Longshot...

LONGSHOT has been performing for several years pounding out energetic shows across western Canada with a flavourful blend of country and rock. They have paid their dues playing various high profile events, cabarets, and nightclubs. The next step was inevitable: LONGSHOT sought to kick their career into high gear and take their music to the public!

In 2007 the band entered the studio for the fourth time with a much more ambitious goal… it was time to craft an album. On October 3, 2008, LONGSHOT released their debut album “Road to Redemption” which received glowing industry reviews; leaving a lasting impression on many new fans. Look for LONGSHOT’s debut CD release called “Road to Redemption” in stores now!

LONGSHOT’s first four single releases (prior to album release) received generous radio play across Canada. Some radio request shows found these singles among their top 5 requests! Since this early success LONGSHOT’s later releases (“Closer to Home”, “You Slow Me Down”) continued to build momentum and enjoy widespread national airplay.

LONGSHOT ‘s music is the heart of this band. The live experience is the pulse. The stage is what this band lives for. Versatility and experience shine through the performances. This is where all the hard work comes together and music is shared with fans and newcomers in a very REAL way.

The sharing continued with LONGSHOT ‘s CD album release in October 2008. The album saw admirable response in Canada and sparked interest internationally. Since then LONGSHOT released the singles “Closer to Home” and “You Slow Me Down” which had primed the band for ramping up their touring schedule. For 2009-2010 LONGSHOT hit the stage with renewed vigor and saw many new faces in the crowd! The band has high hopes for 2011 and is anticipating another prosperous and successful year.

MEET THE BAND

We are Chad Gusikoski, Craig Swain, Lorry Noble and Garth Howell. LONGSHOT is truly our home away from home and we have entertained crowds across Canada for over a decade now!

Seems hard to believe how the time flies. We have opened for many big acts such as Blue Rodeo, Brad Johner, Aaron Pritchett, Marty Stuart, Chris Cummings, Gord Bamford, Gil Grand, and the Sean Hogan. We’ve enjoyed headlining our own shows and continue having a blast playing to people at a variety of venues today.

Our passion and enthusiasm for playing music has charged our performances. We love a good party and we party with music!
We attribute the band’s success to our live act, and now we are bringing our own music to you!

Our recently released CD has exceeded on expectations and our singles have played on radio stations all across Canada. We are thrilled to take our music beyond the stage and take great pride in our new album.

The success of our CD and its released singles has contributed to our success on the road which has given us opportunities to perform at some great venues such as Dauphin Countryfest Main Stage, Craven Country Jamboree, Camrose Big Valley Jamboree and other exciting venues across Western Canada!

It is such a privilege to finally bring our OWN music to our fans. Thanks to everyone we’ve met over the years, for the overwhelming support everyone has given us, and the great times we continue to have! For those who don’t know us, here’s a little about ourselves…

CHAD GUSIKOSKI Lead & Harmony Vocals, Bass Guitar

I started playing music at the age of four on my Mickey Mouse drum set. My enthusiasm prompted my parents to buy me a “real” drum set less than a year later. My first gig was in my Dad’s band when I was seven years old. I recall sitting on the couch one night watching the Tommy Hunter show when my Dad came barreling into the yard. He told me to pack up my drums because they needed a drummer for the night. From that night on I knew that music was going to be an important element in my life. I joined my Dad’s band as a drummer but switched to bass guitar later on. I had a band in high school and then joined LONGSHOT while attending university. I attribute my musical success to my Father who taught and encouraged me to play music, and my Mother who put up with all of the noise for so many years. Although there has been a long road of good memories behind me I look forward with anticipation to the road that lies ahead.

CRAIG SWAIN Harmony & Lead Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard

I was born and raised in Maymont, Saskatchewan. I led a typical small town life, with close friends and local activities such as sports and music. My musical journey started when I was four years old. My mother started teaching me piano which was all right, but I HATED practicing! I switched to guitar at the age of ten, and I have been practicing ever since! I’ve even gone back to playing the keyboards from time to time. After going through a few musical situations I helped form a serious touring band, and I toured across western Canada full-time for two years. Later I joined LONGSHOT, where the camaraderie, successes and good times with the guys has kept me dedicated to the group now for many years.

LORRY NOBLE Harmony & Lead Vocals, Drums, Percussion

I have been with LONGSHOT now for about seven years. My enthusiasm and love of music has been well received by the band. As my mother can attest, I have been keeping a beat even before I was born. However I didn’t start drumming until I was 12 years old. I started jamming in the first of many garage bands four years later. My first gig was in a local bar when I was still under the legal drinking age! After years of playing in various bands, I decided to front my own. My dream of playing guitar and singing lead continued for a number of years, until I returned to my passion of playing the drums. I have thoroughly enjoyed the professionalism and great friendships I have made since joining LONGSHOT. With plans in place for LONGSHOT to complete an entire CD album my musical goals that I set long ago will be complete.

GARTH HOWELL Harmony & Lead Vocals, Guitar

I grew up in a musical household where my family and relatives would sing and play everything from spoons to guitars. As a kid I admired my cousin who played in a band and hoped to someday play guitar like him. My dream finally came true when I was given the opportunity to play with my cousin’s band. I surely drove my parents crazy with the loud practicing at all hours of the night but they never once complained! I left home shortly after graduating from high school to travel with a band on the road… and the rest is history. Playing music has since allowed me to experience many good times, meet some great musicians and establish lots of great friendships along the way. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join LONGSHOT and look forward to the many accomplishments that lie ahead for our band.