After the collapse of Meatlocker Seven, the two newest members started jamming immediately trying to find the next path in their musical journey. Curren and McCulloch had also been in Pariah before ML7 and had great chemistry and respect for each others work ethic. Soon after, Stearn became a fixture in these sessions, bringing with him a barrage of solid riffs and a blender with booze and various mixers. Three of Victoria's most gifted musicians had finally collided in the jam room. Ross filled out the position of bass player with his hardcore background giving him the wisdom of excellence in simplicity. The bass lines held down the foundation and engorged the music to it's most effective girth. After some promising and also some pathetic vocalist trials, Migliarese answered the call put out for open auditions. Always wanting to put down the bass and guitar for the mic, this was the perfect opportunity to have full freedom of movement and creativity on the stage and vocally in the studio. The fit was instantaneous. The results were powerful. On the condition that Rotterdam be used as the name for the band, the vocalist was brought into the fold. Very quickly the band turned into a tight, crushing and professional unit. As newer music was written seemingly on the whims of the band wishing for new material, it became obvious that there was something special happening. Cohesiveness and brotherly unification cemented what was a meeting of five of Victoria's most seasoned and tasteful musicians. Over time, Ross had his life progress in a different direction and with remorse decided to give up his position in Rotterdam. With 8 months notice, the band was able to take it's time and carefully select the most fitting player. Some great people came out to have a go. Responding to an ad on a classifieds website, Lee Czerechowicz came in to tackle the slot. There was instant connection on all the levels that mattered. Lee secured his job by picking up a guitar and belting out some soulful and in key vocalizing. July 31st in Duncan was Rotterdam's unveiling of Lee to 30 very intelligent and privileged music lovers. The Victoria debut took place opening for The Cancer Bats at Lucky Bar on Friday August 6th. However much like Chinese food, Lee soon decided to exit. He moved to Toronto and become a Maple Leafs Super Fan. There was quick relief in someone who would have been in Lee's place if not for timing and circumstance. Now with his major project Chaos Sapiens on hiatus, Kirk Saker was able to step into the role of Rotterhunk #5. Asked to join with 7 days until a major show (that was not to be) with City Of Fire, Kirk learned 35 minutes of material to show readiness through much straining and then relief. Mother Nature canceled the show and time was allowed to prepare for Kirk actual introductory show at the Second Annual Capital City Tattoo Convention (rabidly cheered on by 20 or so soberish Rotterfriends). It was loud enough to hide the mistakes and those in attendance gave their seal of approval and advocated Kirk receive official membership status. The CD is slowly being done...like almost in reverse slowly. New material is being written through the cold months and once the winter expires, Rotterdam will emerge evermore powerful than before. A keg fridge with a full keg of custom local beer and a tap on the door has been installed in the Rotterhovel to encourage more time be spent down there as well. Rotterdam graciously accept alcoholic gifts from any well wishers.
