Contrived

Contrived was formed in June 2000 by McNeil, Campbell and Bigelow while they were high school students in Stellarton.[4] Although Wintersleep achieved national fame first, Contrived in fact existed earlier and Wintersleep was originally a side project in collaboration with Paul Murphy of the band Kary.[5] Campbell has stated in interviews that the band's name was a sarcastic riposte to the popularity of mainstream boy band pop at the time.[6]

They began performing in the Halifax area,[5] and in 2002 released an album, Pursuit of Plots, on the Dependent Music label.[7]

Contrived appeared in video for a television pilot in 2003, and became known locally for their highly energetic live shows; they released an EP in 2004.[4]

Their next album, Dead Air Verbatim, was recorded partly in London, Ontario and produced by Andy Magoffin.[8] It included a second guitarist, Jon Samuel,[9] and was named as one of 2004's most anticipated releases by !earshot.[10] The album was supported by their first major national tour, on a bill that included both Contrived and Wintersleep as well as singer-songwriter Jill Barber.[11]

In 2008 the group released their final album, Blank, Blank, Blank.[12] The album pursued a less heavy rock sound than the band's previous work,[9][13] and was produced by David Newfeld of Broken Social Scene.[12]

By 2010, Wintersleep had been established as major national rock stars by the success of their breakthrough single "Weighty Ghost",[14] and Contrived were performing only occasionally.[9]

• Mike Bigelow – bass
• Loel Campbell – drums
• Mike MacNeil – vocals, guitar
• Tim D'Eon – keyboards, guitars
• Jon Samuel – vocals, guitar

• Pursuit of Plots (2002)
• Starshine (2004, EP)
• Dead Air Verbatim (2005)
• Blank, Blank, Blank (2008)

• Music of Canada
• Canadian rock
• List of bands from Canada
• List of Canadian musicians
• Category:Canadian musical groups