We’re all from A.B Lucas high school, where fundraising events for United Way are a big part of the school culture. Every year and all year, for all the students, it’s a really big thing.”
Max McGill
Full Throttle, vocalist and lead guitarist
High-schoolers Max McGill, Kaelin Chase and Evan Levite decided during their first jam session in March 2020 to go Full Throttle on plans for live performances.
A day later, a global pandemic lockdown forced the fledgling band to stomp on the brakes. They weren’t able to practise face-to-face, much less plan any gigs.
Restrictions that might have stopped other new bands in their tracks instead gave power-punk-pop band Full Throttle the motivation to work independently on their song-writing and instrumental skills.
Today, the teenage trio is preparing to celebrate its debut EP, entitled “Premature”, during a Nov. 29 release party – with event proceeds supporting United Way Elgin Middlesex.
The debut party takes place at Toboggan Brewing Company at 585 Richmond St., London, starting at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 29.
Full Throttle has quickly gained popularity since winning the Forest City London Music Awards battle of the high school bands last year. Their fourth single, All I Want, had 10,000 streams in a little more than a month.
And in the past six months alone, Full Throttle has played about 20 gigs in London and as far afield as Toronto.
United Way’s work to invest in community-building for neighbours in need has been engrained in their growing up.
“We’re all from A.B Lucas high school, where fundraising events for United Way are a big part of the school culture. Every year and all year, for all the students, it’s a really big thing,” said Max McGill, vocalist and lead guitarist.
Added bandmate and bassist Evan Levite, “When we decided to have a release party, we figured it made sense to use our crowd to spread the word about how United Way helps in the community.”
The EP, recorded at Beach Road Studios in summer 2023, was produced by Juno Award-winning Siegfried Meier. They are represented by Lemmon Entertainment and their album released on Lemmon Records.
Drummer Kaelin Chase said they’ve played cover tunes but have been writing and performing their own music since they began. The EP’s six songs are all original.
Full Throttle’s musical and community mentors along the way have included their teachers and parents. Musically, they’ve been inspired by the work of local bands such as 63 Monroe, The Gandharvas, The Demics and Bobnoxious.
“We’re really pleased Full Throttle has chosen to spotlight United Way as they celebrate this next big step in their career,” said United Way development director Jennepher Cahill.
“Not only do they have a great sound as a band, they’re a remarkable group of local young people with a keen interest in doing good for the community,” she said.
