Christian Hansen & the Autistics

Christian Hansen
OriginEdmonton, Alberta, Canada
GenreNew wave
Years active2007 (2007)–present
Members
  • Christian Hansen
  • Molly Flood
Past members
  • Scott Shpeley
  • Ava Jane Markus
Websitechristianhansenband.com

Christian Hansen (formerly Christian Hansen & the Autistics) is a Canadian new wave band from Edmonton, Alberta, formed in late 2007 and consisting of Christian Hansen and Molly Flood.

History

Early years

In 2006, Christian Hansen, who moved from Vancouver to Edmonton in 2001, released the solo record The Super Awkward Album. A year later, with his fiancée, Molly Flood, and another couple, Scott Shpeley and Ava Jane Markus, they began performing as Christian Hansen and the Autistics.

Power Leopard

In March 2009, the group was awarded a $10,000 development grant for Edmonton artists from Rawlco Radio and used it to record their first full-length album, Power Leopard, released the same year. It gained recognition with the singles "Cocaine Trade" and "Pump It", which were put into rotation on Edmonton's Sonic 102.9 and XM Satellite Radio. "Cocaine Trade" was named Song of the Year by the Edmonton Journal, and the album was included in the honourable mention list for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize. The band released a four-song EP, Swans, on June 4, 2010.

Relocation and second album

Hansen and Flood, married since 2009, relocated to Toronto in 2011. In 2012, they officially shortened their name to just Christian Hansen.[citation needed] In October 2012, the group released their second full-length album, C'mon Arizona. That year also saw the addition of live musicians Dustin Hawthorne (formerly of Hot Hot Heat) on bass and Al Boyle (of You Say Party) on drums.

Name controversy

The band's name has been a controversial topic, though the group has claimed that rather than mocking it, they are paying homage to autism and the people affected by it.

Band members

Current

  • Christian Hansen – vocals, guitar
  • Molly Flood – keyboards, vocals

Past

  • Scott Shpeley – bass
  • Ava Jane Markus – keyboards

Touring musicians

  • Doug Organ – drums
  • Doug Hoyer – bass
  • Dustin Hawthorne – bass
  • Al Boyle – drums

Discography

Studio albums

  • Power Leopard (2009)
  • C'mon Arizona (2012)

EPs

  • Power Leopard (2008)
  • Swans (2010)
  • Small Fry (2014)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Musician returns to her Alberta roots". westernwheel.ca. October 17, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "What's in a name? Controversy, for starters". canada.com. April 15, 2008. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Christian Hansen & the Autistics treat fans to Halloween show". thegatewayonline.ca. October 28, 2009. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  4. 1 2 "Theatre alumnus strikes up band as tribute to people with autism". drama.ualberta.ca. November 24, 2009. Archived from the original on July 6, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  5. ↑ "My new addiction". edmontonjournal.com. December 3, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Christian Hansen's deceptive Ma-Me-O". edmontonjournal.com. November 26, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Who named the band: Christian Hansen inspired by people with autism". March 29, 2012.