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Faber Drive is a Canadian pop punk band from Mission, British Columbia, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist Dave Faber, lead guitarist Nate Cavalli, bass guitarist Bailey Jacobsen, and drummer Seamus O'Neill. Their biggest influences are U2, The Police, Def Leppard, Jimmy Eat World, Stryper, and Winger. They have toured with bands such as Hedley, Stereos, and Metro Station. They have been nominated for a Juno Award and had multiple hit songs across the world including "Tongue Tied", "Second Chance", "You & I Tonight", and "When I'm With You", the band have played alongside some of Canada's most successful acts such as Marianas Trench, Simple Plan, Brian Melo, and Nickelback.

Key Information

History

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2004–2006: Early years and Faber EP

[edit]

The band originated in 2004, in Mission, British Columbia, first under the name "Faber".[1] Prior to forming the band, lead singer Dave Faber worked as a private music teacher, giving guitar and drum lessons. After three years of instruction, he decided to form the band, first recruiting drummer Ray "Red" Bull, one of his first drum students, before adding lead guitarist David Hinsley and bassist Jeremy "Krikkit" Liddle to complete the lineup.[2] In 2005, the group competed in Fox Seeds, the band competition of Vancouver radio station CFOX-FM, where they submitted the song "Sex and Love" on the day of the deadline. Faber recalled almost giving up as he felt they were "not good enough," stating, "I actually got back in my car and pulled away. Then I decided to go back, so I turned the car around and I got up in the office just before it closed and handed in the disc."[3] They ultimately won the competition.[4] They also released a demo tape which caught the attention of Nickelback's producer Joey Moi and songwriter Brian Howes.[2] Through their connections with Nickelback and Howes, who co-wrote songs for the band Hinder, they got into contract with Hinder's manager, Kevin Zaruk, and opened for some of Nickelback's Canadian tour dates.[2] This also led to the band being signed by Chad Kroeger to his 604 Records label in May 2006.[5]

In 2006, the band released their debut Faber EP, under Universal Music Canada. The EP includes three tracks: "Sex and Love," "24 Story Love Affair," and "Cementhead." It was recorded at Mountain View Studios in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and produced by Joey Moi and Brian Howes.[6] Two songs — "Sex and Love" and "24 Story Love Affair", were re-recorded for their debut studio album, Seven Second Surgery (2007), while "Cementhead" remained exclusive to this early release. In February and March 2006, the band supported Hedley on their Cross Canada tour, along with MxPx.[7] Around this time, the group changed their name to "Faber Drive", due to legal issues with a large corporation of the same name.[2]

2007–2008: Seven Second Surgery

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After signing with 604 Records, the band connected with Joey Moi for pre-production and Brian Howes to co-write with Faber.[2][3] The group released their debut single "Second Chance" on February 1, 2007.[8] The song peaked at number 26 on the Canadian Hot 100.[9] A few weeks after releasing their debut single, the band announced that their debut studio album Seven Second Surgery, would be released in the spring of 2007.[10] Written over the course of three years,[3] Faber said the album's title came from when they were coming up with a new band name and "Seven Second Surgery" was one of them. Ultimately, they decided that the name was better suited as an album title.[11] It was officially released on May 1, 2007.[12] A CD sampler was also released containing four tracks from the album and a music video for "Second Chance".[13] In August 2007, the group released the album's second single "Tongue Tied", along with its music video.[14] The song became one of the group's most commercially successful singles, reaching number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified gold by Music Canada.[9][15] The album's third single "When I'm with You", was released in January 2008, and peaked at number 19 on the Canadian Hot 100.[9] It also reached the top three on the Canada Hot AC airplay chart and was certified gold by Music Canada.[16][15] "Sleepless Nights" featuring Brian Melo, was released on July 29, 2008, as the fourth and final single from the album.[17]

In March 2008, the group embarked on a tour in support of the album and was joined by Hello Operator.[18] In April 2008, Ray Bull left the band and was replaced by Calvin "Poncho" Lechner.[19] A few months later, guitarist David Hinsley quit and was replaced by Zubin Thakkar.[20] They continued touring in the summer and had previously toured with Canadian Idol winner Brian Melo and Marianas Trench.[21] The group also became involved with charity World Vision Canada.[21] From August to September, the band supported Simple Plan on their Canadian tour, joining Metro Station and Cute Is What We Aim For.[22]

