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CHIWAWA

CHIWAWA is a Canadian duo comprised by Laurie Gordon (vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass, toys), the daughter of Hungarian immigrants, and Krassy Halatchev (bass, vocals, guitars. drums, knobs), born and raised in Communist Bulgaria.

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Hometown	Montreal, Canada
Genres	Rock, Indie Pop
Band Members	Laurie Gordon - vocals, keyboards, guitar; Krassy ... » more
Achievements
Upcoming Shows	None

Contact Information:	Artist / Band Member Krassy Halatchev krassy@chiwawa.ca 450-774-5473 Artist / Band Member Laurie Gordon laurie@chiwawa.ca 450-774-5473
# Years Experience Performing Live:	14
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months:	2
Opener Experience:	The Sundays; Levellers; Gene; Babybird
Similar Artists:	Garbage; Depeche Mode; The Cure; U2; Siouxsie and the Banshees; Curve; Portishead; Talking Heads; B-52's; LCD Soundsystem; Gorillaz
Performing Rights Society:	Outside US
Discography:	Element LP—2011; Watermark LP—2010; Bus Stop Chinese Buffet LP—2009; Always About You EP—2007; Bright LP—2005; Chimeres LP—2002; The Sick World Of Yona LP—1998

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About the Artist

Within three months of their meeting, Krassy was being deported and Laurie had no choice but to save the band. What started out as a "greencard marriage" blossomed from desperate measures into true love and the couple settled into the Bohemian culture...

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Music

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Achievements

Top 40 in Indie Pop, November 2011

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Press Coverage

Album Review: Chiwawa – Watermark by (including a whacked-out video by us!)
Based in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, a little east of Montreal, Chiwawa have overcome many obstacles since releasing their first album The Sick World Of Yona in 1998. Laurie Gordon, the daughter of Hungarian immigrants, met Krassy Halatchev, who was born and raised in communist Bulgaria, while auditioning for Krassy’s Bulgarian band Ping-Pong. Fresh off the boat, Krassy soon found himself being deported, so the pair got married out of convenience in order for Krassy to stay in Canada. The duo’s relationship later developed into the real deal, and they’ve been a legit couple ever since… but the trials and tribulations did not end there. A week before the release of their first album, Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer but she continued to perform with Chiwawa into the next decade and eventually made a full recovery. Chiwawa’s back-story is truly endearing: the 2010 release of Watermark is a triumph over adversity, and their journey has been harder than that of the average indie rock band. Only a really tough band could survive this long, and the end-result of all that hard graft is a fantastic album. Chiwawa have a lot of colours in their musical palette. Watermark has 14 tracks of keyboard-driven alt pop that is chockfull of imagination and good beats. The sound is as eclectic as it is manic, but it’s the quirkiness that holds all together – it’s same kind of musical Krazy Glue that holds together such bands as Portishead, Nick Cave & The Bad Sees, The Pixies and Guano Apes. When Laurie Gordon holds a long note it reminds me of ‘Apes singer Sandra Nasić, ableit mellower, but equally as manic. Krassy Halatchev handles a lot of the vocals on his own, though they harmonize too, with the lyrical vibe wavering above and below a cool melancholy drone. Watermark goes in many directions throughout it’s 14 tracks but the manic, head-spinning theme continues throughout. “In My PJs (I’m The DJ)” is a mellow, grin-inducing trip well backed by acoustic and electric guitar, with the latter breaking into a subtle little solo at the choice moment. “Let It Snow” is another enjoyable song based around one odd vocal hook, while the song titles of “Blue Is Power”, “Chase The Clouds” and “Cuckoo” should provide some clues to the other strange places that Chiwawa lead you to throughout this record. Meanwhile, spacey keyboard grooves provide the perfectly askew backdrop for “Don’t Twist My Mind”, my favourite track of the album. Watermark closes with a couple of instrumental tracks, including the art-rock-guitar-meets-spasmo-electro “Afghanistan”, with some steel drums thrown in for good measure. Chiwawa are a band that will warm the cockles of your indie music heart, and with this album being available digitally right now for just $2.29, it’ll also put a smile on your face without damaging your pocket. An indie gem that I’m very happy to have discovered. © Brian Banks, Editor, Music Vice

Chiwawa by Element (CD) 2011
Chiwawa is the Canadian based duo comprised of Laurie Gordon (vocals, keyboards, guitars) and Krassy Halatchev (bass, vocals, drums, guitars, programming). If these folks aren't already a super hot ticket on the download circuit... they sure ought to be. Element contains more of the cool danceable technology-driven pop music the duo is known for. These tunes have a nice thick sound featuring solid bass lines and nifty thick keyboards. Just as was the case with the last album, the vocals are exceptional. If you've heard one too many complex artsy bands lately and need a change of pace... something that doesn't tax your brain and simply makes you feel good... Element will most likely fill the bill. Twelve nifty cuts here including "What Day Is Today," "Busy Bee," "Carry It On," and "Ready To Steer." Totally groovy music with heart and soul.

