Crackerjack System

The ‘system’ was born in the summer of ‘98 when four friends came together as the group now simply calls itself Crackerjack System. The original members - Ian Minton, Matt Traynor, Simon and Josh Bader – began their musical crusade as a cover band practicing in the Baders’ basement. As the summer proceeded, the band (then known as ‘Fat Pinch’) started to flourish and create their own material. They showcased at a few clubs around downtown Toronto in order to develop a following. As the summer came to an end and they started to expand, Matt parted from the band on good terms to pursue other musical endeavors while the three remaining members met up with new bassist, Scooter. By late ‘98, ‘Fat Pinch’ became Crackerjack System and dream turned into reality. Scooter helped write and record their first demo entitled ‘Sixty-Nine Degrees,’ and booked as many shows as possible. The main goal was to get their name out and become known throughout the city’s indie scene. The Thornhill four-piece was prompted to go back into the studio and lay down some new tracks as well as put up a website to attract listeners from all areas of the world. The band teamed up with PeopleSound.com in the UK to market ‘Sixty-Nine Degrees’ and CJS was worldwide. With help from students studying at The Trebas Recording Institute in Toronto, ‘Eight Hours’ was recorded in hope to make a second CD release through our British distributors. Unfortunately, Scooter left the band because of creative differences and the group was left to find another bassist yet again. The new CD was shelved and Crackerjack System went on a short hiatus.