At the 2008 Juno Awards, Faber Drive was nominated as New Group of the Year.[23] The band's single "Second Chance" won the group Best New Hot Adult Contemporary Group of the Year, as well as a nomination for New Solo Artist of the Year at the 2008 Canadian Radio Music Awards.[24][25][26]

The Faber Drive songs "Killin' Me" and "Summer Fades to Fall" appeared in American drama television series Kyle XY.[27] The band also physically appeared on the show, playing in concert (Episode 3.02, "Psychic Friend", January 19, 2009).[28]

2009–2011: Can't Keep a Secret

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In late 2008, the band started releasing material from their forthcoming second studio album, releasing a demo track titled "By Your Side".[29] The group also saw another line-up change, with guitarist Jordan Pritchett,[30] son of country singer Aaron Pritchett, and drummer Andrew Stricko[31] joining the band and replacing Hinsley and Lechner. On July 21, 2009, the band released "G-Get Up and Dance" as the lead single from their second album.[32] The track was produced by Faber, Dave "Rave" Ogilvie (Nine Inch Nails) and Colin "Crocker" Friesen.[33] The song was certified Platinum by Music Canada, reaching number six on the Canadian Hot 100.[9][15] The band's second studio album, Can't Keep a Secret, was released on November 10, 2009.[34] According to Faber, the band wanted to be a lot more involved with the songwriting and producing process compared to their first. Musically, the album sees the band focusing on an electropop sound, different from their pop punk-influenced debut album.[35] The album's second single, "Give Him Up" was released on December 15, 2009.[36] Co-written by Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench,[35] the song peaked at number 26 on the Canadian Hot 100.[9] It was certified Platinum by Music Canada.[15] "You and I Tonight" was released on March 25, 2010, as the third single from the album. It peaked at number 49 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number nine on the Canada Hot AC chart.[9][16]

Faber Drive in 2011

In support of the album, the band toured with Hedley, Stereos and Fefe Dobson, before embarking on their headling the Can't Keep a Secret tour, with support from The Latency, These Kids Wear Crowns, Jesse Labelle and The New Cities.[37] In March 2010, Faber took part in Young Artists for Haiti to raise funds to support the victims of the 2010 earthquake performing K'naan's "Wavin' Flag".[38] In July 2010, the group performed at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest.[39] The album's fourth and final single "The Payoff", was released on November 23, 2010.[8][40]

"G-Get Up and Dance" was nominated for Pop Video of the Year at the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards.[41] The song was also nominated for Favorite Single of the Year at the 2010 Independent Music Awards.[42] At the 2011 Juno Awards, Can't Keep a Secret was nominated as Pop Album of the Year.[43]

2012–2013: Lost in Paradise

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The band released their third studio album, Lost in Paradise, on August 28, 2012.[44] The album features a blend of ballads and party songs, a decision explained by Faber as "the most important thing for us."[45] The album's lead single "Do It In Hollywood" was released on March 13, 2012,[46] and a video was shot for the song.[47] The second single from the album, "Candy Store" was released on June 19, 2012, and features Ish.[48] The song peaked at number 76 on the Canadian Hot 100.[9] The band was featured on the song "Hartwin Cole" by Belly, with its music video released on August 9, 2012.[49] A music video for "Candy Store" premiered on September 18, 2012, via MuchMusic.[50] The band headed across Canada on the Lost in Paradise tour starting in the fall of 2012, to the spring of 2013.[45][51] Prior to the tour, Andrew Stricko left the band and Seamus O'Neill replaced him.[52]

On February 14, 2013, the album's third single "Life Is Waiting" was released.[53] It reached number 86 on the Canadian Hot 100.[9] A music video was also released on May 1.[54] They visited Singapore to perform two shows for Music Matters and performed at Canadian festivals during the summer of 2013, including the Big Red Music Festival.[55][56] They released the album's fourth and final single "Too Little Too Late" on August 27, 2013, featuring Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan.[57] The song "Dead On The Dancefloor" featuring Proper Villains, was featured on a promotional sampler in 2014, released by Warner Music Philippines.[58]

2013–present: Non-album releases and Lifeline EP

[edit]

