Autumn 2002 :

There's a wind of change in Poligraf country. In October, a more powerful computer, a better audio interface and a few new mics are bought. While waiting for the setting up of the new hardware, the band members meet regularly to works on a few covers to lengthen the setlist.

Two new members join the dance. Ruth, Christopher's sister, delivers a pleasantly surprising audition and becomes the band's new singer. And to make up for the absence of a keyboardist, VROOOM, a laptop computer, will be used during live shows.

Summer 2002 :

Harbingers foretell of a difficult summer. In June, Alexandre leaves the band to pursue other interests, a performance project has to be aborted and two keyboards are mutilated in a studio mishap. The recording process turns out to be more wearing than expected.

After a gruelling summer and lots of energy consumed by the digital recording system instabilities, the band members conclude that the equipment is simply not adequate.

Spring 2002 :

New excerpts are in the works. The band books its first gig ever supporting Dagmähr. Tensions build up once again and this time Jean-François is asked to leave a few days before the show. Keyboard tasks are divided between the remaining members.

The clips are finalized and material from the show is processed for release. Decision is made to record the album. Preproduction begins.

Winter 2002 :

The new year is full of promise as rehearsals are going great.

Autumn 2001 :

Tensions build up and progress becomes difficult to achieve. Guillaume is asked to leave. All the while searching for new musicians, the core trio works on arrangements for a new piece by Louis called "Hairball". Keyboardist Jean-François Dion, drummer Stéphane Viel and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Alexandre Leroux sign-in in the next few weeks. The band unveils its own Website in November. Short excerpts of Poligraf's music mixing basic MIDI sequences and audio recordings are produced and made available on the website. Rehearsals resume and a new song, "Starlike Child" emerges.

Summer 2001 :

Reharsals are going well. Discarded ideas form "Lifeforce" are organised into a new piece, "Coda". More gear is brought in. The rehearsal room is reorganised and "sound-doctored".

Spring 2001 :

In April, unable to find suitable musicians, the band goes for an internal re-shuffling; Christopher, Louis and Denis divide keyboard tasks between themselves. Rehearsals resume and the band now plans to present instrumental versions of their songs live in the course of autumn 2001.

Winter 2001 :

Vocalist Michel Boudreau signs up in the beginning of 2001. The band now has a full and regular staff for the first time in its short history. Live performances are on the agenda. After much discussion, Poligraf emerges as the name of the band. Rehearsals start well, but it soon becomes clear that Michel's role is ill-defined. He leaves after a few rehearsals. Some weeks later, Frédéric finds a job in Gaspésie and the band is left again without a vocalist and a keyboard player.

Autumn 2000 :

Pierre-François leaves in September. Denis switches to bass, his first love and an instrument he has been playing for decades. In October two new musicians are brought in: drummer Guillaume Gilbert and keyboardist Frédéric Gagné.

Summer 2000 :

Christopher buys a house in order to provide the band with a suitable working environnement. Nicolas leaves.

Spring 2000 :

The band sets-up for the recording of a demo-tape. Unfortunately, the musicians are crippled by the lack of recording experience and the technical complexities of production and the project is temporarily put on ice.

Winter 2000 :

A new piece, "Dysthymia" is added to the song-list.

Autumn 1999 :

The band asks Nicolas Bochenek to fill in on drums until Jacques' schedule permits him to be available full-time. Digital recording equipment is purchased and installed in the rehearsal room.

Winter, Spring and Summer 1999 :

Rehearsals. A new piece, "Network", is in the works. The band's progress is put in slow gear due to Jacques' professional obligations outside the city.

Summer and Autumn 1998 :

The songs continue to evolve. Musical ideas are discussed and sequenced material is accumulating. PA gear and more instruments appear in the rehearsal room.

Spring 1998 :

Band members now meet regularly. MIDI files are passed around. "Lifeforce", "Requiem" and "Idler" are on the working table.

Winter 1998 :

A first meeting takes place in the beginning of 1998. The first incarnation of the band comprises drummer Jacques Gingras, guitarist Louis Fiset and keyboardist Denis Robitaille. The band aims to create progressive music with vocals in English based on Christopher's previously composed material.

Autumn 1997 :

Christopher Stewart and Pierre-François Giroux, co-workers in a Quebec City computing firm, regularly discuss their respective background and experience as musicians. Pierre-François occasionnaly jams with friends and Christopher accumulates MIDI files of his own compositions. They start toying with the idea of a creative collaboration and exchange musical ideas.