Emerson Drive began in western Alberta, where singer Brad Mates, bassist Jeff Loberg, fiddler Pat Allingham, and keyboardist Chris Hartman began gigging in Canada under the name 12 Gauge. Eventually, guitarist Danick Dupelle and drummer Mike Melocon joined up, and new manager Gerry Leiske sent the young sextet out on the road yet again. Many years of touring paid off when a Nashville showcase impressed Dreamworks into signing them and releasing their slick pop-country debut in 2001. ~ Johnny Loftus