Hellaphant

The band started in 2018 with a different line up. Garrington Begner and his friend Matthew Lunnen started the band after writing some songs together in Matt's studio. They knew of each other from earlier musical groups around the Greater Toronto Area. The two songwriters had a vision and decided to add some members. Over time, while looking for the right fit, members came and went. This brings us to now. Hellaphant is Gary Begner - vocals/guitar, Jason Watts - bass, Jesse MacCabe - drums and Jason Holmes - lead guitar/backing vocals. The band is signed to "Faster and Louder Records" out of London, ON.  

Singer/songwriter Gary Begner has a long career in the Ontario music scene. His early band, Leftovers, was a heavy metal band out of Oshawa, ON, a band he founded and played bass. Leftovers had a couple of releases and a video that received air time on Much Music. After that, he kicked around the scene, always writing, until he formed the band -LAME-, a power pop/punk band that was signed to the Vespa Music Group. -LAME-'s debut album Ol Dr. Bomb was produced by Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem), which they toured Canada to promote. The band won the HITZ FM new music search, which brought a spotlight to Gary's writing. In this time he also had a short stint playing bass for the band The Almighty Trigger Happy and helped write and record Uncooler. After moving to London, ON and taking time away from music, Garrington found his passion for music again and couldn't hold back. With Hellaphant, he has continued his writing style with catchy pop/punk melodies, taking from such influences as The Replacements, The Monkees, Big Drill Car and so many others, and wrapped them into one package. 

  Jason Watts (bass)  In 2007, Jason Watts founded the London Ontario based Hard Rock band Kill Effect, where he has showcased his writing ability and stage presence ever since. Jason would front the band as the Guitarist/Vocalist, playing across Ontario for over a decade, but in 2025, when the opportunity emerged to play Bass for Hellaphant, he jumped at the chance.  He looks to carry on the torch lit by Chris Arenburg, as well as manifest his creativity on a fresh canvas with Hellaphant .

  Jesse MacCabe (drums) is a seasoned drummer around the London music scene. Jesse played  in the band "Traumahawk" before taking some time off. Jesse came reccomended to us when Scott C stepped down. A mutual friend put us in touch and clicked right away.  Thanks to some help from Craig T and the fine folks at Mapex Canada Jesse will be playing a great Mapex kit.

  Jason Holmes (lead guitar), a hidden gem, came to join the band after laying low from playing for many years. Jay played in previous bands, recording and clubbing but had been out of the scene, but after hearing the band was looking for a new guitarist, Jay reached out to Garrington, walked into rehearsal, and floored band with his playing and outlook. His playing style brings a new and positive layer to the band.

At the end of the day you have four guys who have come together to write, record and play music they are passionate about and proud of. 

Welcome to Hellaphant.