In September 2013, they performed a benefit concert in Abbotsford.[59] The following year, the band played one concert, appearing with Simple Plan in Kirkland Lake, Ontario.[60] By 2014, releases from the band became stagnant, as the members became involved in different projects. Faber started writing and producing outside of the band, Jordan Pritchett formed a band with his girlfriend, Seamus O'Neill played drums for other artists such as Aaron Pritchett and Shawn Austin, and Jeremy Liddle joined a few local cover bands in Vancouver.[61]

On December 4, 2016, the band held a reunion concert with special guests at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver,[62] then released a Christmas song called "We 3 Kings".[63] On August 5, 2018, they released a new single called "Surrender". During an interview with Canadian Beats, Faber stated the song was inspired by his marriage which had reached a rough point in his life.[61] He also revealed that more music would be released and that the band was fully independent.[61] In February 2019, the band released a collaboration single with Faber's son Isaiah, rapper Powfu, titled "To Be With You".[64] In April 2019, the band released the single "What Are We Waiting For" with Wolfgang Pander and Tamara Umlah,[65] with a music video also released.[66] Another single titled "Night Like This" was released on June 14, 2019, featuring Wolfgang Pander, Rod Black and former Faber Drive guitarist David Hinsley.[67] In July 2019, "Mr Good For Nothin" was released.[68] The band released a couple more collaborations with Powfu: "Chocolate Milk" and "I Can See the Light".[69][70] They collaborated with The Faceplants on an acoustic cover of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"[71] and, with Faber's daughter Patience, aka Sleep.Ing, on "You Lift Me Up".[72]

In 2020, they released demos for "Can We Talk",[73] "Is Heaven Where You Are",[74] and "Me Myself and I".[75]

On March 3, 2023, Faber Drive released a single titled "Never Gone".[76] On October 18, 2024, Faber Drive released the single "Life Out Here," the track features country-inspired instrumentation and themes of rural simplicity and nostalgia.[77] They also appeared at several Canadian music festivals and community events. The band performed at Bluewater Borderfest in Sarnia.[78] They were also featured at the All Your Friends Fest,[79] and participated in Cochrane Canada Day celebrations in the Calgary area.[80]

The band's second extended play, Lifeline, was released independently on April 25, 2025, through Tongue Tied Music Group. The four-track EP includes the title track "Lifeline," a reimagined version of "death bed (coffee for your head)," an acoustic cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," and the original song "Payday."[81] The EP was the band's first major release following their 2024 single "Life Out Here".[82]

The band is scheduled to perform at the 2026 Playback Music Festival from May 8 to 9.[83]

Musical styles and influences

[edit]

Faber Drive's music is described as pop punk,[2][1] pop rock,[84] electropop[35][85] and country rock.[77] The band has cited influences from U2, The Police, Def Leppard and Jimmy Eat World.[3] Singer Dave Faber said he used to study The Beatles, stating, "the one thing that they always said was that they wanted to make sure that every part of every song was amazing."[35] He also used Three Days Grace's "I Hate Everything About You" as an influence, wanting to "be honest and true to who we are [...] but we wanted every part of every song to be captivating at the same time."[35]

The band's first album Seven Second Surgery is described as pop punk and pop rock.[86][87][84]

Band members

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Current

[edit]
  • Dave Faber – lead vocals, guitar (2004–present)
  • Nate Cavalli – lead guitar, backing vocals (2025–present)
  • Bailey Jacobsen – bass, backing vocals (2025–present)
  • Seamus O'Neill – drums, backing vocals (2012–present)

Former

[edit]
  • Ray 'red' Bull – drums, backing vocals (2004–2008)
  • David Hinsley – lead guitar, backing vocals (2004–2008)
  • Calvin Lechner – drums, backing vocals (2008)
  • Andrew Stricko – drums, backing vocals (2009–2012)
  • Jordan "JP" Pritchett – lead guitar, backing vocals (2008–2025)
  • Jeremy "Krikit" Liddle – bass, backing vocals (2004–2025)

Touring

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  • Zubin Thakkar – lead guitar and backing vocals (2008)
  • Simon Nagel – lead guitar and backing vocals (2008)
  • Douglas Graden Emmott – lead guitar and backing vocals (2024)
  • Marcel Ketting-Oliver – bass, backing vocals (2024)
  • Marcus Ramsay – lead guitar and backing vocals (2025)
  • Darcy Johnstone – bass, backing vocals (2025)

