The last thing that comes to mind when a person arrives in the presence of Tracy is softness.

Tracy is a biker. Tracy is big.

Tracy could send small children running into the arms of their mothers. The kids would tremble yet the Moms just might fall in love …

Tracy is a lovable guy who cannot understand the way radio and record companies think.

“I went to a few radio stations in Montreal and Ottawa. According to some – my songs on the record are labeled country.” Says the man whose biceps are larger than a few countries.” Apparently the stations who play a rock format, do not think the group’s sound fits their format. It is crazy to me!”

Singer and songwriter Tracy does have a point.

Tune in any station who carry on under a ‘rock ‘ moniker and a listener will hear the melodies of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Band and the Eagles. Tracy does not compare his band with these legendary groups yet if Southern Rock with it’s definite country ‘twang ‘ gets airplay – why not him …?

“Look …!” Says the man who wrote all the lyrics of the bands first album.” I don’t mind someone telling me that my music sucks and that is why it won’t be played. To say it sounds country – ish and they don’t play country- ish songs on the station is plain lying.”

These stations should sit up and take notice of these words. Tracy nor guitarist and partner Mike Pistilli are not the type of people you wanna get mad – especially for no reason.

The pair first met fifteen years ago. A duo working in the transport related industry. A common ground of music was introduced and the two men went their delegated ways. About a year ago, the two bikers met once more and decided to make a record.

“It was like when Keith Richards met Jagger at the train station …” Says Mike. “Things happen for a reason.”

Amazingly – a lot of things happened for reasons during the process of recording and filming the band’s first video. ‘Ride On’ is the title track on the album and it is also the first video. A ‘cinematic feat’ according to Tracy …

“A lot of things happened during filming. We kept missing a sunrise for a very important shot, the scene in the water was funny cause the camera guys were tip- toeing through icy water carefully trying not to fall.” Laughs Tracy. ” Then, the scene on the cliff scared the death of me. Mike was inches from the edge and if he fell – that would of been it!’

The song ‘Ride On’ is reminiscent of a band which has made it big on rock radio including the Montreal stations that nixed Tracy. Bon Jovi yes – Tracy and Mike …no!

“I write all the lyrics and Mike comes up with the guitar parts. He is an easy going, quiet guy. Very easy to get along with.”States Tracy of his partner. A guy who falls into the same early forty age bracket. ” From the time we met – we just see things the same way …”

Tracy, who lives off the western part of the island of Montreal and is a freight broker during the day – has invested a lot of money to realize his dream. He also has had a lot of help from his friends. A lot of them – new found ones.

“Many people have volunteered their time or have done things very cheap. I won’t forget them when things start to happen for us. That’s the way I am in business and life. You take care of your own …”

One guy who Tracy won’t forget is Al Gravelle – the program director at k103.7fm in Kahnawake.

“I walked in there, as I did other stations and introduced myself and my record. Al loved it and told me that a goal of the station is to promote local music.” Tracy smiles. ” Next thIng – Mike and I were on the air and talking about our songs. ‘Ride On’ and others have been part of their playlist. K103.7 is the one station I have found that is doing this type of thing in Montreal.”

The gigs come next although Tracy is careful not to play to nobody.

“We want to generate a fan base. Our songs and name have to be circulated a bit first. Playing In front of seventy-five people can also hurt a band’s reputation”

One wayTracy is planning to promote his tunes is a contest. The winner will appear in the second video which is about to begin filming. Remember, if you happen to win and meet Tracy …

First impressions can be deceiving!

In a nice way …

Visit One Road’s Web site and check out the video for the song Ride On