The Band

About Sleepy Driver

Singer/songwriter Peter Hicks didn't plan on SLEEPY DRIVER; it practically happened by accident. Over the years he'd penned a number of songs that didn't fit his current projects, so the tunes were largely parked. But one day, flipping through his songbook, he recognized some recurring themes in the lyrics: hard lessons, life and death, love and leaving, murder and betrayal. The songs read like a road journal: escaping mistakes and missteps, accepting consequences, and making the humble drive home. And so the concept of Sleepy Driver was born.

Over time, Hicks recruited Barry Hughes, John Heinstein, Mike Hatheway, and Ethan Young-Lai. They were players of all different styles and influences, but their collective sound served as the perfect vehicle for the music, transporting it to brand new places, creating an alternative roots rock that is a formidable blend of college rock, blues, and old school country. It's dark yet optimistic, gritty and honest with a healthy respect for tradition, full of dynamics, subtlety and noise. It is Sleepy Driver.

Since forming, the band has gained notable praise for their modest but substantial music. With the release of their debut full-length, "Steady Now" (2009), Sleepy Driver is poised for even more. The album delivers thirteen Hicks compositions: lyrical morality plays and cautionary tales, stories of love, dismay, murder, revenge, and redemption. The songs cover diverse territory, from simple folk music to feedback-laden rockers. Each tune is unique and stands capably alone, yet together make "Steady Now" an album that deserves to be listened to from end-to-end.

Sleepy Driver is:

Peter Hicks: vocals, guitar
Barry Hughes: drums, background vocals
Ethan Young-Lai: guitar, synth
John Heinstein: piano, organ
Mike Hatheway: bass

What people are saying...

Warren Catlett ("Cat"
Radio Free Americana
Sleepy Driver, led by front-man Peter Hicks, have released a brilliant debut album, "Steady Now", that reinforces the notion that much of the best American music comes from Canada. "Steady Now" is chock full of highly accessible, radio-friendly songs with beautiful melodies and irresistible hooks. The band's sound is guitar-driven, twangy roots pop that is edgier than, say, Blue Rodeo or the Bodeans, reminiscent of The Connells and like-minded bands from the golden age of college radio. There is something for everyone to like on this album, which easily fits on Americana, AAA and college radio playlists. Among many highlights is the leadoff track, "Like A Weapon", whose hook will most assuredly become lodged in your brain on the very first listen. Peter Hicks and Sleepy Driver have a most promising future.

Rich Terfry (Buck 65):
Host of Radio 2 Drive on CBC 2; Musician
"These guys are so good they're dangerous."

Bob Mersereau:
CBC journalist, author of the book "The Top 100 Canadian Albums"
"This is a sound that has a lot of maturity to it... bridging the gap between adult and college-alternative energy... [Steady Now] deserves a lot of attention."

John Poirier:
Regional Manager; Warner Music Canada
"...a breath of fresh air" ; "...a real standout"

Nelson Hansen:
Journalist, Here magazine
"Sleepy Driver has come out with one hell of a debut CD." ; "...has the feel of one of those great American albums"

Wilfred Langmaid:
Journalist, The Daily Gleaner newspaper; Juno award juror
"[Sleepy Driver]'s new album is stunning" ; "...could be on several year-end best-of lists" ; "...this is an album that simply begs to be heard by a worldwide audience"

Bob Segarini :
FYIMusic.ca, Iceberg Radio (Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 95)
"Sleepy Driver-Like A Weapon
The latter day Byrds, Gram Parsons, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and folk heroes both new and old are felt in this great piece of music. You can hear the farm, the Roadhouse and the country flavour, all made more enduring by the faint memories of the Sunset Strip in the '60's, P.F Sloan, David Crosby, and Jim McGuinn passing an acoustic guitar back and forth in the Ben Frank's parking lot on a hot humid night in 1965 Hollywood. Sweet..."

Mark Roberts:
Host of the "East Coast Music Show"; 106.9 Capital FM
"...easily one of the best of the year."