By Marissa Baecker

With the inception of music videos, rock stars began to let the public into their lives. What became apparent is that motorcycles and musicians are a popular pairing. Rebel Billy Idol, Guns n’ Roses’ Gilby Clark, the bad boys of Motley Crue and long time Canadian rockers Rush are just a few names off the top of our heads that I can associate with motorcycles.

The newest musicians on the horizon to have a motorcycle flare are Canada’s Crash Karma. This group of seasoned professionals have individually bathed in rock star success with Our Lady Peace, the Tea Party, I Mother Earth and Zygote before ‘crashing’ together and opening a new musical chapter in their lives. It was Karma.

“As far as radio and touring results, it has been a nice steady climb,” says drummer Jeff Burrows. “We have become great friends – a brotherhood.”

With their previous groups’ multi-platinum success, the music world had high expectations when the band came together but the band is a well beyond trying to please the public by following any trends, or setting the next fashion must-have style. They know who they are. They know what they like and they don’t expect everyone to get on board.

With the growth of the band over the past couple of years and the release of their debut album, breaking out of Canada has had its challenges. The band recently expanded into Australia but were met with apprehension when looking to the U.S.

“If you are not 100% exactly what is needed on the radar for that particular business to make money, you won’t get a deal,” says Burrows. “I’m not jaded by it. I am just really aware of how the music business really works. I am frustrated by it, but I have been fortunate, blessed and am thankful but at the same time, just more aware of it than I have ever been.”

While breaking into the U.S. market may take some more time, CK isn’t sliding under any radars in Canada. The band was recently chosen by the Canadian military to go to Afghanistan and be part of a Canadian group of celebrities to entertain the Canadian troops.

“We will get a day or two of orientation, and Guy LaFleur is coming with us,” said lead vocalist, Edwin the day before leaving. “We are going to do a show and take part in ball hockey, or dessert hockey I guess.”

“I think Wendy Daniels of Virgin Radio had something to do with it,” laughs Burrows. “I am sure they look at charting, relevance etc. but when we heard about it, we were like, ‘Yeah’. You have no idea what you are walking into but we were keen.”

The band’s agenda during their stay in Kandahar was jam packed. Several educational tours about the military changed the band’s preconceived thoughts and views.

“It was very informative,” said Burrows. “We were given some information that was pretty surprising but were extremely proud of.”

“In my Tea Party days, Stuart Chatwood and I rented some bikes in Australia and we rode the Northeast Coast 3 hours up and 3 hours back. It was the most stunning ride I have ever done,” recalls Burrows.

“I have been involved with Ride for Dad in Windsor,” says Burrows. “There is a local HD dealership that hooks me up with a different bike every year. It is so nice. I ride mostly HD Fat Boys. The cruise is great.”

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