Prozzäk

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The creators of Simon and Milo, Prozzäk is a pop music group that consists of Jay Levine and James Bryan McCollum. The two are members of another band known as The Philosopher Kings. While they may sound European from the vocals in their music, Prozzäk is actually a Canadian music group. The name Prozzäk was inspired by the drug Prozac. In an interview with the New York Times, Milo (James) mentions that their music makes people feel good and happy which is an effect of the drug Prozac^[1]. Their music tells a tale of two friends who are in search of their true love. Their music video features full animation of the two characters Simon and Milo.

History

Originally members of the French music group, The Philosopher Kings, Jay Levine and James Bryan McCollum never got along. Yet they both agreed that the direction of The Philosophers Kings were restricting the type of music they wanted to produce. While on a European tour, the two created a comedic song titled “Europa” in which they sang in a British accent.^[1] The song did not fit in with the music produced from the Philosopher Kings, however the band's record company, Sony Canada, enjoyed this thus the two set aside their differences and created Prozzäk in 1998.

Their first album, Hotshow, was released in 1999. It featured their platinum songs, “Sucks To Be You” and “Strange Disease”. Their second album, “Saturday People”, released in 2000 by Epic Records also went platinum with “www.nevergetoveryou” and “Be As”. “Hotshow” and “Saturday People” were both nominated for Best Album at the Juno Awards in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

Prozzäk resurfaced onto the music scene in 2005 with a new album and a new look. In 2005, “Cruel Cruel World” was produced from MapleMusic. Simon and Milo appear to have gotten older and more modern and their music has taken a more adult subdued theme.

Members

Prozzäk consists of two fictional characters named Simon and Milo. The two are considered the face of Prozzäk. Behind the scenes, Jay Levine and James McCollum produce the music behind Prozzäk.

Jay Levine (Simon)

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Jay Levine is the lead singer of Prozzäk. He is the voice behind the skinny jet-black haired Simon. Simon, who is often depressed and loveless, tells the tale of Jay’s own life. For example, the song “Anna-Lisa” makes reference to his parents divorce. Jay mentions that, “everything that Simon goes through happened to me.” Having fallen in love too quickly just to have his heartbroken, Jay Levine is bitter with regards to relationships. Thus in some songs, the lyrics humiliate certain women in his life. ^[1]

Jay is currently focusing on the business side of music with his company Jay Levine Entertainment Media Marketing that helps artists market their music.^[2]

James Bryan McCollum (Milo)

A contrast to Simon, Milo is a muscular blond character that accompanies Simon to find true love. The man behind Milo is guitarist James Bryan McCollum. Also born in Montreal, Quebec, McCollum's creativity gives Prozzäk its unique sound. In the song “It’s Not Me It’s You,” James incorporates a Tchaikovsky melody into the song^[3]. While James can joke that this melody came before Tchaikovsky, the music produced has a unique mix of the new and the old.

James is the founder of UMI Entertainment based in Toronto, Ontario. He is currently the guitarist for Canadian artist Nelly Furtado.^[4]

The Story of Simon and Milo

Simon and Milo are two cartoon characters created by Prozzäk. The creation of Simon and Milo initially began with accents suggested by the other members of The Philosopher Kings during their road trips.^[5] One thing led to another and the cartoon characters became a part of Prozzäk.

The friendship of Jay and James brought together through music is referenced with the origins of Simon and Milo. The two are over 200 years old and were enemies in a previous life. During their battles with each other, a ‘man in the sky’ came down and told them they were to be best friends. Sent to the 21st Century, they were given a mission. That mission was to for the two to find true love through music.

In their music videos, Simon is in constant search of his true love believing that the perfect woman is out there. “Simon runs the full-gamut of cartoon emotions. He believes that there is a perfect girl and that’s part of his problem.” Jay Levine stated in an interview with Teenmusic.com. As a result, Simon ends up feeling depressed. Their introduction in their album "Saturday People" mentions that they visit many nightclubs and bars hoping to find their true love. Simon having given up hears a voice from the heavens telling them that they have lost their way. Their music thus represents their social journey to find their true love.^[6]

Discography

Prozzäk released four albums between 1998-2005. Of the albums released, “Hot Show” and “Saturday People” received nominations for the Juno awards in 2000 and 2002. “Ready Ready Set Go” is a compilation of songs from their first two albums along with a new single, "Get a Clue". In their latest album, “Cruel Cruel World”, Simon and Milo both receive a facelift. Milo is more proportional and less bulky while Simon is much older and more depressed. “Cruel Cruel World” was released on an independent label and did not receive as much promotion as their first two albums, and did not achieve the same success. As well 2 songs were released through the internet in 2006, DJ-J-Vox and DJ (Calibe Remix). ^[7]

Albums

• Hot Show (November 2, 1998) recorded by Sony Canada
• Saturday People (November 7, 2000) recorded by Epic Records
• Ready Ready Set Go (April 30, 2002) recorded by Hollywood Records
• Cruel Cruel World (November 29, 2005) recorded by MapleMusic Recordings

See also

• The Philosopher Kings

References

External links

• Official site
• Prozzäk's Official Myspace
• Faze Articles -- Prozzak
• UMI Entertainment