IT - DEPARTURE - 2009

IT (pronounced it not I.T.) was formed in 1994 by Nick Jackson as a psychedelic and multi-media band based in both London, England and Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. The band released it first full-length album, "The Stranger Inside the Self" the same year. At this point, IT was purely Nick Jackson's vehicle as he was the only full member of the band. Guest musicians were used to provide additional instrumentation for the album. During IT's live shows promoting the album, the band began to use multi-media techniques, such as playing short films behind the band on stage. IT's second album, "Two Worlds" was released early the following year. For this album, the band was expanded to include accoustic guitarist James Johnson and bassist/guitarist Andy Jackson. The band also appeared on the James Whale TV Show, a show which promoted new bands.

After the release of their second album, Nick Jackson took some time to build his own studio called Spacehouse Studios between 1996 and 1998 and every subsequent IT album has been recorded there. The band ended their recording hiatus in 2002 with the release of the band's third album, a concept album titled "Over & Out". For "Over & Out" the band was joined by drummer Damian Kenley. During live promotion for this album, where the band toured both England and Canada, the band played the album in its entirety accompanied by projected visual montages created by Nick Jackson.

Near the end of the tour promoting "Over & Out", guitarist James Johnson left the band in order to get married and begin family life, and Andy Jackson left the band as well. They were replaced by Andy Rowberry, on lead guitar, and James Dunn on bass guitar. The addition of keyboardist Rob Archibald and drummer Alex Inglis rounded out the lineup for their new lineup. In 2008, IT signed to Sonic Vista Music and released their fourth album, "Departure" on that label in 2009. The release of the album combined the CD with a DVD, the bands first, which included two videos, a documentary and several live tracks. Several guests appeared on the album from several diverse genres, including bluegrass and heavy metal. A European tour to promote "Departure" is currently in the works.

Citing influences such as PINK FLOYD, PORCUPINE TREE, OPETH, THE CURE and NINE INCH NAILS, the band combines progressive rock along with several other influences, including country, heavy metal, hard rock and pop. The band currently consists of Nick Jackson on lead vocals and guitar; Andy Rowberry on lead guitar; James Dunn on bass guitar; and, Will Chism on drums.
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