Formerly known as 12 Gauge, Emerson Drive got started when they got together for a talent show in February 1995 at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. The original band members started out with Brad Mates, lead vocals; Chris Hartman, piano/guitar/ vocals; Dan Binns, lead electric guitar; David Switzer, acoustic guitar; Patrick Allingham, fiddle; Jeff Loberg, bass; and Remi Barre, drums. Dan, Remi, and David decided to leave the band soon after and were replaced with two new band members; Danick Dupelle on lead guitar, and Mike Melancon on drums.  

In August 2002, Jeff left the group to pursue his first love, songwriting. He was replaced on bass by Patrick Bourque, a friend of Mike.  In March 2003, Chris left the band to return to school and was replaced by Dale Wallace, a friend of Danick's from their Farmer's Daughter days. The band went through another member change again in June 2003 when Patrick A decided to leave the guys to spend more time with his family. He was replaced with David Pichette, who is a friend of Pat B and Mike.  Brad is currently the only original member left from the original 12 Gauge days. 

Wondering how the guys got the name Emerson Drive? Up in Northern Alberta where the guys are from, there is a road called Emerson Trail. It holds special meaning to the guys as well. You'll have to ask them why if you get a chance to meet them. There is a little story behind it.

They guys write their own songs and are very musically talented as they play their own instruments. They are managed by Gerry Leiske, who is also the manager of Farmers Daughter. They currently have two CD's released: "Open Season" and "Until You Walk The Tracks". Their third CD simply titled "Emerson Drive" was released in May 2002. The latest album from Emerson Drive entitled "What If" will be released in early 2004.  The CD "Open Season" was first prize in a Battle of the Bands contest in which they won under the name of 12 Gauge. It is very rare and hard to find as only a few hundred copies were made. It is comprised of 6 original songs written by the boys. The second CD "Until You Walk The Tracks" is an independent CD also under the name 12 Gauge that the guys recorded in Nashville and Vancouver. The third album was recorded in Nashville under the Dreamworks Nashville label. The guys can be reached care of