Jay Semko - A brief musical biography

After a few years of playing in various pop groups from Saskatoon, Sask., I began my career with the Northern Pikes. Beginning in 1984, we recorded two independent EP's and later five albums for the Virgin Records label. Worldwide releases and extensive touring throughout North America eventually translated into sales of over half a million albums. Some of the singles I wrote or co-wrote include "Teenland," "Things I Do for Money," "Wait For Me," and "Girl With a Problem" as well as numerous other compositions recorded with my talented companions in the Pikes.

In 1993 we disbanded an I was approached by television producer Paul Haggis to write some music for a movie pilot entitled "Due South." After composing the theme song, I teamed with Jack Lenz and John McCarthy to score what became the first two seasons of the popular series, which was broadcast internationally. The show's success led to the release of a "Due South" soundtrack album in 1996.

In addition, I was fortunate to have written music scores for several other TV movies and documentaries, and in 1995, I released "Mouse," my first solo album.

In 1997 and 1998, two more successful seasons of "Due South" were completed and a second "Due South" soundtrack album was released. Altogether I worked on 66 episodes of the series, and it was a great experience.

I have since done some more film work, and in Autumn 2000 reunited with the other three original members of the Northern Pikes to record our first album of new material in 8 years, "Truest Inspiration".

We have just completed a cross-Canada tour, and we plan to do further dates over the next few months. I am continuing my film scoring work, and I look forward to future musical adventures.