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SoulDecision
SoulDecision
SoulDecision
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soulDecision was a Canadian pop band from Vancouver that was active between 1993 and 2005. They are best known for the single, "Faded", which hit number-one in Canada in 2000, and "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy", which became a hit as well the following year.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

The group was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, under the original name 'Indecision' by singer and multi-instrumentalist Trevor Guthrie, singer David Bowman, and keyboard player Ken Lewko, who were studying music together at Capilano College. Before signing a record deal, they released a couple of singles that received national top 40 radio airplay. The success of those singles led them to a record deal with Universal Music.[1] However, due to a name conflict with an American band, they reluctantly changed their name from Indecision; they allowed their manager, Garry Francis, to choose the new name soulDecision.[2] Launched at the height of the boy band era, they nonetheless wrote their own songs and played their own instruments. The group's first studio album, No One Does It Better, was recorded in Velvet Sound Studios in Sydney, Australia and released on February 22, 2000, in Canada.[3] The album's lead single "Faded", an up-tempo pop tune mixed with R&B and featuring a rap sequence by Thrust, was a hit in Canada, reaching number one on the country's singles chart.[4] It also reached number 22 in the United States. The follow-up single, "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy", also was a hit in North America, and at one time became the number one request on MTV's Total Request Live. In 2018, Billboard named the video as one of the top ten "Greatest Boy Band Videos of the TRL Era" alongside Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees.[5]

In July 2000, they toured Canada as part of YTV's Psykoblast Tour, supporting Christina Aguilera[6] and also headlining the Canadian tour in 2001. In late 2000, they toured along with Destiny's Child, as support act for Aguilera's Genie in a Bottle Tour throughout North America. They were the support act for NSYNC on the Eastern North America dates of Leg 2 of the No Strings Attached Tour in 2000.

The band departed Universal and released their second album, Shady Satin Drug, in 2004 through the label Sextant. The album's first single was "Cadillac Dress", released as a download from the band's website. After the album's release, Sextant filed for bankruptcy.[7]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected details, chart positions and certifications
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold)
CAN US
No One Does It Better
  • Released: February 22, 2000
  • Label: MCA
 7 103
Shady Satin Drug
  • Released: October 26, 2004
  • Label: Sextant
 — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Chart positions Album
CAN
[4][9][10][11] 		AUS
[12] 		US
[13]
"Tonight" 1997 — — — Non-album Single
"Not Enough" — — —
"Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" 1998 45 — 111
"Faded" (featuring Thrust) 1999 1 23 22 No One Does It Better
"No One Does It Better" 2000 10 — —
"Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" (re-release) 18 49 —
"Gravity" 13 — —
"Let's Do It Right" 2001 10 — —
"Cadillac Dress" 2004 44 — — Shady Satin Drug
"Kiss the Walls" — — —
"Hypnotize" — — —

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SoulDecision

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
soulDecision was a Canadian pop band formed in , , in 1993, originally under the name Indecision, and active until 2005, best known for their international hit single "Faded" from 2000, which reached number one on the Canadian charts and number 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The trio consisted of vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Trevor Guthrie, vocalist David Bowman, and keyboardist Ken Lewko, who wrote and produced much of their material despite being marketed as a . After releasing independent singles, they signed with and issued their debut and only studio album, No One Does It Better, in 2000, which featured the moderate hit "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" followed by the breakout success of "Faded" featuring rapper . The band toured extensively, opening for artists such as and *NSYNC, but internal exhaustion and financial strains led to their quiet disbandment following a 2005 Canadian tour, with Guthrie later co-writing the 2013 hit "This Is What It Feels Like" with , earning a Grammy nomination, and in 2025 marking the 25th anniversary of "Faded".

History

Formation and early years (1993–1997)

soulDecision was formed in 1993 at Capilano College in , , , originally under the name Indecision by Trevor Guthrie (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), David Bowman (vocals, guitar), and Ken Lewko (keyboards). The three members, all in their early twenties, met while studying at the college and began collaborating as a trio to write and perform original material. During their initial years, the band concentrated on honing their pop-R&B style through local performances in , drawing inspiration from the collaborative and creative atmosphere of the college environment. They emphasized self-production and musicianship, aiming to distinguish themselves as a group capable of writing, playing, and producing their own songs from the outset. In 1996, due to a naming conflict with an existing American band called Indecision, the group rebranded as soulDecision, a name chosen by their manager Garry Francis. This period marked a shift toward more structured efforts, including the creation of independent demos that showcased their evolving sound. Between 1996 and 1997, soulDecision built a modest following in Vancouver's local music scene through gigs at small venues, appealing primarily to young audiences aged 19 to 21. These activities, combined with their demo recordings, attracted attention from industry professionals and culminated in a record deal with Universal Music Canada in the late .

