The Façade

Facade began life as a trio made up of two brothers and a cousin, then expanded its lineup with extra guitarists to create a fuller sonic palette. Around April Fools’ Day in 1998 the group welcomed high-school friends Sean Humphries and Brandon Green on guitar. The band played clubs throughout Pickering and Toronto, where its high-energy stage presence quickly stood out, and it also claimed victories in several battle-of-the-bands contests. In 2001 the musicians were introduced to producer Brad Nelson, whose résumé already included work with the Headstones and Alanis Morissette; after hearing the material he invited them to record. The resulting sessions yielded the band’s debut album, released as the self-titled Facade in 2002. The group later opened for veteran Canadian classic-rock acts such as Goddo and won a commercial audition that funded new equipment. Appearances at Toronto’s North by Northeast Festival added to its growing profile.