The Imports

There are two bands called The Imports. The Imports were one of the first punk/post-punk bands to form in Chicago in 1979. More info on the Chicago band, The Imports, can be found here.

Only a short time ago, five guys from the suburban GTA got together and started a band. Blending not only five different musical influences, but five different ethnic backgrounds, you can be sure that you wont find anything ordinary about this rock n roll band. After less than a year, The Imports have managed to accomplish more than other acts that have been around for years. Since the release of their demo in May, they have played steadily around the GTA, winning over fans everywhere they go. The Imports biggest accomplishment thus far has been winning the Jam Van Battle of the Bands in May. "We had only been together for about 5 months, and we brought out 100 people to watch us. We were so stoked with so many people into us and watching us that we went nuts. We gave it all we could and the judges loved it," says Roydin. The night of the Battle of the Bands also marked the release of their self-titled demo. Recorded in February with local producer Greg Dawson (Moneen, The Junction, Wheels on the Bus) and written entirely by the band, the demo has sold almost 300 copies. With that The Imports are currently writing for their EP set for a fall 2006 release. It took several years of friendship before The Imports got together. Roydin Monteath (lead guitar/vocals), born in the Middle East, and Liam Harasym (bass), born in British Columbia, met 8 years ago while attending elementary school in Mississauga. Shortly after, Roydin and Liam met Heston Jones (rhythm guitar/vocals), who grew up in India. It wasn't until the last year of high school that Roydin met Arthur Latoszek (drums), hailing from Poland, and Earl Abalajon III (vocals), who came to Canada from the Philippines. It still took several more years before these guys found their groove and The Imports officially came together as a band in January 2005. In their short time together, The Imports have played with some great local bands, like Wheels on the Bus, The Salads, Ill Scarlett, The Vulcan Dub Squad, and Die Mannequin. Their live show has helped the band build a large and devoted fan base. "We've had complete strangers, who have seen us for the first time, help us with our equipment on the way out because they feel we deserve better. We'll just stand and watch these people take our stuff away," says Earl. Though they haven't been around for very long, The Imports have an extremely promising career ahead of them. They manage to take their multi-cultural background and varying musical influences and blend them into a truly unique sound. The band plans on continuing to take the GTA by storm with their live shows. "Playing live is always a great feeling. Especially when you get a good crowd where everyone is singing along. It makes us feel really good and we all get more into it and play better," says Roydin.