CHIWAWA

CHIWAWA’s core is Laurie, the daughter of Hungarian immigrants, and Krassy, born and raised in communist Bulgaria. The two first met when Laurie unwittingly auditioned for a newly arrived in Canada, Bulgarian band, called Ping-Pong (later becoming The Clouds). Within three months of their meeting, Krassy was being deported and Laurie had no choice but to save the band. What started out as a "greencard marriage" blossomed from desperate measures into true love and the couple settled into the Bohemian culture of Montreal, Canada. The band’s debut album, The Sick World Of Yona, was released in 1998 and swiftly became a hit with the critics. The album was produced by Steve Whitfield, who has worked with artists like The Cure and The Mission. Despite a diagnosis with early breast cancer a week before the debut release, Laurie continued to perform and front CHIWAWA. Writing songs and releasing Chimeres (2002) and Bright (2005) Laurie came through louder and bolder than ever and made a full recovery. CHIWAWA continued to  write songs (not all released) with different songwriters and musicians including Camelle Hinds (Paul Weller) Russ Broom (Jann Arden) and UK garage king Mikey Benn; and also produced several short animation clips with Ryan Larkin for MTV Canada. Since its formation, the band has recorded 4 full-length albums and several EPs. Their latest album is called Bus Stop Chinese Buffet. Four songs from the CD (Overcast Skies, Do It For Me, Hell Sweet Hell and God's Children) are the soundtrack for Spare Change - a short animation film written and directed by Oscar nominee, NFB wunderkind, Ryan Larkin. Laurie is the producer and co-director of this famous animator's comeback film. Chiwawa was also featured on a couple of compilation releases (CHOM's Esprit, Darkcell).

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