The Foundation was formed early in 2008, when brothers Drew and Ryan Leith decided to culminate their musical knowledge into one common focus. Working on many original songs mixed with a few unique takes on some more well known covers, The Foundation was well on its way to making its splash onto the scene.
When Ryan decided to move to the great white north of Ontario for a brief change of pace, Drew pressed on, cutting the first self titled EP "Drew Leith".
Recording at Rattlebox studios with talented young producer Brian Moncarz, Drew crafted his sound even further into the contemporary folk-rock sound people are hearing these days. The album has since been released on all major online retail outlets, including Canada's largest retail chain HMV.
With the new found focus and head of steam gained from weeks spent in the studio Drew knew it was time to put together the band necessary to accompany him on his journey. And, knowing there was time to be had during post-production, he did just that!
After auditioning a few bass players from around the Kitchener-Waterloo area, as fate would have it, an old friend popped back into the picture. Back from his refreshing jaunt to the Canadian wilderness Ryan Leith had finally returned to play alongside his brother once again.
As if irony hadn't already played it's part, chance had it that on April Fool's Day Drew approached Doug (having only met briefly via the internet) to come to an impromptu jam at the Drew Leith and The Foundation Jam Hall. Within just a few bars, it was apparent that Doug would fit in just fine, and would impress even the most descriminating ear with his uncanny ability to move across the fret board with ease. Now, it was just a matter of finding a drummer who could handle the lot of them.
Drummers came...drummers went. Some auditioned and weren't the right fit, others fit perfectly but had hearts in other places. Thanks to a mutual friend, Daryl and Drew connected through social media and, after only a few practices, were not only playing all the originals, but, writing fiendishly as well!
That pretty much takes us up to now; Independent recording artists, local entertainers, fathers, sons, kids, grown-ups, Canadians... Drew Leith and the Foundation are all these things and so much more. Heading into the studio in early 2012, and looking to cut a video with renowned producers "The Field", the band is most assuredly headed onward and upward. With continued dedication to their craft, and the passion that took them this far, Drew Leith and The Foundation look to make serious waves at Canadian Music Week this year and, looking forward, will hopefully end up in the national spotlight...possibly even with their upcoming single "With You".
Band Members
Drew Leith - From an early age it was evident that Drew had a longing to entertain. Whether it was the fact that he sang before he could walk, or would make any excuse to make noise, it was clear to all that he would undoubtedly end up on a stage somewhere in life. Little did his family and friends know that he was indeed destined to take centre stage not once, but, many times throughout his life. Often feeling drawn to music of all forms, Drew has crafted a style outside of any specific genre. Although his roots are in acoustic singer-songwriter type melodies, he branches out to a different style in almost every song.
Ryan Leith - Ryan found his inspiration for music in stacks of old classic rock records the boys' father had accumulated over the years. Ordering his first guitar and amp from the Sears catalogue at age 11, Ryan knew that he was destined to hold a guitar in his hands. Little did he know that at age 30 he would make the dramatic leap from guitar to bass guitar...and he never looked back. After Ryan met Les Stone and was inspired by the massive jams at "Sealed Art" he began to find the fun in music again. Hooking up with his brother in early 2008, they formed "The Foundation" and have been making music together ever since!
Doug Jones - A child unsatisfied by games of hide-and-go-seek and tag, Doug sought after the mastery of many crafts from a very young age. Dabbling in many arts and technical hobbies over the years, Doug fell in love with the guitar from an early age. Continuing on with his musical interests, Doug found himself at the helm of many soundboards and equalizers throughout his many years as a sound technician. Through those connections, Doug found himself playing with many great Canadian talents and ending up in the studio as a session artist many times. Finally, as if by chance, Drew sent out a message to Doug on April Fool's Day asking him to come to an impromptu jam with the rest of the band..and, from that point on, it was history.
Daryl Ralph - A true powder-keg (if there ever was such a person that defined the term), Daryl Ralph is a drummer to be reckoned with. Not satisfied to be a mediocre "time-keeper", Daryl set out to master many aspects of percussion other than just a simple 4/4 beat. Throughout his years he picked up many tricks of the trade from drum clinics and studying the greats like Buddy Rich and Neil Peart. Unlike many drummers, Daryl is not content to hide behind his drum kit and shy from the spotlight. He is a performer and an entertainer. A perfect mix to compliment the energy put forther by the rest of the band.
Solid tunes guys!
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