Hemi 69 was formed in 2000 by Tim Oliver and Paul Devine as a writing & recording project in a small apartment complex in St. Catharines Ontario. Canada. Using a drum machine for basic beats they began recording songs by their favorite bands on a four track recorder as well as writing and recording original material. Over the last six years Hemi 69 has enjoyed many accomplishments as well as enduring their share of downfalls but through every obstacle Hemi 69 has never failed to impress and capture the attention of young and old alike. A mixture of Grunge & classic rock influence, they call it 'textured garage' Alice in chains & Pearl Jam meets Pink Floyd & Deep Purple. Hemi 69 is known for their great live shows which include covers as well as their originals and their all out jams in which they incorporate bongos and congas creating a jungle type feel when all three members are jamming together on percussion. Hemi 69 can break into a jam at anytime and is well known for going for up to 20 minutes in different keys and progressions just losing themselves in the moment. Hemi 69 is quickly becoming known as one of the best local acts in the Niagara region with their hard-hitting approach to new Rock.

The latest band lineup includes Tim Oliver on Vocals, guitars and percussion as well as bass for recording purposes. Paul Devine on Vocals, keyboards and percussion. And introducing Ken Cormier on Drums and backing vocals. Tim brings his grunge vocal stylings with a riff laden guitar style that never fails to please the crowd. With his frantic stage presence and epic guitar solos, it's always a performance to remember. Paul is the more laid back of the two bringing to the table his high range melodic vocals and textured synth keyboards incorporating strings, organs and various other far out sounds into the mix. Ken's drum style is far from the bands norm, with his preference for 70's & 80's metal he gives the band a new and unexpected edge that's like an explosion in your brain. With Tim's self taught style and Paul's years of keyboard training and show experience coupled with Ken's in your face drum technique Hemi 69 has created a sound all their own that is definitely something to see in person. Tim's writing style often refers to lost love and abandonment with calm verses and heavy often dramatic choruses, bridges & guitar solos. such can be heard on their songs 'To see you' & 'Dundas'. Paul adds a bluesy side to his writing giving his opinions on society and pollitical issues.Both share in the writing duties which creates a very diverse feel to their shows.

Things began to pick up for Hemi 69 in 2002. Playing as a five piece they made a promise to themselves to always keep an open mind about playing shows and just music in general. They began playing battles of the bands any time they could and eventually started to take center stage at many of their shared shows. In 2003 they played their first show in Toronto for a crowd of more than 100 and were very well received for an unknown band. Steadily gaining momentum they began playing shows across the region gaining new fans everytime. Later that year a demo version of their song 'To see you' reached number one on the Supernova. com independent music charts in it's first week of play.In 2004 Hemi 69 opened for Canadian Celtic rockers The Mudmen & showed the crowd what hard rock is all about. As well as playing shows such as the Niagara Grape and Wine festival, Hemi 69 has played many full three or more hour shows of their own at various bars, clubs & private parties alike. Anywhere possible to get the word out about the band. This has proven Hemi 69's immense versatility.In 2004 Hemi 69 was given honorable mention as Best local original band in Niagara's Pulse magazine readers choice poll. And in 2005 they took top spot as Best local original band in the same poll.Tim and Paul also have a soft spot for the less fortunate & have set up numerous shows contributing all of the proceeds to local Community care & various other charities. ( The first show alone raise more than $300 and 250 pounds of food for Thorold community care) Which is something Hemi 69 takes great pride in.Hemi 69 has garnered much critical acclaim for their performances and song writing skills as well as their 'tight as hell' sound. In 2005 they won 16 hours of recording time at Machine head studios in Toronto at a battle of the bands in Niagara Falls.As well as acquiring more than 80 hours of free recording time with a student at T.A.R.A. studios in Toronto just through word of mouth. They used this time to record their recent demo-album titled 'This is why we can't have nice things'.

Throughout the course of the bands History they have experienced numerous member changes including five drummers, two bassists & a rhythm guitarist all the while Tim and Paul remained sole members. Both believe in their music as a career and will never let anything stand in the way of achieving their goal. With over 100 gigs under their belt Hemi 69 is poised to become one of the biggest local acts around no matter how long or how much hard work it takes. Hemi 69 is the epitome of perseverance in the face of an ever changing industry and will never be brought down by anyone or anything. To them music is life, it's far from being a game and no matter who comes and goes they will always have a singular vision to make the best music possible and to let the world know of Hemi 69.