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Faber Drive discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2008 Canadian Radio Music Awards Best New Solo Artist of the Year "Second Chance" Nominated [26]
Best New Hot Adult Contemporary Group of the Year Won
Juno Awards New Group of the Year Faber Drive Nominated [23]
2010 MuchMusic Video Awards Pop Video of the Year "G-Get Up and Dance" Nominated [41]
Independent Music Awards Astral Media Radio Favourite Single Nominated [42]
2011 Juno Awards Pop Album of the Year Can't Keep a Secret Nominated [23]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Faber Drive

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Faber Drive is a four-piece Canadian pop-punk band formed in 2004 in Mission, British Columbia. The group rose to prominence in the mid-2000s when a demo caught the attention of Nickelback producer Joey Moi, leading to their signing with 604 Records and the release of their debut album, Seven Second Surgery, in 2007. Fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Faber, the band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with core members including past contributors like drummer Ray "Red" Bull and guitarist David Hinsley, and recent additions including guitarist Nate Cavalli and bassist Bailey Jacobsen, alongside drummer Seamus O'Neill. Faber Drive achieved commercial success with platinum-certified singles like "When I'm With You" and the double-platinum "G-Get Up and Dance," both from their debut album, alongside hits such as "Tongue Tied" and "You and I Tonight." They received Juno Award nominations for New Group of the Year in 2008 and Pop Album of the Year in 2011 for Can't Keep a Secret, their second studio album released in 2009. The band toured extensively with acts including Hedley, , , and , building a dedicated fanbase in and internationally. Their third album, Lost in Paradise, arrived in 2020, featuring production from collaborators like and the single "Candy Store," which gained radio play. In recent years, while the band remains active with scheduled performances into 2026, frontman Dave Faber has also pursued a solo career music, releasing tracks like "Lookin' for You" in 2025.

History

Formation and early career (2004–2006)

Faber Drive was formed in 2004 in , , initially under the name Faber by Dave Faber on lead vocals and guitar, alongside drummer Ray "Red" Bull, guitarist David Hinsley, and bassist Jeremy "Krikit" Liddle. Dave Faber, who had been teaching guitar and drum lessons locally, recruited Bull as his first drum student to start the band. Legal concerns over the name Faber, stemming from potential conflicts, led to rename itself Faber Drive in 2005. That same year, they independently released a self-titled three-song EP under the Faber moniker, featuring tracks like "Sex and Love," "24 Story Love Affair," and "Cementhead," which helped garner initial attention in the local music . The EP contributed to their victory in the 2005 Fox Seeds band competition hosted by Vancouver radio station CFOX-FM, where they outperformed hundreds of entrants and earned exposure as 's top emerging act. Following the competition win, the band's demo caught the attention of producer , leading to their signing with Chad Kroeger's label in 2005. This deal marked a pivotal step, transitioning them from independent efforts to professional production opportunities. During this period, Faber Drive built a following through early local performances in British Columbia's burgeoning scene, sharing stages with regional acts and honing their energetic live sound.

Breakthrough with Seven Second Surgery (2007–2008)

Faber Drive achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of their debut studio album, Seven Second Surgery, on May 1, 2007, through 604 Records. The album was primarily produced by Brian Howes and Joey Moi, with additional production credits to Chad Kroeger and the band members themselves, including lead singer Dave Faber. Drawing from their independent EP success that secured the label deal, the record showcased a pop-punk style centered on themes of youthful romance, heartbreak, and personal growth, blending energetic guitar riffs with melodic hooks. Key tracks included "24 Story Love Affair," "Sleepless Nights (Never Let Her Go)," "Lipstick and Bruises," and the hidden closer "Young at Heart," alongside re-recorded versions of earlier EP songs like "Sex and Love." The album spawned several successful singles that propelled Faber Drive into national prominence in . "Second Chance," the released in 2007, peaked at number 22 on the Canadian Hot 100 and marked the band's first major radio hit. Follow-up "Tongue Tied" performed even stronger, reaching number 17 on the same chart and gaining heavy rotation on MuchMusic. "When I'm With You" followed, charting at number 19 and further solidifying their appeal with its anthemic chorus about longing in relationships. These releases helped Seven Second Surgery achieve gold certification from , denoting sales of over 40,000 units and establishing the band's commercial viability. To promote the album, Faber Drive undertook an extensive cross-Canada tour in 2007 and 2008, performing at venues from small clubs to larger arenas and building a dedicated fanbase through high-energy live shows. They secured prominent opening slots for established acts, including Simple Plan's summer 2008 Canadian tour alongside , which exposed them to thousands of enthusiasts and amplified their visibility. Additional tours with bands like Hedley and Marianas Trench further entrenched their presence in the Canadian rock scene. The breakthrough culminated in Faber Drive's nomination for New Group of the Year at the 2008 , recognizing their rapid rise and contributions to Canadian music. This accolade, combined with widespread media coverage on outlets like MuchMusic and radio stations, fostered substantial fanbase expansion and positioned the band as a fresh voice in , shifting them from regional indie act to national contenders.

