Payola$

Payola$ was a musical artist that made an impact on musical history. With stellar tracks, albums and lyrics, they quickly gained a cult following that respected them for their powerful sound and intricate messages. As time progressed, they released more records that further rejuvenated their big pool of fans worldwide, who passionately embraced each one of them. Their best songs have stood the test of time as fan favorites, with admiration continuing to build as classic singles in today's conversations. Likewise, their albums will remain strong in the charts until many years to come without fail.
Get Hooked with Payola$: A Musical Biography, Best Tracks, and Legendary Concerts
Music opens channels of emotions, evokes memories, and transports the listener to different worlds. One of the bands that have touched musical hearts is Payola$. This Canadian band played a significant role in the post-punk and new wave genre during the late '70s and early '80s. The Payola$ left a legacy with iconic tracks and legendary concerts that still hold a place in many people’s hearts. Let’s delve deeper into their musical biography, genre, and best tracks that captured their journey.
The Payola$ formed in 1978 in Vancouver, Canada. The band was initially called The Payolas and the band members were Paul Hilson (guitar), Nick Cash (vocals), Chris Livingston (bass), and Martin Rawlins (drums). Later on, Cash moved to London to concentrate on The Clash and Elvis Costello's Rockabilly, and the band changed their name to Payola$. Their music genres ranged from post-punk, new wave, and power pop. They released their debut album called Introducing Payola$ in 1980, which featured their most top-rated songs, including Jukebox, China Boys, and Soldier that showcased their punk rock influence.
One of their most popular hits was Eyes of a Stranger, which stood the test of time. It’s an easy song to listen to, and it perfectly embodies the power pop genre of that era. Romantic Rights, Stuck in the Rain, and Hammer On A Drum are other tracks that the band is widely known for. One of their live performance songs that stunned their audience was their cover of Iggy Pop’s I Wanna Be Your Dog. Moreover, the Payola$ were famous for their adventurous and energetic stage performances, which was evident in their show opening for David Bowie in 1983.
Apart from their music, the Payola$ came into the spotlight for a controversy called Payola. The term originated from the band's name when they onboarded their lead vocalist Candy Kross, who was rumored to have bought her way into the band with a cash payment of $1000 CAD. The event caused significant backlash, leading to a public feud between the band members.
Critics gave favorable reviews on the Payola$. The band rode the new wave and power pop wave and delivered it to their fans with an explosive energy that mixed with the angst of punk rock. They had a significant influence on the Canadian music industry and inspired many bands in the local scene to pursue alternative and punk rock. They won the JUNO awards in 1983 for Sons of Beaches Best Single.
Although the Payola$ disbanded in the late '80s, their music continues to captivate those who appreciate the sounds of post-punk and new wave music. The band’s legacy is defined by their energetic performances, their hard work in promoting themselves, and their passion for music that resonated with their fans. The Payolas were a prominent force in Canada's music industry during the post-punk and new wave era, and they left a lasting impression on Canadian music. Their songs were full of energy and rebellion, and that spirit is what lives on in their music today.