Background

Following the breakup of their former group in 2002 named Reticent Union, Darryl McCarty and Stan Clemance formed the new band in London, Ontario, where they were both living. They brought with them drummer Matt Fletcher, also from London.  Initially, the new project was labeled Christopher.  Although sometimes speculated that the project title was inspired by McCarty's middle name, McCarty insists that Christopher had in fact an entirely different meaning. In 2004, the new band was created and formally renamed Chasing Arcadia.

Overview

In 2004, Siegfried Meier agreed to produce early studio work on Chasing Arcadia's first album at Emac Studios in London, Ontario.  Shortly after this, the band began to write and record on a regular basis, and in the autumn of 2004, they began to showcase their songs in live venues around southwestern Ontario.

In early 2005, Chasing Arcadia released their first self-titled studio album.  It was recorded at EMAC Studios in London, Ontario, and at Threshold Sound, in Kitchener, Ontario.  The singles, Come Down and Summertime, both received some of radio play within Ontario.  The album was distributed internationally through Sam the Record Man, iTunes, Amazon, and Napster.  A complete second album was recorded by the early autumn of 2005, but it was never released. At that time the band took an indefinite hiatus in November of 2005.

McCarty continued recording some solo work in a project he called Admiral Drive.  In late 2007, he asked Clemance to perform with him at a small club in London called Call The Office, along with drummer Matt Weston.  After receiving positive feedback from the new material, McCarty and Clemance decided to revive Chasing Arcadia.  McCarty and Clemance spent the spring of 2008 auditioning for a replacement drummer, and found Jeremy Avraham.  Although Jeremy proved to be an excellent match, he only remained with the band for a year, and in 2009, Jeff Wakem pursued the role and became Chasing Arcadia's new percussionist.  His no-nonsense approach to rythem and his tasteful yet tight drumming style was exaclty what the band needed to complete their melodic rock sound, tying together the old roots of the band, while bringing in something altogether new.

It was apparent to McCarty that, given the nature of the new material, a second guitarist was also needed.  He was hesitant, however, as he was worried that a second guitarist might 'clash' with both the group and the revised sound.  In June of 2008, his fears were allayed.  Hailed recently as a "virtuoso" by the Edmonton Sun, Patrick Hughes responded to an audition requested by Chasing Arcadia.  His intuitive style and flawless technique amounted to the final piece of the puzzle, and he was added to the band's roster.