
"Something," he says, "just felt right." Justin Sopotyk "Country rock fans, that's what we're all about," says Big J.

Though he'd practiced with the band only twice before joining them for the first time onstage, Marlin says the experience was "way better" than other gigs. Introduced by Jordan Wiebe, Marlin joined the crew just in time in time to play the Longbranch gig. He began playing the drums at 11 and will continue, he says, "as long as my arms and feet still work." Marlin got the nod from QuickShift when drummer Jeff Enns decided to devote more time to his upcoming marriage. Now 29, Marlin holds degrees in anatomy, cell biology and physiology. Then watch out, because he's unstoppable. Marlin Koczak Like an engine at the redline, new drummer Marlin Koczak holds his considerable energy in check until he gets the nod. "It was dynamite right off the get-go," he says. The fit was right, and he hasn't looked back. Jordan, who comes from a sort-of musical family ("Dad made some noise on the harmonica, mostly to annoy the dog") has played guitar since he was a kid, but hadn't played seriously for six or seven years. QuickShift was booked for a one-hour set at the Longbranch in Saskatoon as part of JunoFest 2007, and needed someone to take over from guitarist Steve Enns, who was leaving the band to join the ranks of the police force. Jordan was working as a licensed auto-mechanic, not-quite-content to jam with friends on weekends, when Justin Sopotyk heard about his playing and gave him a call.

At 29, Jordan is rapidly tuning up a musical career he'd thought was up on blocks. Jordan Wiebe New to the crew is Jordan Wiebe. "But don't get me wrong," she says, "I've nothing against diamonds and pearls and $900 dresses!" Leanne says she's "country roots all the way." Her talented vocals fuel the urban country sound that's fast becoming QuickShift's signature. After insisting she's not, in fact, a "girly girl" and would "love to play a game of touch football in a mud swamp," she offers an immediate deadpan follow-up. Often leveling her wit at her band-mates-"these hormone-crazed guys"- she finds it just as easy to level it at her own foibles. Quick with a quip, she has a dry, often flippant, sense of humour. She grew up in the Aberdeen area, on a farm 14 miles north east of town. QuickShift hails from Saskatchewan and consists of: Leanne Lozinsky - lead vocalist (originally from Aberdeen SK, currently living in Lloydminster, SK) Jordan Wiebe - lead guitarist (Saskatoon, SK) Marlin Koczak - drummer (Saskatoon, SK) Big "J" Sopotyk - electric/bass/acoustic (Prud'homme, SK) Biographies Leanne Lozinsky Twenty-three year old Leanne Lozinsky is the spark that ignites the mix. If you want a little bit of "urban" in your "country," be sure to give QuickShift a listen.

The title track was released May 14th, 2007. Country fans, says bass guitarist Justin Sopotyk, are what this band is all about-"Finding 'em, getting 'em & keeping 'em." The crew's collaborative efforts as song-writers resulted in 10 self-penned tunes on their current album, "Devil Won't Go." Produced by Bart McKay Productions (nominated 2006 CCMA Studio of the Year), the album includes a number of edgy, up-tempo tunes guaranteed to keep listeners tuned in. Sold-out crowds at the 2007 Juno Awards in Saskatoon were treated to a taste of that infectious energy, as QuickShift kicked it up with their own brand of having and delivering a good time. About the Quickshift Crew Canadian country music artist QuickShift radiates an on-stage energy that has audiences calling for more.
