’s bassist and one of its primary songwriters. His melodic bass lines and sharp ear for crafting hooks were integral to shaping Regatta’s sound. In addition to his role as a musician and composer, Gerrard co-produced the band’s debut album alongside lead producer David Bendeth, helping to craft the record’s overall production and sonic direction. His time with Regatta laid the foundation for an illustrious career, earning him accolades such as an Emmy Award and multiple ASCAP "Most Performed Music" Awards.

Gerrard went on to write and produce chart-topping singles for multi-platinum artists like Kelly Clarkson ("Breakaway"), Cher ("Welcome to Burlesque"), Miley Cyrus, Nick Carter, and Demi Lovato. He is also the creative force behind hit songs from Disney’s High School Musical series and penned the iconic theme for Hannah Montana. His remarkable catalog includes work with Smash Mouth, Nick Jonas, and many more, cementing his legacy as a prolific figure in both television and popular music.

Greg Critchley, on drums, brought a tight and dynamic energy to the band’s rhythm section. His drumming style, which combined precision with a powerful backbeat, was a key element of Regatta’s live performances and recordings. Critchley’s rhythmic sensibilities helped to anchor the band’s sound, allowing for a fluid yet driving rock foundation. After Regatta, he transitioned into a successful career as a producer and musician, contributing to various projects across the industry.

Together, these three core members of Regatta created a sound that was both fresh and familiar, drawing on rock traditions while embracing the technological advancements of the era. Their blend of rock, pop, and new wave resonated with a wide audience, and their music remains a reflection of the vibrant Canadian rock scene of the 1980s.

Now, with the re-release of their debut album and a collection of previously unreleased tracks, Regatta’s music is set to find a new audience, reintroducing their contributions to the sound of the era while reminding original fans of the band’s enduring legacy.

Chris Smith: lead vocals, guitar
Mathew Gerrard: bass, backing vocals
Greg Critchley: drums, percussion
Lou Pomanti: keyboards
Richard Evans: keyboards

Produced by David Bendeth and Mathew Gerrard for BMG Music
Engineered by Glenn Robinson and Paul Milner

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