Persist

PERSIST was formed in early 2006 by Jerry and Zach. They started playing such locations as The Reverb, The Docks, The Kathedral, Jeff Healeys Roadhouse, Lee's Palace, Raxx, The Bovine Sex Club, and The Opera House. In September ‘07, the original guitarist left Persist due to creative differences. During their last show together, they discovered a talented prospect to replace him. Rob joined Persist shortly after, due to the amazing chemistry they had after this first meeting. The distinctive guitar style Rob brought, was exactly what Persist needed to head to the next level. In early 2008, the original vocalist Mike, left to pursue other career goals. After several auditions to find a frontman with the right voice, Kevin came, offering a mixture of rock and blues, putting the final touch into the Persist sound. Zach, Jerry, Rob, and Kevin bring a vibe… an energy, which is almost impossible to deny. Persist is more determined then ever, with finishing up their demo and booking shows. These guys have an alternative rock style with traces of metal influences that creates a sound all of their own! You are bound to find them in the limelight very soon!

Kevin Sealy (AKA “K.C. Lee”) - Kevin was born into a musical family, as his mother Fern Dauth was a country music singer in the 60's and 70’s appearing regularly on television on shows like Country Time, the Carl Smith Show and Tommy Hunter. His father, pianist Joe Sealy is a Canadian Jazz icon. Juno award winner, Joe Sealy continues to enjoy a successful career as a musician, actor, composer, music director and recording artist. Kevin spent the first 6 years of his life touring with his mother as she played through out Canada and the U.S, as well as one year spent singing in Bermuda. He knew from the beginning that music would always be a huge part of his life. Kevin began playing guitar and singing at 12 and did his first performance at 13 years of age and has continued playing solo and in bands ever since.

Rob Attard (AKA “Robbie Pow”) - Rob started playing guitar at the age of 8, when his parents bought him his first guitar for Christmas. After spending a few years in music school for theory, he went off to take a fierce liking for hard rock and heavy metal. Playing with a few select bands, he eventually grew tired of the progressive metal scene and headed in a different direction. He met Jerry and Zach when his band at the time (Apophenia), opened for Persist at Raxx in Brampton. Apophenia separated and Rob decided Persist was the long-term commitment he was looking for due to a better writing chemistry within the band.

Zach Litwinenko (AKA “Z”) - Zach began his music career in grade 5 when he started playing the ukulele. Once discovering his musical talent, he has proceeded to learn how to play every instrument placed in front of him. He started learning the guitar at age 12, and after a few years, he started playing the drums and the bass. By 17, he was working on solo projects which eventually brought him to the collaboration of Persist. Creating the material for the band has been heavily influenced by alternative rock and heavy metal; his other influences include rap, electronic, and classical music. Zach is able to use all of his knowledge and experience in producing the Persist sound.

Jerry Strocen (AKA “Jerry Stro”) - Jerry began playing drums when he was around 20. Playing the music scene in Thunder Bay, he co-started a band called Tryus. When Tryus decided to take a break, Jerry started jamming with Zach in Jerry's basement studio. The two worked for several years together before finally deciding they wanted to make music their career. In order for them to achieve this goal, they would need to find bigger and better opportunities to get their music known. So they packed up and moved to Toronto, where Jerry co-created Persist. The path with Persist has been a long and interesting highway, during which they have met and made some great friends.

www.myspace.com/wearepersist
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