Breakthrough success (1998–2001)

soulDecision achieved their commercial breakthrough in the late with the independent release of their debut single "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" in 1998, which was re-released in 2000 accompanied by a that gained significant on Canadian radio and television. The track, characterized by its upbeat pop-R&B melody and harmonious vocals, peaked at number 18 on the Canadian charts, marking the band's entry into mainstream success and helping to establish their boy band-inspired sound blending catchy hooks with rhythmic grooves. The following year, soulDecision released their breakthrough hit "Faded" in 1999, featuring Canadian rapper , which propelled them to national stardom with its infectious pop-R&B fusion and themes of fleeting romance. The single topped the Canadian Singles Chart and reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a in for sales exceeding 100,000 units. This success underscored the band's stronger domestic appeal compared to their reception, where they were often labeled a despite the track's crossover impact. Their debut album, No One Does It Better, arrived on February 22, 2000, via under Universal Music Canada, with a US release later that year. Produced primarily by Charles Fisher, Femi Jiya, and the band members themselves, the record peaked at number 7 on the Canadian Albums Chart and number 103 on the US , achieving platinum status in Canada through sales driven by its lead singles' popularity. The album's polished production highlighted soulDecision's harmonious vocals, upbeat tracks, and pop-R&B style, positioning them as a key player in the early era while differentiating them with R&B influences. From 2000 to 2001, soulDecision embarked on extensive touring to capitalize on their rising profile, opening for major acts including on her Genie in a Bottle Tour, on select n dates, and NSYNC during their outings. They also headlined their own Canadian tour in 2001 and performed at high-profile venues, alongside television appearances on MuchMusic—such as at the 2000 MuchMusic Video Awards—and , where "Faded" and "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" entered heavy rotation on . These efforts solidified their peak popularity period, emphasizing their energetic live performances and vocal synergy to a growing fanbase across .

Later career and disbandment (2002–2005)

Following the success of their debut album No One Does It Better, soulDecision parted ways with Universal Music Group in 2002 due to disappointing sales in the United States, subsequently signing with the independent label Sextant Records, founded by lead singer Trevor Guthrie. This shift allowed the band greater creative control but came amid a challenging period for the group. The band's second and final studio album, Shady Satin Drug, was released on October 26, 2004, exclusively in Canada through Sextant Records. The lead single, "Cadillac Dress," was made available as a digital download via the band's website but garnered only limited radio airplay and failed to achieve significant chart performance. Despite efforts to promote the album with a Canadian tour and additional singles like "Kiss the Walls" and "Hypnotize," sales were low, contributing to financial strains. Sextant Records, a small Toronto-based label distributed by EMI Music Canada, became defunct shortly after the release, severely restricting promotional activities and distribution. From 2003 to 2004, the band experienced reduced output and growing internal challenges, including exhaustion from ongoing tours and label instability, though they continued performing live with additional touring musicians to support shows. Activity waned as members pursued individual projects amid these pressures. soulDecision officially disbanded in 2005 following a final Canadian tour, prompted by financial difficulties and fatigue, with Trevor Guthrie departing to focus on solo endeavors; the remaining members, David Bowman and Ken Lewko, ceased group activities without a public announcement.