Can't Keep a Secret era (2009–2011)

Faber Drive released their second studio album, can'T keEp a SecrEt, on November 10, 2009, through . The record represented a shift toward a more synth-infused pop-rock sound, delving into deeper emotional themes of relationships, loss, and personal growth drawn from the band's experiences. Production involved the core members alongside external collaborators, including co-writing contributions from Simple Plan's on select tracks and engineering by . Standout songs included "G-Get Up and Dance!", "You and I Tonight", and "Our Last Goodbye", which showcased the band's evolving songwriting approach. The album spawned several singles that propelled its commercial success. "G-Get Up and Dance!" served as the , achieving double-platinum in for over 160,000 units sold. Follow-up releases "The Payoff" and "You and I Tonight" garnered significant radio . Overall, can'T keEp a SecrEt was certified gold by in 2018 for sales exceeding 40,000 copies, reflecting the band's building momentum from their debut album. Interviews during this period emphasized how the lyrics stemmed from frontman Dave Faber's personal reflections on life and relationships, adding authenticity to the material. From 2009 to 2011, Faber Drive maintained an active touring schedule to promote the album, including opening slots for Hedley and Marianas Trench across and select U.S. dates. The band expanded internationally, performing in markets like and to broaden their fanbase. This period of heightened visibility culminated in a nomination for Pop Album of the Year at the 2011 , underscoring their rising prominence in Canadian . Internally, minor lineup adjustments, such as the addition of supporting musicians for live stability, helped the band navigate their increased demands without major disruptions.

Lost in Paradise and initial hiatus (2012–2015)

Faber Drive released their third studio album, Lost in Paradise, on August 28, 2012, through . The record featured production from a team including (known for work with and ), Ryan Stewart, Andrew Goldstein, , and Mike Green, resulting in a more polished electro-pop sound that blended sugary hooks, party anthems, and introspective ballads. Leading singles included "Do It in Hollywood," a track inspired by the party scene, released in March 2012, followed by the acoustic-driven "Candy Store" in June 2012 and "Life Is Waiting" in early 2013. The album's themes reflected personal stories and experiences accumulated over three years since their previous release, emphasizing energetic escapism alongside emotional reflection. To promote Lost in Paradise, the band launched a cross- tour in fall and winter 2012, performing tracks from the new album alongside earlier hits in cities including and . The tour extended internationally in 2013, with Faber Drive representing at the Music Matters conference in , where they played two shows in May, marking their first major performances outside . Additional Canadian dates followed, such as a concert in in April 2013 and festival appearances like the Big Red Music Festival in in June. These outings highlighted the album's vibrant, radio-friendly energy but also signaled a transitional phase as the band navigated creative shifts after years of consistent touring and recording. Following the 2013 tours, Faber Drive entered an initial hiatus, reducing activities to sporadic one-off performances, including a in , in 2013. The band's last documented major shows occurred that year, after which they paused group efforts amid the demands of prior years' promotions and personal pursuits. Lost in Paradise achieved moderate commercial success in , bolstered by its accessible pop-rock style, though it did not replicate the chart peaks of earlier albums. Critically, the record was viewed as a transitional work: reviewers praised its catchy, recognizable hooks and production polish but noted it felt somewhat impersonal and predictable compared to the band's rawer debut efforts.

