"It's Caffeinated fresco pop with a polka punk twist, radio friendly folky-funk with a side order of lies, crip hop chevy metal in a garage land of blooze."
Formed in 2006, the group quickly gained momentum by keeping a busy performance schedule and bringing fans all the venom, passion, and honesty they have come to expect. Their concerts have a reputation for a unique energy and unpredictability that has been mesmerizing crowds for years.
The hard work and exposure paid off with the RLS sharing the stage with some of Canada's best up and coming bands, including Rebel Emergency, Daniel Wesley, Jen Militia, A Plot Against Me, Flow 14, Songs from a Room, Loudlove and many more. They've also toured in Ontario and Quebec and performed at the Ottawa Super Ex, numerous festivals, radio stations, live television, music stores and concert halls.
The Red Light Saints give much of their time, energy, and merchandise to charity, playing benefit concerts for United Way, Students for a Free Tibet, Breast Cancer Awareness, SickKids Foundation, and the Children's Aid Society. They have also struck a chord with the university crowd, having songs being put into rotation on college radio, repeat live on air performances, as well as interviews, acoustic sets and features in student newspapers and blogs. The band has found a solid fan base that craves exciting new music.
More recently the industry took note by having RLS as finalists in the LIVE 88.5 Big Money Shot for the last three years in a row. Their singles "Broken Trees", "Pophead" and "Friendship Song" received repeat airplay on mainstream radio and excellent feedback. In 2008 they won as the wildcard band and made it to the semi-finals, showcasing for a panel of judges from the music industry that ranged from major labels and talent agencies to representatives from digital distribution companies.
In 2009, the original members -Chad, Dan and Johnny- welcomed a new musician; Humberto Fernandz, an accomplished bass player and composer from Cuba formerly signed to Warner. This combination has brought the band to a whole new level. They've never sounded better and are in the best form of their musical careers.
In the summer of 2009, the Red Light Saints won the "Concourse de Rock" competition, sponsored by TAG Radio X, the alternative rock station in Gatineau, Quebec. 2010 saw the band performing constantly, including a high profile show with Canadian rock legends Helix. Their second album, "District" was released in the spring of 2011.
The Red Light Saints aren't ready to slow down. In March 2011, Red Light Saints embarked on a highly ambitious and successful Tour of Cuba. This marked the first time a Canadian Alternative Rock band has been officially invited by the Cuban Ministry of Arts and Culture to tour the country. The band participated in The Cuerda Viva Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Cuba. They also appeared on numerous National television and live radio shows, hosted a series of workshops for the arts community and played for thousands of people across Cuba. Red Light Saints we're given an award for International Band of the Year on the nationally televised Cuerda Viva Awards. While on tour, the band shot a documentary to be released in summer. A Canadian Tour is on the horizon in 2013.
The Saints are coming!!!