Discography

Studio albums

soulDecision's debut studio , No One Does It Better, was released on February 22, 2000, by . The consists of 11 tracks, blending pop and R&B elements with production handled by the band alongside collaborators. Key tracks include the hit singles "Faded" and "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy," which contributed to the 's commercial success in . The record received a mixed reception, earning a 6.8 out of 10 rating on for its catchy hooks and boy-band appeal, though some critics noted its formulaic style. Following a period of label changes, the band issued their second studio album, Shady Satin Drug, on October 26, 2004, via Sextant Records in Canada. This 10-track release featured an edgier pop sound, with production credits shared among band members like Trevor Guthrie and external contributors including Nile Rodgers and Peter Mokran, incorporating self-produced elements. Notable songs include "Cadillac Dress" and "Shady Satin Drug." Distribution was severely limited due to the label's bankruptcy shortly after release, hindering its promotion and reach. Critics observed a shift to a more mature vibe but lamented the lack of support, resulting in minimal commercial impact.
AlbumRelease DateLabelTracksKey Producers
No One Does It BetterFebruary 22, 200011soulDecision and collaborators
Shady Satin DrugOctober 26, 2004Sextant Records10Trevor Guthrie, , Peter Mokran

Singles

soulDecision released several singles across their two studio albums, with the majority coming from their 2000 debut No One Does It Better. These tracks blended pop, R&B, and elements, contributing to the band's early success in and moderate crossover appeal in the United States. The band's first major single, "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy", was initially released independently in 1998 under the name Indecision before being re-released in 2000. The re-release peaked at number 18 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart and number 49 on the . In the US, it reached number 111 on the and number 35 on the Adult Top 40 chart. The accompanying , directed by Stephen Scott, depicts the band performing in a vibrant scene with colorful lighting and sequences. "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" was followed by the band's signature hit, "Faded", released in 1999 and featuring a guest verse from Canadian rapper . The track topped Canada's RPM Top Singles chart for three weeks and peaked at number 22 on the , marking soulDecision's highest-charting entry internationally. Its upbeat melody and relatable lyrics about fleeting romance resonated widely, propelling album sales. The music video, also directed by Stephen Scott, shows the band interacting with fans and performing on a simple set, emphasizing their boy-band aesthetic. "Gravity", the third single from No One Does It Better released in 2000, achieved a peak of number 13 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart, receiving airplay primarily in Canada without significant US traction. Subsequent singles from the debut album, "No One Does It Better" (peaking at #10 in Canada) and "Let's Do It Right" (also #10 in Canada; both 2001), saw moderate commercial success, garnering radio play in Canada. From their 2004 follow-up album Shady Satin Drug, "Cadillac Dress" was issued as a lead single with a limited release, peaking at #44 on the Canadian Singles Chart. Other tracks like "Kiss the Walls" and "Hypnotize" received niche airplay in Canada but did not chart prominently. "Faded" stands as the band's defining release, responsible for much of their enduring recognition and commercial impact.

Legacy

Cultural impact

soulDecision emerged as part of the late 1990s and early 2000s wave, aligning with prominent acts like and while carving a niche through their R&B-infused pop style that blended smooth harmonies with urban influences. This positioning helped them contribute to the vibrant Canadian pop scene, particularly from , where they represented a homegrown response to the international phenomenon. The band's single "Faded" became a hallmark of the MTV Total Request Live (TRL) era, capturing the high-energy, video-driven pop culture of the time with its catchy melody and playful narrative. In recognition of this period, included soulDecision's video for "Ooh It's Kinda Crazy" in its 2018 list of the top ten greatest videos from the TRL era, underscoring their visual appeal alongside contemporaries like and . Despite their brief prominence, soulDecision received limited industry accolades, earning a nomination for Best Group at the 2001 but ultimately not securing a win, with taking the honor. The 2025 25th anniversary of their debut album No One Does It Better sparked retrospectives framing the group as a quintessential flash-in-the-pan act of the era, reflecting on their rapid rise and fade within the pop landscape. In the 2020s, soulDecision has enjoyed a resurgence through nostalgia-driven media, with podcasts such as One Hit Thunder dissecting "Faded" as an infectious from the boom, and users frequently reviving the track in throwback videos that evoke millennial pop memories.