Reunion and recent developments (2016–present)

Following a period of hiatus, Faber Drive staged a one-off on December 4, 2016, at the Hard Rock Casino in , , featuring special guests including Aaron Pritchett and Jordan Pritchett. The performance reignited fan enthusiasm, as evidenced by subsequent engagement and the band's decision to release their holiday single "We 3 Kings" just weeks later on December 16, 2016. The band remained largely inactive until March 3, 2023, when they returned to music with the release of the single "NEVER GONE," a country-infused track signaling a shift in their sound while honoring their pop-punk roots. This marked their first new original material in over a decade, distributed primarily through digital streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Building on this momentum, Faber Drive issued the single "Life Out Here" on October 18, 2024, which explored themes of simplicity and appreciation for everyday life. The release coincided with renewed live activity, including festival slots that showcased their evolving style to audiences across Canada. In 2025, the band underwent a lineup refresh, incorporating new members to support their revitalized output, with Dave Faber continuing as alongside Seamus O'Neill. This period saw the April 25 release of their Lifeline EP, a four-track project featuring original song "LIFELINE," a cover of "death bed (coffee for your head)," an acoustic rendition of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," and "Payday," emphasizing acoustic and introspective elements. The EP's tracks were made available progressively via streaming services through winter and spring 2025, aligning with Faber Drive's focus on digital accessibility. Complementing these efforts, the group embarked on ongoing Canadian tours, performing at events such as Bluewater Borderfest in , , on June 21, 2025, All Your Friends Fest in Sauble Beach on June 28, 2025, and the Exhibition. As of November 2025, the band announced performances at the Playback Music Festival in the on May 8 and 9, 2026, and teased upcoming new .

Musical style and influences

Musical style

Faber Drive's music is primarily rooted in and pop-rock, defined by infectious catchy hooks, energetic upbeat tempos, and prominent guitar-driven melodies that emphasize accessibility and high-energy performances. Their sound often features layered vocal harmonies and anthemic choruses designed to engage audiences, drawing from influences to create a glossy, radio-friendly polish. The band's style has evolved significantly across their discography, beginning with the raw, punk-infused energy of their debut album Seven Second Surgery (2007), which showcases full-throttle punk rockers packed with driving rhythms and youthful vigor reminiscent of early acts. Subsequent releases like Can't Keep a Secret (2009) introduced exploratory elements, blending traditional with upbeat electro-pop textures to expand their sonic palette. By Lost in Paradise (2012), the band incorporated electronic influences such as beats and new wave synths, shifting toward more mature balladry and introspective arrangements that reflect a polished evolution from their initial raw edge. Recent works include the Lifeline EP (2025). Lyrically, Faber Drive centers on themes of relationships, angst, and personal growth, often exploring , loss, and self-discovery through relatable narratives that resonate with young audiences. Their production style in later albums emphasizes a mix of acoustic and electric drive, with self-produced elements allowing for tighter control over harmonies and dynamic builds. This accessible Canadian pop-rock approach has positioned them alongside contemporaries like Hedley, earning praise for their consistent ability to deliver anthemic, feel-good tracks within the genre.

Influences

Faber Drive's music draws from a diverse array of influences spanning , , and country roots, as articulated by frontman Dave Faber in various interviews. Key inspirations include pop-punk pioneers such as and , which contributed to the band's energetic song structures and DIY ethos during their formative years. These elements shaped Faber Drive's approach to crafting relatable, high-energy tracks with humorous and vulnerable lyrics, reflecting the 2000s emo-punk fusion popularized through festivals like , though the band emphasized a broader palette. Classic rock acts like , , Led Zeppelin, and provided foundational influences for mainstream appeal and storytelling, with holding particular significance as Dave Faber's all-time favorite band for its blend of music and social impact. Additionally, '80s hair metal and bands such as and Winger informed their melodic hooks and anthemic style. Faber has noted drawing from both modern and vintage sources, including '70s and '60s icons, to create timeless narratives in their songs. Within the Canadian music scene, Faber Drive was profoundly shaped by frontman , who discovered and signed the band to his label, serving as a major songwriting mentor and collaborator. This connection extended to peers like Hedley and Marianas Trench, with whom they toured extensively, fostering a shared sensibility rooted in accessible, radio-friendly rock. Early personal inspirations for Dave Faber included country legend , introduced by his father, which later influenced introspective tones and lyrical vulnerability in the band's work post-hiatus. Overall, these influences manifested in Faber Drive's evolution from indie beginnings—evident in self-produced recordings—to polished, emotionally resonant with a nod to broader rock traditions.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Faber Drive as of 2025 features Dave Faber as the and , a founding member since 2004 who serves as the band's primary songwriter and frontman. Seamus O’Neill has been the drummer since 2012, contributing to the band's post-hiatus stability and consistent . In 2025, Nate Cavalli joined as and , infusing fresh energy into their live performances during recent tours. Bailey Jacobsen also joined that year on bass and backing vocals, strengthening the rhythmic foundation evident in their latest recordings. This configuration supported the release of the Lifeline EP in April 2025 and subsequent tour dates, marking a renewed phase following the band's reunion.