Chiwawa releases “Watermark” by Krassy CDJ Interview
Chiwawa is a duo of former Bulgarian refugee Krassy Halatchev and singer Laurie Gordon. They have been making music since 1998 and are releasing a new album called ” Watermark” on the label Satellite Records Canada on September 15. Chiwawa makes music that defies typical definitions. Their music is a bit of everything but they have a solid sound that is deep alternative/indie. We spoke to Krassy from the band and had a quick interview with him to talk about the group. We kept it short because he is busy with the new album but he was gracious enough to give us a few words. CDJ When did you guys get together? KH We got together 1998 after a bunch of transitions and changes we are just a duo now. We get guest musicians to help perform with us when we tour. CDJ What kind of music would you consider yourself? KH “I guess you could say we are alternative.” CDJ What kind of music are you influenced by? KH “Good Question. It’s really a wide variety. From jazz, to classical, rock, new wave, punk, we are really influenced by a bit of everything.” CDJ How are you trying to reach new listeners? KH The internet is the most powerful way to reach people at once but going out and playing gigs is the most important way to reach new listeners. Playing different gigs in different places can be time consuming but it is also important. CDJ Who would you go on tour with if you had a chance? KH Blur, The Kills, The Killers, The XX Check the new music from Chiwawa now and get to know the group by keeping up with them on their social media sites.

Chiwawa’s Latest Album Review for “Watermark” by
So I begin my first post by reviewing the latest album called “Watermark” by pop-rock electronic duo known as “CHIWAWA” (Laurie Gordon and Krassy Halatchev). CHIWAWA has a long discography list starting from 1997 and making them probably a little more than 13 years in the game. Their influences range from Garbage, Depeche Mode, The Cure, The Kills, The Ting Tings, U2, Radiohead, Portishead, PJ Harvey, Hooverphonic, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Teddybears, Sonic Youth, Sneaker Pimps, Doves, LCD Soundsystem, The Killers, Ladytron, Kasabian, Goldfrapp, Brazilian Girls, The Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz, Chicks On Speed, etc. As a fan of electronic rock especially I took the initiative interest to review this album and get the word out to the public. So let’s begin: Runaway Train Antisteez gives honest and non-bullshit reviews about bands and all I have to say is that this first opener to an album was probably not the best opening for an album. This is just an opinion from one single source though. It’s just one of those songs that really didn’t stand out to my interest, but the good news is I got the worst part out of the way. This song might take time to grow on the listener, but I also admit that it’s not a bad song. It just didn’t fit to be a good opener and it will take time to grow on you. The opening riff though was good and the hook on the song will definitely get stuck in your head so the duo did a great job there. Chasing The Clouds This song reminded me of the same feel as the song from Garbage called “#1 Crush” but with a Depeche Mode feel. It has a modern feel to a downtempo song with a lot of vocal dynamics ranging from layered lows and highs on the chorus. The pop feel gives the song life at the chorus which is most important in a song. When you hear what the band did with this song you can tell they did what they wanted to do and if you’re a Depeche Mode/Garbage fan you will find a good interest in this song. While people are waving goodbye to the days where Depeche Mode were a thing of the past, Chiwawa brings it back to reintroduce it to the younger crowd. Blue Is Power I really dug this song. It was catchy on the chorus and the opening on the track was perfect for the style of music. The downtempo greatness blended with the rock driven chorus made this track unique in some ways. It reminisces of the days U.K. rock start becoming popular in the U.S. the blues guitar riff was a great way to open the track too. I just wish that little motif would have repeated a little more but the chorus again is what drives you to the peak of the song’s energy. Great song! ... --- ... Ful review below:

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Decent venue; fair size stage for a 4 or 5-piece band; good sound system; pleasant staff.

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CHIWAWA

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