Hot Little Rocket

Hot Little Rocket emerged from Calgary, Alberta, as a power pop/punk outfit whose sound blended melodic hooks with abrasive edges. Veterans of the local scene, guitarist Aaron Smelski and bassist Mark MacArthur placed a classified ad that brought guitarist Andrew Wedderburn into the fold. Drummer Joel Nye, who had already logged years behind the kit with multiple Saskatchewan groups, came aboard later. The band’s first release, Laika, arrived in March 2000; Marc Schroder handled recording while Dave Alcock took care of the mix, and the album earned favorable notice both at home and overseas. Their next effort, Danish Documentary, surfaced in September 2001. Tylor Scollon recorded it, and the album further solidified the group’s standing within Calgary’s music circles. Chris Vail contributed keyboards and backing vocals, and Barb Noad supplied additional vocals as well.