The Working Class

Growing up in the heart of the Ottawa Valley in Arnprior, Ontario, brothers Alex and Joey Patrois joined forces with brothers Chris and Mike McComb to start a band in 2003. Starting out in the Patrois’ basement, the young musicians explored their creative boundaries. Over the years, the band moved in and out of musical genres as their talents evolved and their influences expanded. The band quickly moved from making music in the basement to live audiences at local assemblies and clubs. They eventually upgraded their studio by converting an old hunting shack into their new rehearsal space. A wood stove was added to help the band make it through the cold winters. After five years of playing music together, the band dissolved as its members moved on to pursue separate projects. In May 2011, the Patrois’ and McCombs reunited. “I always looked back to where my interest in music started and missed being in a band with these guys,” says Chris. “I’ve played with plenty of other musicians since the band dissolved and I can safely say that these are some of the best musicians I’ve ever played with. We have great musical chemistry.” “The Working Class” name came as a result of a visit to a local bookstore. The band had decided they needed a new name for their new beginning and were going to pick one based on a book title. After searching through hundreds of titles, Joey came up with “The Working Class,” based not on a book, but each band member’s individual lives. “We’re a blue collar type of band,” says Joey. “We grew up in the country working on the farm and building things. We work with our hands and are not afraid to bust a knuckle and put in a hard day’s work. The name fits our work ethic and who we are.” The Working Class is: Alex Patrois – Drums Chris McComb – Vocals/Guitar Joey Patrois – Vocals/Guitar Mike McComb – Bass