Columbus

Columbus are five friends from Edmonton who unabashedly adore pop music. Chris Webster originated Columbus in 2002 as a solo project in his bedroom, where his love for The Zombies, Stereolab, High Llamas and 90s brit pop could have free reign. For two years, Webster recorded in the dark haven of a studio before he was lured to the bright lights of center stage.

After enlisting the help of four like-minded friends Tony Baker (bass) Rich Britton (guitar), Jesse Sherburne (drums) and Thea Varvis (organ & keyboard) the new Columbus rehearsed, danced, drank and laughed for three months before debuting to a sold-out crowd one sweaty night in July 2004. Even the most stalwart chin-scratcher in the audience couldn't help but bob along to Columbus' infectious melodies and engaging vocals.

Around the same time, very flattering reviews were pouring in from Europe, Canada and the United States for Turncoat, a track that Webster had given to local pop label Humbleebee Recordings for a compilation album. British music critic Grant Lakeland wrote “Turncoat sets the tone. It's sweet melody and 'ba-ba-ba-da-ba' ending marking Canadian band Columbus as a name worth further investigation.”

Columbus have performed with Montreal's infectious pop-duo The Diskettes, Sweden's lo-fi king The State of Samuel, Canadian pop heroes Sloan and superbuzz band from New York The Fever.