Band Members

Dawn Mandarino - vocals
Gillian Hanna - guitar
Ryan Hanna - bass
Jen Foster - drums

Official Flairs Biography

THE FLAIRS are a Canadian band preparing to take the world by storm with their catchy, hook-laden rock songs harkening back to the halcyon days of ‘80s metal and punk, sweetly flavored with a whole-lotta 21st century attitude. With the release of their second CD SHUT UP AND DRIVE and a US tour beginning in June 2006, THE FLAIRS will drive this point home.

After virtually growing up in popular Canuck band Tuuli – playing three US tours including sold out nights in L.A. and countless Canadian dates, showcasing at SXSW, fielding interviews from the likes of VH1 and Much Music Canada, and opening for such renowned bands as The Donnas, Disturbed, and rock legends Cheap Trick – vocalist/guitarist Dawn Mandarino and powerhouse drummer Jen Foster decided to form their own group with a more edgy and “in-your-face” sound.

The first seeds of THE FLAIRS were planted in the summer of 2002 when Dawn and Jen met guitar-slinging babe Gillian Hanna (Bif Naked), as they criss-crossed North America playing outdoor festivals and concerts. Finding common ground and a fast growing camaraderie, the three gals added Gillian’s brother Ryan on bass and THE FLAIRS were officially born.

THE FLAIRS attribute their unique sound to an amalgamation of their individual influences. Lead singer Dawn’s love for the Ramones and Jen’s command of ska-influenced punk in the vein of the Dance Hall Crashers mesh seamlessly with the Hanna’s passion for heavy guitar rock groups like Metallica and Guns ‘N Roses. Their respective tastes go hand in hand with the groups who initially sparked their imaginations like Veruca Salt, Nirvana, Garbage and Stone Temple Pilots. In the mix they have created a sound THE FLAIRS can truly call their own.

After creating a burst of new songs and locking themselves in a studio, THE FLAIRS recorded their self titled debut six-song EP which was released in November 2004. Much Music Canada instantly picked up the first video “Ready To Roll” and the aggressive “You’ll Never Know” reigned as #1 Best All Time Pop Rock Song on the infamous indie band site Garageband.com. The songs from the EP are a magical blend of youthful spirit and undeniable talent by a group determined to unleash their vision on an unsuspecting public hungry for real living, breathing punk-colored hard rock with smart pop sensibilities.

Having created a healthy buzz across Canada as a forceful live act, THE FLAIRS constant touring has included a successful run with rawk legend David Lee Roth, highly praised performances at two consecutive Vancouver’s New Music West festival, and a sold out show at Toronto’s NXNE. In preparation for their winter 2005 six-week cross Canada tour with notorious Toronto rocker Robin Black, Much Music TV picked up the band’s second video “Falling into Pieces,” which received frequent air play. During this tour, THE FLAIRS ruled Toronto’s prestigious Canadian Music Week, performing an intense energy-filled set expanding their already rabid fan base. They have since showcased at New York City’s esteemed punk rock venues, Los Angeles’ International Pop Overthrow Festival and headlined the ROCKRGRL Music Conference in Seattle.

THE FLAIRS spent the summer of 2005 recording new material for the album SHUT UP AND DRIVE and shot a video for their single, a brilliant spin on Skid Row’s “18 & Life.” The upcoming release will be distributed through Warner Music in Canada and Burnside in the U.S. (June 2006.) THE FLAIRS are currently shooting a video for their second single “Sorry 4 Lovin’ You” released to coincide with the SHUT UP AND DRIVE TOUR which kicks off June 26th in Pittsburgh, PA. For a list of tour dates and other information regarding the SHUT UP AND DRIVE TOUR visit www.theflairs.com.

Flairs Biography courtesy of The Flairs