As we are huge fans of timelines, we thought it best to present our own!
March 2009 – After rekindling his long-lost love of music with his stint in French-speaking band Les Bébés Requins, Stephane Messier branched out and started to write his own material. Still playing bass in the Yéyé band, Messier sought out other musicians to collaborate on what would soon be known as Union General.
Summer 2009- Messier was joined by fellow Bébé Requins band member and guitarist Felix Bouchard. In addition, Karl Schmitz, drummer of the rockabilly outfit The Chevettes, added his unique rhythms to Messier’s melodies and Bouchard’s echoing riffs. It only took a few weeks for the band to write a flurry of songs.
Spring 2010- After Les Bébés Requins’ fallout, Messier devoted himself to the creation of new songs for Union General. Always looking for new sounds, the band invested in vintage gear that would further define its unique retro sound. The group records a few demos for the Web. (available on MySpace: www.myspace.com/union-general).
September 2010 – Union General makes its public debut on a live recording of the CFLX radio show "Arts D'Œuvres" hosted by Sylvie L. Bergeron. Soon after, the band plays its first gig in a local outdoor festival, the St-Denis de Brompton « September fest ».
October 2010- Disappointed by the lack of local outfits playing on Halloween, Messier, the band and radio host Eve Bonin plan the « Show Monstre pour CFLX » benefit concert for CFLX 95.5FM. The show features acrobats, stilt walkers, side-show projections and, of course, local bands. Deerbunnies, Burowski, Unveil and Union General provide an eclectic mix of music for the avid and costumed concertgoers.
December 2010- After the huge Halloween show, the band plays a more intimate gig in local dive bar Le Duplessis with Montrealers Stone Junkyard.
February 2011- Union General plays as the opening act for Montreal band Lindberg Line, Burowski and DJ Flix at the Magog bar.
March 2011 – The tapes start rolling: the band attempts its first recording sessions at Vincent Lebeau studio. With more than 20 songs in their bag, Union General has their work cut-out for them.
April 22 2011- In a live webcast at downtown art Gallery and concert venue ArtFocus, the band plays a live set along with Yan Houligan and The Chevettes.
