Desperate Union

A lot has happened for Toronto rock band Desperate Union in its first nine months. The group played its first gig at a Canada Day concert on July 1, 2008, had major label representatives at its second gig (which was still half-filled with cover songs) three months later, changed its rhythm section just before shooting a music video directed by a six-time Juno Award nominee in February, and has a single titled "Black And White Lies" produced by a man who was up for a 2009 Grammy Award on the radio now. Desperate Union's three primary members are 16-year-old singer Alen Worsoff and guitarists Adam Spears, 16, and Mike Carbone, 18. Drummer Alexander Lamothe and bassist Oscar recently joined as the live rhythm section, while former Kill Hannah and Prick stick man Garrett Hammond and producer/musician Johnny K have filled those roles in K's Groovemaster Recording Studios in Chicago where Desperate Union's debut album is being recorded. Lead single "Black And White Lies" was one of the first four tracks recorded with K, whose production credits include Disturbed, Finger Eleven, Drowning Pool and Machine Head. He was nominated for a 2009 Grammy for his work with Plain White T's, Staind and 3 Doors Down, and records he's produced have sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. The "Black And White Lies" video was directed by Don Allan, a six-time Juno nominee whose music video credits include K-OS, Blue Rodeo, The Trews, The Tea Party and many others. The single and video are being promoted by Vancouver and New York City-based Frontside Promotions Group. They're just two more parts of the formidable team that's been built around Desperate Union before it signs with a record company. "We want to get as far as we can without a label so we can get a good deal with the label," says Worsoff. "If we're going to be signed, it's going to be on good terms." www.desperateunion.com