The History of Hacienda

Growing up in the same neighbourhood in Scarborough (east Toronto), Chris and Lee were friends, long before ever becoming a band. Sports, music, hanging out and chasing girls were the cornerstone of their friendship and it seems to have withstood the test of time (thanks, in part, to sticking to that 'winning formula')!

The first hint of anything band related wouldn't come into the picture until Chris decided to write a song for his highschool talent show. And it was on that night, under the moniker "Unacceptably Despicable", that an early version of Hacienda took to the stage: Chris handling the vocals and keys, while Lee played some backing keys and tried to look cool and expressionless. Most of the people in attendance couldn't tell you much about the song or performance itself, because "Skatch" (their friend and third member of the band) stole the show with his crazy attire & dancing...and his impromptu rendition of the rap from NKOTB's song "Games" (don't ask).

During their university years, Chris and Lee attended different schools. Chris went to York and enjoyed the perks that come with sports therapy and hanging with collegiate athletes; Lee went to U of T and enjoyed drama classes and the predominantly female enrollment in his psychology and linguistics courses. Psych class was where Lee met, befriended and started collaborating with Joe (under the name "Continuum"). This was a definite high point in the journey, but unfortunately, Joe moved to the other side of the country and working on songs became a rather tedious, long distance affair. So Chris, with his newly acquired guitar playing skills, stepped back into the picture and the song writing insued.

Hacienda, whose name was taken from the famous and now defunct club in Manchester, started to get serious around 2003. Lee and Chris decided to split an apartment and soon realized that you can come up with 10 song ideas during a night of drinking in your livingroom! Many more songs and a few more of those nights followed, and the result is what you're looking at today: Songs about love, pain and the Human Condition.

With Joe joining the band in 2008 (at a show in Tokyo), Hacienda now spans half the globe - Toronto, Vancouver & Tokyo! Technology keeps them connected and allows them to creatively infuse the flavours that surround them. Stay tuned for some new songs and as always -enjoy the ride, but please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times...

Hacienda would like to send thanks to:

First, and foremost, Peter Quistgard. We couldn't have done it without your philanthropy!!!

Chris thanks: 'Curious' George Bush for not coming after my weapon of mass destruction...I use that thing to think with, most of the time. Also, thanks to my mom for bringing music into the home as an inspiration and distraction. Thanks to my brother for being an inspiration; never ceasing to let it go and for not caring that I stole your guitar. Cheers to my sister, for showing me true strength and humbleness (you are great)...hands off boys! And, of course, my love and inspiration - Kazuyo & Riki.

Lee would like to thank: "...the Sun....the one that shines on everyone, who feels love". My family, Kitten, friends and 'fans' here and abroad for their love, support and words of encouragement. My parents: For their support and for blaring their various genres of music into the wee hours of the morning and into my subconscious forever. My Filipino Brethren: Paul and Dre for traveling far and wide, through every kind of weather imaginable- just to sing! Joe: For your talent, friendship and getting me started in this biz. JS Music Productions: For allowing me to sing for hours on end over the years. And to all of those who have caught my eye, tickled my fancy, touched, broken or mildly fondled my heart...

We would also like to thank:

The members of New Order-past and present, Pet Shop Boys, The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Maestro (maestro, maestro), Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, The Beatles, Oasis, Coldplay, The Smiths/Morrissey, Keane, Erasure, The Spoons, Chris Sheppard, The Grapes of Wrath, The Sundays, Core Strength (for our first paycheque), SCTV, SNL, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, John Hughes, City Limits, Edge102, Much Music, Benny Hill, Monty Python, Ali G, In Livin' Color, Rob and Scrappy from the DeGrassi House for letting us take the stage, Sir Richard (of) Tiller for being our first (and only) manager...and The Toronto Maple Leafs for years of highs, lows and heartbreak....because isn't that what love is all about?!?