The quartet's first big break came when a music website that Vinson had created was featured on CBC's CityBeat, promptly featuring his band. In 1997, a four-song demo was shopped around to record companies, and the new outfit won the title of Best Band in Montreal by winning a contest at Montreal's Spectrum Club, and in 1998, a Rubberman video was in rotation at MusiquePlus, as they were selected as finalists on the Conan O'Brien College Band Search. In 1999, Rubberman was the winner of the CHOM-FM Esprit contest and signed on with the Aquarius label, resulting in the release of their self-titled debut in 2001 (produced by alternative/metal vet Glen Robinson). ~ Greg Prato