Former and inactive members

Faber Drive's lineup has undergone several changes since its formation, with key original members departing early on and later contributors stepping away during periods of hiatus and evolution. Ray "Red" Bull was the band's original drummer and provided from 2004 until 2008, leaving at the conclusion of the Seven Second Surgery album cycle to pursue other interests. David Hinsley served as lead guitarist and alongside from 2004 to 2008, also exiting after the debut album for personal reasons related to family commitments. Calvin "Poncho" Lechner replaced on drums and backing vocals in 2008, contributing to the recording of the second album Can't Keep a Secret (2009), before departing sometime thereafter to recalibrate his career and enter marketing. Jeremy "Krikit" Liddle, an original since 2004, remained involved through the early 2010s but became inactive following the band's initial hiatus around 2012–2015, stepping back from core activities. Jordan Pritchett joined as in 2009 and played a significant role in mid-period tours and recordings until becoming inactive after a 2024 lineup refresh. Andrew Stricko was the drummer from 2009 to 2012. These shifts in membership, particularly in the band's formative years, influenced its early cohesion while enabling stylistic evolution over time.

Touring members

Faber Drive has utilized supplemental musicians for live performances to accommodate lineup transitions and enhance stage production, particularly during key promotional periods and festival appearances. These touring members have focused on guitar and backing vocals roles, allowing the core band to maintain energy in larger venues and international settings without any studio recording involvement. In 2008, amid the success of their debut album Seven Second Surgery, Zubin Thakkar joined as touring lead guitarist and backing vocalist to replace David Hinsley during his temporary absence. A member of the band at the time, Thakkar supported through numerous concerts, including early expansion tours, from early 2008 until their final show in October of that year. Simon Nagel also served as a touring lead and for select 2008 performances, contributing to shows alongside supporting acts like Anything August. His involvement helped fill gaps during the band's busy schedule of Canadian and North American dates that year. Following the band's reunion in 2016 and into recent developments, additional touring support has been employed for festival and international outings. Marcus Ramsay has performed as lead with Faber Drive during summer 2025 gigs, aiding in dynamic live adaptations for events such as the Sauble . In , the band incorporated occasional bassists for transitional support at festivals like All Your Friends Fest, ensuring seamless setlist adjustments for crowds while keeping the focus on core material. These efforts extended to international shows, including the 2012 performances during the Lost in Paradise tour era, where supplemental players enhanced production for overseas audiences.

Discography

Studio albums

Faber Drive has released three studio albums, all characterized by their and rock influences, achieving varying levels of commercial success primarily in . The band's debut effort marked their , while subsequent releases reflected evolving production styles amid lineup changes and market shifts. Collectively, their albums have sold over copies worldwide, with strong initial performance driven by radio-friendly singles. The debut album, Seven Second Surgery, was released on May 1, 2007, through 604 Records. It consists of 11 tracks and earned a Gold certification from Music Canada for 40,000 units shipped. Produced by Brian Howes and Joey Moi, the record sold over 50,000 copies in Canada alone and received positive reviews for its energetic hooks, with AllMusic awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars for capturing the band's youthful pop rock vibe. Key tracks include "Tongue Tied," "Second Chance," and "When I'm with You," which propelled its chart success. The full track listing is:
  1. 24 Story Love Affair
  2. Tongue Tied
  3. Second Chance
  5. Sleepless Nights (Never Let Her Go)
  6. Killin' Me
  7. When I'm with You
  9. Summer Fling Don't Mean a Thing
  10. Ooh La La
  11. Forgive & Forget
The second album, Can't Keep a Secret (stylized as can'T keEp a SecrEt), followed on November 10, 2009, also via , featuring 11 tracks. It received Gold certification from , reflecting sales of at least 40,000 units, and saw international releases in the United States and . Critics noted a shift toward more polished production with synth elements, earning a 70/100 critic score on Album of the Year for its catchy anthems like "You and I Tonight" and "G-Get Up and Dance!" The track listing includes:
  1. The Payoff
  2. G-Get Up and Dance!
  3. You and I Tonight
  5. Give Him Up
  6. Our Last Goodbye
  7. Lucky Ones
  9. Forever
  10. Never Coming Down
  11. Devotion
The third album, Lost in Paradise, arrived on August 28, 2012, under , with 10 tracks. It experienced more modest sales without certification, aligning with the band's temporary hiatus shortly after release. critiqued it at 2.5 out of 5 stars, praising standout tracks like "Candy Store" (featuring Ish) for their accessibility but noting a formulaic feel overall. The track listing is:
  1. Set It Off
  2. Life Is Waiting
  3. Candy Store (feat. Ish)
  4. Dead on the Dancefloor (feat. Proper Villains)
  5. Do It in Hollywood
  6. Lost in Paradise
  7. Too Little Too Late
  8. Inside Out
  9. Before We Come Undone
  10. Wake Me Up

