Downway

Origin

Calgary, Alberta

Years active

1994–2003

Genres

punk rock, melodic hardcore, skate punk

Instruments

guitar, bass, drums, vocals

Biography

Downway was a Canadian melodic punk rock band formed in Calgary, Alberta, in late 1994. The band emerged following the end of the groups S.P.I. and Blind Hate, featuring founding members Dave Jr. (guitar), Dave Holmes (bass), Isaac (drums), and Ryan (vocals). Their sound, rooted in hardcore and pop-punk, quickly led them to release their debut album, "Downway Is As Downway Does," via Hourglass Records in 1995. This initial release served as a stepping stone for the band to gain recognition, opening doors for tours and further recordings.

Throughout their career, Downway released four additional albums on labels such as 206 Records (Seattle) and Sessions Records (Santa Cruz, California), along with four music videos that were aired on channels like Much Music and MTV Canada. The band participated in major festivals such as the Vans Warped Tour in 1999, 2001, and 2002, and shared the stage with notable names in the punk scene like Good Riddance, Death by Stereo, Face to Face, Lagwagon, and Goldfinger. Their intense touring activity and the quality of their songwriting solidified their reputation in the punk scene.

After a hiatus in 2003, Downway reunited in 2017 and has since toured across Canada and recorded new material, including a full-length album released in 2019. The band also toured Japan in December 2018, with plans for more international dates. Downway's trajectory is marked by persistence, a passion for punk rock, and the ability to reinvent themselves, maintaining their relevance in the music scene.