Johanna Pavia & SoulDrive

SoulDrive is a Canadian soul and rock infused band located in Waterloo, ON Canada. They are characterized by their unique live performances and distinct sound. They create and perform music with shades of soul, blues, roots, and psychedelic rock; there’s no doubt that they will get you moving, mind, body, and soul. In 2015, SoulDrive was hand picked to represent KW in Memphis, Tennessee, in the International Blues Challenge. Within weeks their song "The Rider" named them regional semi-finalists in CBC’s 2015 Searchlight Competition. With a fresh and individual sound, SoulDrive has been capturing the attention of fans and media very quickly. The group was formed by Johanna Daze, Chris Paleshi, and Nick Rorai McNeil in early 2014. Their journey as a band has been a nonstop whirlwind from the first day they played together. Following in muse of Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Alabama Shakes, and Santana. SoulDrive consists of lead singer and guitarist Johanna Daze, keyboard and bassist Nick Rorai McNeil, guitarist Chris Paleshi, and percussionist Danny Flatherson. Johanna Daze, the 21 year old lead singer/guitarist and lyricist, is a Kitchener born multi-talented young artist. Often compared to the likes of Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, and Amy Winehouse, her amazing voice belies her young age. She is known for her raw and powerful sound that both excites and soothesthe listener. She fronts the band fearlessly with an axe in her hands, and a soulful and raspy undertone in her vocals. The group is backed up by keyboard/bassist Nick Rorai McNeil who holds down grooves and lead guitarist Chris Paleshi whose chops are influenced by 1960’s American blues. In August 2014, SoulDrive recorded their debut E.P. at The Sound Distillery Studio in Kitchener. Many tracks from the album have made a name for themselves. “Move On Over”, a Santana-esque self-penned single has been featured regularly on CBC Radio. The first track off the album "Work it on out" was featured on the 2015 Kitchener Blues Festival CD. Highlight performances include TD Kitchener Blues Festival, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, and B.B. King Blues Club (Memphis), to name a few. Audiences thrive off the raw and unique energy of this youthful, emerging ensemble. SoulDrive has already made an impressive impact within their musical community of Kitchener/Waterloo, having played some of the most prestigious venues the region has to offer. Some of these venues include Kitchener Blues Festival (Main Stage), Centre In The Square, Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, The Jazz Room and The Registry Theatre. After the EP release the band travelled to Memphis, Tennessee to represent Grand River Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge. In Memphis, they performed in front of a packed crowed at the world renowned BB.King’s Blues Club on Beale Street. The group has also made a television appearance on CBC’s, The National. The 2015 year was huge for SoulDrive. The group continues to create and impress live audiences with their originals and engaging performances, while looking to keep growing and defining their individual style as an upcoming Canadian band. SoulDrive will help you relive the music you've always loved but in their own unforgettable way. SoulDrive is a Canadian Soul/Rock collective from Southern Ontario. Creating and performing musically mature material.