Extended plays

Faber Drive's debut extended play, titled Faber, was released independently in 2005 under the band's original name before changing to Faber Drive due to legal reasons. This limited-edition EP featured three tracks—"Sex and Love," "24 Story Love Affair," and "Cementhead"—which served as early demos showcasing the band's pop-punk sound and helped attract attention from major labels, ultimately contributing to their signing with Jive Records. Produced on a shoestring indie budget without major label support, the EP captured raw, formative material that influenced tracks on their subsequent debut studio album, Seven Second Surgery, emphasizing themes of youthful romance and energy. The band's second EP, Lifeline, marked their return following a lengthy hiatus and was released digitally on April 25, 2025, via independent distribution through under Tongue Tied Music Group. Comprising four tracks—"Lifeline," a cover of "death bed (coffee for your head)" by , an acoustic rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," and the original "Payday"—the EP explores themes of personal revival and resilience, with the title track serving as an uplifting reflecting the band's reunion and renewed creative drive. Unlike the indie approach of their 2005 EP, Lifeline leveraged modern digital platforms for a progressive rollout, achieving notable streaming traction that bolstered Faber Drive's monthly listeners to over 347,000 by mid-2025.

Singles

Faber Drive has released twelve singles over their career, eleven of which charted on various Canadian music charts, contributing significantly to their popularity in the and genres. Several of these tracks earned digital download certifications from , reflecting their commercial impact, particularly in the late 2000s. The band's singles often featured music videos that emphasized their energetic, youthful themes, aiding promotion through radio and television airplay. From their debut album Seven Second Surgery (2007), "Second Chance" was released in February 2007 as the lead single, peaking at number 26 on the Canadian Hot 100 and receiving heavy rotation on Canadian radio. "Tongue Tied", issued in June 2007, climbed to number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified Gold by Music Canada in September 2009 for sales exceeding 40,000 units. The follow-up "When I'm With You" arrived in November 2007, reaching number 19 on the Canadian Hot 100 and also attaining Gold certification in September 2009. "Sleepless Nights (Never Let Her Go)", featuring Brian Melo and released in 2008, charted on the MuchMusic Top 30, promoting the album's emotional ballads through a remix-focused video. The second album Can't Keep a Secret (2009) yielded strong charting singles, starting with "G-Get Up and Dance" in July 2009, which peaked at number 6 on the Canadian Hot 100—the band's highest position on the chart—and was certified by in 2009 for 80,000 units sold (later upgraded to Double ). "Give Him Up", released in November 2009, reached number 26 on the Canadian Hot 100 and earned certification in 2010. "You and I Tonight", the 2010 single, peaked at number 49 on the Canadian Hot 100, supported by a video highlighting the band's maturing sound. Lost in Paradise (2012) featured "Candy Store" (featuring Ish) as its in June 2012, peaking at number 76 on the Canadian Hot 100 and promoted via an extended version for radio play. "Life Is Waiting", released later in 2012, entered the Canadian Hot 100 at number 100 before peaking at number 86, with a emphasizing themes of perseverance. In the 2020s, Faber Drive ventured into standalone releases, including "" on March 3, 2023, their first foray into without major chart entry but gaining traction on streaming platforms. The 2024 single "Life Out Here", released , 2024, as the lead from an upcoming EP, includes a and explores optimistic life themes, continuing the band's evolution toward .

References

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