Vanek (band)

Vanek is a Canadian indie rock band from Oak Ridges, Ontario

Members

  • Mark Pezzelato "Pez" (Vocals/Guitar)
  • Cody Rosenstein (Vocals/Drums)
  • Mike Crombez (Bass)
  • Kieran Fay (Lead Guitar)
  • Mike Capobianco "Capo" (2nd Drummer/Percussion)

Biography

In 1999, Mark Pezzelato began to create and record music for Vanek. Since those early beginnings, he has written over 100 songs, played all INSTRUMENTS (drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals) on 3 full length albums; "Vanek Self-titled Debut", "Open Arms (Acoustic Ablum)", and "Beyond Recognition" and played over 30 shows both solo and acoustic. The development of Vanek has seen many changes, one of those is becoming a full 5 piece band including two drummers. Noteably, 2009, was a monumental year for Vanek with much growth and success happening very rapidly.

In February, Mike Crombez joined Vanek and became an instant fit. Pezzelato found Crombez's rhythm and MusicAL style were exactly what was needed to help move Vanek in the right direction for success. Cody Rosenstein, (a former co-op student at Pezmosis Music Productions) was brought onboard in late March 2009, after an un-named drummer didn't quite fit sound or style that Pezzelato was looking for.

The three members of Vanek began the work of mastering the music that Pezzelato had put together over the past 10 years. A short time later, the trio found themselves beginning to play shows in the Newmarket, Ontario area.

Kieran Fay came to meet Pezzelato also as a co-op student at Pezmosis. He joined Vanek in June 2009. With a lot of work ahead of him, Fay began to master the music of Vanek so the band could play as a 4 piece for a show in Ottawa that was only AbOUT a month away from the time he joined. As the final member of Vanek, Mike Capobianco joined the ensemble in October 2009, with the intention of being background percussion, that soon evolved into being a full time second drummer. Vanek now plays to capacity crowds at many venues throughout the GTA.

Now with the members of Vanek in place the band has begun a new chapter in the Canadian Indie Music scene. With several shows under their belts, Vanek plans to revolutionize the way music is brought to their fans. The first step of which was a free admission benefit concert being held at the Newmarket Theatre on January 9, 2010. All monies raised from this performance were donated to the Southlake Regional Cancer Program. In a press release, Pezzelato was quoted "This concert is the first of many. The goal of Vanek is to use creativity in music to produce love and respect for all humanity. Soon we will be playing full stadium concerts for the same reason in the same manner. (free admission)” The concert raised about $800 for the new cancer facility scheduled to take its first patient in March 2010.

The band has just recently finished recording an EP with producer Simon Head. Recording took place at Pezmosis Music Productions, consisting of the tracks: 6 Feet, Bodies, and Without Fail.

The main influence for Vanek's music is Pearl Jam. The musical sound of Vanek is a combination of Neil Young, Frank Sinatra, and early Arctic Monkeys. It is from early days in 1918 when Jesse Vanek opened a corner store in Oak Ridges, Ontario. With the help of her family, Jesse went on to operate a summer camp for kids on Lake Wilcox. It is from this mission of love and respect that the music of Vanek lives.

Albums