Staying On The Line
By Thad Milzner
Lucas James Stagg was born on January 31st, 1979 in the industrial village of Kitchener, Ontario, just down the tracks from Toronto.
Throughout his 25 years he has written over 200 songs, including everything from hit parade material to gospel, train songs, instrumentals, tributes to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Tom Waits, and songs by acts like The Inspiral Carpets (“This Is How It Feels”).
He began his career much like everyone else…entertaining senior citizens at retirement homes at the age of 4, with an accapella version of “Walking on Air”, the theme song from popular 80’s TV drama, ‘The Greatest American Hero’.
Both parents had musical talent and Lucas picked up his basic guitar-playing skills from his school mates. It wasn't long before he developed; in style and as an Artist. One could attend performances for just a nickel. One could catch him performing at kitchen parties, neighborhood picnics, not to mention the “private shows” (in the basement).
Throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000’s Lucas toured Central Canada playing at rock n’ roll fairs and licensed establishments with his band, Room 101.
In 1997 he made his first recording in Cambridge, Ontario with Brent Kings’ Skinflint Records label and signed a contract that would last 2 years.
Lucas made his way to Toronto with Room 101, and had his first appearance at the El Macombo in 1998.
In 1999 he began recording the Room 101 ‘Album’ at Domenic DiGravio’s L.A. Sound Studio. After a slew of band changes and infighting, Room 101 released the disc to rave reviews amongst fans and critics alike. The line up of Stagg, Robertson, Williams, and Blacker would be the one to have ‘101 run its course.
Craig Laskey invited Room 101 to play the Horseshoe Tavern on November 27, 2001. They performed at various locations around the province, 4 nights a week, for 4 years. Their appearances always received magnitudes of appreciation, and, as long as there was an audience, they were kept happy.
Room 101 parted ways in the Fall of 2002.
One year later, Lucas decided that a 22 country jaunt of Europe was far overdue in the Fall of 2003. Coincidentally (??) this adventure seemed to follow right along with Bob Dylan’s tour of that same season. The two; a fan and obvious Legend; finally collided in Budapest, Hungary. Lucas stood at attention but 5 feet away from his all-time favourite recording artist, watched him “tear the roof off the place” with an otherwise restrained, Hungarian audience. They definitely knew who the Canadian in the audience was that night.
Upon his return to Canada, Lucas recorded a rock n’ roll album with former Room 101 guitarist, Jamie Robertson. Canadian Blues Legend, and Juno Award Winner Jack DeKeyzer, worked as Producer on the project, which was fittingly entitled ‘Stories of Love and War’. Personal differences/similarities between Stagg and Robertson made it impossible to push ‘Stories’ forward. The 10 song disc remains finished, without any current plans for release.
Lucas has always kept a warm spot in his heart for Waterloo, Ontario…where he currently resides. He pays homage to the City with his new album ‘Play for Keeps’ (2005). Current recordings include the song Carnival of Souls to honor a fascination of B-Movies and Classic Cinema that Lucas had had in his early youth, which continues today.
Lucas Stagg’s recorded and live music has not only been heard, but more importantly well enjoyed in; Canada, England, Germany, Australia, Spain, and beyond.
"; bio[1] = "...Chuggin' Along
By Bridget Riley – Monk’s Apartment – Buffalo NY
Stagg has been writing and playing relentlessly, fresh off the release of his debut album, ‘Play For Keeps’, with country and folk music a continued obsession. He has incorporated various accompaniments, including, K-W singer-songwriter Craig McNair on vocal harmonies, and, Cambridge musician Jesse Altman on dobro, lead acoustic and harmonica. In regards to Altman, Stagg admits. “I can chug a rhythm as good as anyone, but this guy plays in a way you can’t just learn.”
Lucas returned to Irv Russell and Adam Thompson’s Hi-Fi Way Studio in July to record the tracks for album number two, tentatively titled, ‘Love, Or Lack Thereof’. Singer, and Rock N’ Roll “Guru”, John Mars, has Co-Produced this new record. “We had Irv (Russell) pull out the 500 pound analog unit, because we wanted warmth, a lot of people say that about analog and never use it because it costs a few extra bucks, but it’s worth it. ” he says.
In August 2005, Lucas performed, along with guest vocalist, and K-W songstress, Mary 5e at one of the most nostalgic and now defunct venues in the history of popular music, the CBGB(R.I.P) Club in Manhattan’s Bowery district.
"; bio[2] = "Lucas Stagg: Love, Or Lack Thereof
By Robert Reid – K-W RECORD
After working his way through a variety of bands that played a variety of styles, Lucas Stagg stripped down his sound in 2005 when he released the raw guitar and voice album Play for Keeps. Love, or Lack Thereof is a continuation of the Waterloo singer/songwriter's solo journey down the two-lane hardtop of roots and alt.-country. Armed with acoustic guitar and a voice that's more and more impressing as it matures, Stagg is assisted by Jesse Altman on guitar, dobro, harmonica and backup vocals, along with backup vocalists Craig McNair, Mary 5E and Marcy Dwyer on selected tracks. The album, which is co-produced by Stagg and visual artist/musician John Mars, has the rough-hewn quality of a few beers with friends on the back porch or around the kitchen table. In terms of songwriting, Love, or Lack Thereof delivers on the promise that was Play for Keeps.
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