Members' subsequent activities

Following the disbandment of soulDecision in 2005, lead singer Trevor Guthrie pursued a solo , beginning with an independent track released on in 2008. He gained renewed prominence in 2013 through his vocal feature on Armin van Buuren's "This Is What It Feels Like," a global hit that earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording in 2014. Guthrie continued releasing singles, including "Soundwave" with in 2014 and "Strong Hands" in 2015, the latter inspired by veterans' stories, while focusing on songwriting and collaborations with electronic artists. In a 2014 interview, he reflected on the band's quiet dissolution due to exhaustion and financial issues after their final tour, noting the lack of formal closure. As of 2025, Guthrie continues focusing on songwriting and collaborations in electronic music, though he filed a in December 2024 against a producer for failing to deliver recording footage and reimburse expenses (ongoing as of September 2025). David Bowman, a co-lead vocalist, departed the group in 2004—prior to the full disbandment—to form the rock band Seven Lies, with whom he released the independent album Origin that year, followed by Drive in 2006 and Devoted in 2010. The band maintained a low profile thereafter, with limited releases and occasional public appearances, including the 2016 soulDecision reunion performance. Keyboardist Ken Lewko has kept an especially low public profile post-2005, with no major solo releases or high-visibility projects recorded. He occasionally participated in nostalgic events, such as a one-off soulDecision performance at the 2016 KiSS RADiO WHAM BAM concert in Vancouver. The band's later touring members—guitarist James Reid, bassist Tino Zolfo, and others like Stephen McGrath—largely faded from the music spotlight after 2005, with no prominent solo endeavors documented. Zolfo transitioned toward filmmaking, contributing to projects like the 2024 documentary on a musician's journey. Apart from a one-off reunion performance in 2016, no full band reunions or tours have occurred as of 2025, though members have referenced soulDecision nostalgically in interviews.

References

  1. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Faded%2Bby%2BSoulDecision&id=38576
  2. https://www.vice.com/en/article/trevor-guthrie-souldecision-interview/
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/souldecision-mn0000042188
  4. https://www.discogs.com/artist/725913-soulDecision
  5. https://www.kidzworld.com/article/632-souldecision-biography/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/z953van/videos/buzz-bishop-chats-with-trevor-guthrie/2042353189622263/
  7. https://www.cbc.ca/musicinteractives/features/canadian-boy-bands
  8. https://genius.com/Souldecision-ooh-its-kinda-crazy-lyrics
  9. https://www.discogs.com/master/151004-soulDecision-Ooh-Its-Kinda-Crazy
  10. https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/2011/08/23/2000s-biggest-canadian-hits-both-english-and-french/
  11. https://www.whosampled.com/soulDecision/Faded/
  12. https://musiccanada.wordpress.com/tag/souldecision/
  13. https://www.last.fm/music/SoulDecision/%2Bwiki
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/7534246-soulDecision-No-One-Does-It-Better
  15. https://www.b93.fm/?artistProfile=4315
  16. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/soul-decision
  17. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xih9wVVeetg
  18. https://www.allmusic.com/album/shady-satin-drug-mw0000471310
  19. https://genius.com/albums/Souldecision/Shady-satin-drug
  20. https://www.liveone.com/artist/souldecision/388912
  21. https://macleans.ca/economy/business/new-life-for-death-row/
  22. https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-one-does-it-better/1444008042
  23. https://www.discogs.com/master/151003-soulDecision-No-One-Does-It-Better
  24. https://genius.com/albums/Souldecision/No-one-does-it-better
  25. https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-one-does-it-better-mw0000067038
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/890044-soulDecision-Shady-Satin-Drug
  27. https://www.cbc.ca/music/13-canadian-bands-that-will-make-you-feel-totally-nostalgic-for-the-2000s-1.5558176
  28. https://www.discogs.com/master/1094248-soulDecision-Shady-Satin-Drug
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10020666/
  30. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Faded+by+SoulDecision&id=38576
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10020636/
  32. https://bingepods.com/podcast/one-hit-thunder/episode/faded-by-souldecision-fjenae-thompson
  33. https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/best-boy-band-videos-trl-8395651/
  34. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/list-of-juno-nominees-1.257382
  35. https://www.cbc.ca/music/can-you-believe-these-albums-are-turning-25-in-2025-1.5417945
  36. https://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_b9134a21-fab1-4c1e-a115-b3fb975e89ee.html
  37. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/134852-soulDecision
  38. https://www.sevenlies.com/bio/
  39. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/kiss-radio-wham-bam-lights-up-opening-night-at-the-pne-590831861.html
  40. https://www.facebook.com/brutusbegins/videos/this-is-part-1-of-a-documentary-about-my-music-journey-directed-by-my-friend-tin/528178536802228/
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