The Pink' was born prematurely in the early months of 2007 from a need in lives of both singer/guitar player Jay Higgs and drummer Corey Motz to awaken the artistic outlet that was once an integral part ofd their existence, and to begin making something creative and positive. While both had been in numerous bands that catered to specific genres and scenes, the new project took a completely different direction: instead of specifically aiming for one type of music, the boys opened the doors to any and every musical influence they'd been exposed to, with the goal to make progressive yet accessible ass shaking rock and roll that came honestly, without concern for who or what their market is.
For the next two years The Pink cut their teeth playing shows in and around the 'Oil City' area, with such acts as Vancouver's 'Hard Feelings' and Edmonton staple Eamon McGrath, and amassing a catalogue of almost 40 songs—the likes of which most flash-in-the-pan bands can only dream of—all the while still searching for the piece of the puzzle that would round out their ensemble. And in early July '09, Jay and Corey found the missing link in bass player Craig Egan. After meeting in what could be seen as chance circumstance while waiting in line for almost two hours to get into a show, 'The Pink' recruited Craig and began jamming relentlessly. After a month of rigorous reahersals, Craig officially joined the family, and the boys began recording the 'Tongue in Cheek' EP later that month. The EP was fashioned as an open and objective look at a band who can, and do, change musical styles from song to song, if not from verse to verse. The album opens with the grinding 'DRTSC', a raucous barn burner that reeks of sex and rebellion. The disk continues with 'This Isn't What We Wanted,' a throwback to the undeniable hardcore and punk rock influences in their lives throughout the years, which takes a more introspective and serious lyrical approach to self preservation. The record concludes with 'The Storm,' a classically-influenced rock opus written in multiple movements that reflects the rise and fall of a relationship, showing moments both beautiful and crass, touching and crushing at the same time.
They say, 'you can either sink or swim in Oil City', but after years of barely keeping their heads above water, The Southern Pink have found their stroke. A unified front, no longer satisfied with the shackles of a local scene, 'The Pink' are setting their sights on bigger and better things. With the upcoming release of 'Tongue in Cheek' this spring/summer, and a year of touring and recording ahead of them, The Southern Pink are poised and ready to come into their own.
