Band Bio: The Space Between
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The Space Between
Band Name & Meaning
Sometimes it’s not the notes that matter most, it’s what happens between them. That idea sits at the core of The Space Between (often shortened to TSB), a hard rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. After cycling through hundreds of name ideas, the band landed on one that truly resonated. “The name reflects the importance of space and distance, both literal and metaphorical, in all aspects of life,” they explain. In music especially, notes only carry weight because of the spaces between them, a philosophy that runs through everything TSB creates.
Formation & Lineup
The Space Between officially formed in the summer of 2022. The band became whole later that fall when drummer Tom Sergi joined Maryn Pegan (vocals) and James Shaheen (guitar). Original bassist Jon Ross was part of the group for the first year before stepping away to focus on family, after which the band continued as a three-piece until Ethan Ryan joined on bass in late 2024, completing the current lineup.
Current Members
Maryn Pegan - Vocals
James Shaheen - Guitar
Tom Sergi - Drums
Ethan Ryan - Bass
Origin Story
James and Maryn previously played together in a band that dissolved in 2020. Wanting to explore a heavier sound, they began writing material that would eventually become TSB’s debut EP. Starting a band during COVID wasn’t easy, auditions were rare, and progress was slow. A Facebook post eventually connected them with Tom and Jon, and once in-person rehearsals were finally possible, the chemistry was immediate. From there, The Space Between quickly took shape.
Influences & Sound
Each member brings a distinct musical background, resulting in a sound that’s both heavy and layered. Influences include Tool, Mastodon, Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, and The Tea Party, with additional touches of jazz and blues woven throughout. The band typically describes their music as hard rock, though there’s a strong alternative edge and increasingly noticeable progressive rock elements, especially in their newer material.
Songwriting Approach
TSB’s songwriting process is deeply collaborative. Most songs begin with a riff or rough section from James or Ethan, which the full band then shapes into a complete track. Instrumentals and structure usually come first, followed by Maryn crafting melodies and lyrics. Occasionally, a drum groove or vocal idea flips the process, but every song ends up reflecting contributions from all four members.
Early Songs & Breakthrough
The first song written as a full band was “Crooked & Hollow.” The riff was inspired by artists like Them Crooked Vultures and Foo Fighters, and the track came together naturally during a rehearsal jam. The demo title stuck, as it often does with TSB.
Their breakthrough track, “The Cage,” was one of the band’s first two singles. A riff-driven anthem with broad appeal, the song showcases their signature dynamics, particularly in the bridge, and has connected with the widest audience so far.
Live Experience
A live show from The Space Between is designed to feel larger than life. Expect high energy, standout solos, vocal moments, and visual “wow” factors triggered by their custom ego boxes, firing smoke and spotlights at key moments. “If you come to a TSB show, you’ll be moshing, headbanging, and singing along,” the band says. With plans to make their performances even bigger in 2026, the live experience remains a major focus.
Milestones & Highlights
TSB’s debut performance took place on January 6, 2023 at Ottawa’s Rainbow Bistro. Playing unreleased songs to a sold-out crowd made the night unforgettable and set the tone for a run of packed shows that followed. Other standout performances include a packed night at Dekcuf, where the crowd sang along to every song, and a 2025 appearance at NXNE Festival during one of the Billboard LIVE showcase nights.
Industry Recognition
The band has received multiple Capital Music Award nominations, including Group of the Year and Newcomer of the Year (2023), Best Live Music Curator for their charity festival Rocktoberfest (2024), and Best Production and Arrangements (2025). A major highlight came when Alan Cross gave their song “Time” a shout-out, describing the band as an all-female Canadian Tool, a comparison the group still laughs about.
What’s Next
2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for The Space Between. The band is currently working on their first full-length album, set for release in summer 2026, with the lead single dropping on February 6. A spring and summer tour through Ontario and Quebec is also in the works, with more announcements coming soon.
Beyond the Music
Offstage, the band bonds over Nintendo Switch Golf, debates road-trip playlists, and appreciates a fanbase that spans generations, including younger listeners who’ve turned TSB into school projects. Those moments of connection continue to fuel what comes next.
Looking Ahead
“We don’t really have expectations,” the band says. “We’d love to keep touring and putting out music. The industry’s tough, but we’re excited to see what’s next.”
For The Space Between, the power lies not just in the sound, but in the space where tension meets release.
