The Dudes are a Canadian indie rock band, formed in 1996 in Calgary, Alberta. Dan Vacon is The Dudes' major creative force in the band. The group also includes guitarist Bob Quashnick, drummer Scott Ross and newest member and bassist Braden Funchner. Critics have likened their musical style to Modest Mouse, although band members cite their influences as The Flaming Lips, Joel Plaskett, and Weezer. (which are probably more accurate comparisons) The Dudes gained popularity in Calgary both for their lo-fi approach to recording and releasing albums and for their live stage-show. On their album, Brain Heart Guitar, they worked with Calgary producer Russ Broom, and released the album in 2006 on the LoadMusic record label. Their music has been played on university radio and CBC Radio 3, and the group has played at South by Southwest and Canadian Music Week. Their song "Dropkick Queen of the Weekend" was heard across Canada in 2006, having been featured in a Rogers Wireless advertising campaign. On January 12, 2007 they released a new single from Brain Heart Guitar, "Do the Right Thing". Its video was filmed at Webber Academy, a private school in Calgary, in the summer of 2006.
