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We're a coffee! Check it out! It's something great from our friends at Altitude Coffee Roasters!
$2.00 from every bag sold will be donated to Guitars for Kids (Waterloo), a registered not-for-profit that collects and repairs guitars and gets them into the hands of kids that may otherwise not have access to one. You can order online at altitudecoffee.ca!
"A custom blend for our super talented musician friends at Checkerboard Floors. $2.00 from every bag sold will be donated to Guitars for Kids (Waterloo), a registered not-for-profit that collects and repairs guitars and gets them into the hands of kids that may otherwise not have access to one. Also available as a subscription. We had to make this roast checkered of course! A 50/50 blend of one of the darkest roasts (Carnaval de Cafe) and one of our lighter roasts (Buna Dabo Naw). It’s the perfect blend!"
Music You Dance To - Out Now!
You can now hear the EP on all streaming platforms! The band couldn't be happier to share these new songs and can't wait to play them live! #musicyoudanceto
Video Released for "Canadian Tuxedo"
Great fun has been had telling the story of Turtle Ken, the beturtlenecked downhearted fellow, in the music videos for the EP. This last one gives a sort of origin story, of how Turtle Ken got his first turtleneck. The rest of the band made it in there somewhere too (can you spot the cameos?)
Written by Derek Palango; produced by Tyler Wilson; video production Matt Outerson; Turtle Ken played by Kevin Barrie.
Video Released for "Oh My Stars!"
See what happens when Turtle Ken discovers a mysterious old tome.
Video Released for "Carry You Through"
Turtle Ken is not having the best day. Hopefully a song by his favourite band will help carry him through.
Video Released for "Couldn't Ask For More"
See what happens when our hero, Turtle Ken, comes out of a restless sleep to find a mysterious video game on his tablet...
#MusicYouDanceTo
Checkerboard Floors want to play music you dance to, and they’ve been doing it for over a decade.
Aside from their energy-packed live shows that have crowds singing and dancing along, nothing more clearly demonstrates the band’s drive than the songs they've been releasing independently. That includes their latest EP, Music You Dance To, released on March 29, 2021.
The EP was recorded in isolation throughout 2020 as the band sought to remain productive while gigs had largely dried up from the pandemic. The songs themselves had been in waiting for years; 2020 became the right time to focus on bringing them to light. Music You Dance To is meant to fuse the feel of the band’s live show. The result is five infectious tracks that feel altogether new and familiar, inspiring listeners to move. Iain Key from Louder Than War said in his review that "ultimately Checkerboard Floors, with their layered harmonies and sunny disposition transport me to a place I’ve only seen on TV or film, such as Degrassi High or a John Hughes movie which always seemed more idyllic than growing up in a dark and wet Manchester".
As a collection of songs, Music You Dance To is a fitting follow up to the 2014 LP, Art Project. Hamilton Blues Lovers called Art Project “a multi-layerd, dynamic album packed full of powerful riffs with an alt-rock touch”, where “roots, funk, alternative rock [and] classic rock are all mixed in with panache”, and BScene described it as being “soaked in delicious tele riffs, upbeat drum tempos, smooth vocals, bouncy bass and lyrics we can all relate to”.
Checkerboard Floors are Derek Palango (vocals, guitar), Matt Outerson (bass, vocals), and Kevin Barrie (drums, vocals) who officially replaced founding member Rob Shorney in 2018. Founding member Tyler Wilson (guitar, vocals) departed from the group in 2022. The band originally came together through work, mutual friends, and a shared love of music in early 2009. They quickly secured gigs in local venues as a cover band, and spent the next few years refining their act, performing a wide array of covers from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Paul Simon, and more contemporary artists such as The Black Keys, The Sheepdogs, and The Tragically Hip.
Their sound might be called Alt-Rock. However, it’s not hard for one also to hear varied styles within, which serve as important influences and propel the band’s music forward; including though not limited to Blues, Funk, Motown, and Jazz.
As for the future, the band continues to toil away, as best anyone can in these times. It seems it’s tougher than ever to know for certain what tomorrow will bring. But, for Checkerboard Floors, no matter what, the music keeps on rolling.
Sunshine - Streaming Now!
Sunshine is streaming now! Join 'Turtle Ken' on his first adventure in the official music video!
Don't Stop Believin'
Filmed and recorded separately, together.
Great Times at Canada's Largest Ribfest!
It was yet another blast playing Canada's Largest Ribfest! Thanks to Rotary Burlington Lakeshore for putting on such a great event and always for a good cause.
Praise For Checkerboard Floors and Art Project
"their live show is nothing short of a blast and you are sure to find yourself humming along with songs from the album"
-BScene
“a multi-layerd, dynamic album packed full of powerful riffs with an alt-rock touch”
-Hamilton Blues Lovers
"slick arrangements and crafty vocal interplay"
-Barber Shop Podcast
Buy Art Project NOW!
Order a CD through PayPal or check out Dr. Disc Hamilton!
Buy or stream online through your favourite streaming platforms!
