Paint
588 plays
9,773 views
9,773 views
Socially-conscious genre-hopping folk stories about love, life, struggle and empowerment. Energetic 6-piece ensemble featuring cellist and backup vocalists, led by passionate lyrics and songwriting.Band/artist history
Formed in Vancouver in 2001 by singer-songwriter Fretless, PAINT quickly developed a mature, colourful, and eclectic sound, merging Fretless' unique folk-funk blend with the rich classical stylings of cellist Tim Bartsch (Chantal Richard). Add into the mix the luscious harmonies of backup vocalists Karen O'Hearn and Annie Robichaud, the smooth jazz drumming of Alex McKechnie, a three-piece horn section, quirky percussion, and layers of acoustic and electric guitars (with the addition of guitarist Henry Hsu), basses, pianos and strings, and you find yourself with one of the most innovative and exciting Canadian acts in recent memory, challenging the conventions of modern music by throwing of all of the paint at the canvas.
Meticulously recorded at Vogville Studios over a ten-month period (during which time the band took a self-imposed hiatus from its intimate and energetic live shows), PAINT's emotionally-charged debut L.P. "Urban Folk Tales" culminates musical and social diversity with community activism, carefully fusing elements of folk, funk, rock, hip-hop, reggae, ska, and pop with passionate and insightful lyrical narratives around themes of prison abolition, women's and queer rights, race relations, religious persecution, and historical treatises on world events. Written like a novel, "Urban Folk Tales" is a finely-crafted record that reads best from end to end, passing through the Motown-fueled grooves of White Sheep", the picturesque soundscapes of "The Open Road", the funkified anthem "The Write Thing", the gritty and beautiful "Madonna", and the gorgeous social commentary of "Rivers" en route an inspiring and enlightening musical journey.
Produced with a fervent live energy by Peacemaker Records co-founder and veteran reggae artist Shuggy Milligan (Love 'n' Life, Things 'n' Times, featuring Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare), and mixed to orchestral bliss by Caleb Stull, (Parlour Steps, Hinterland), "Urban Folk Tales" presents a lush image of the next wave of socially-conscious music; transcending boundaries with accessible artistic communication.
Independently released, "Urban Folk Tales" has elevated PAINT to top ten chart status on college radio across Canada and the United States, as well as critical acclaim in print media on online magazines. In January 2005, PAINT signed with the UK-based Chromium Records, a subsidiary of E3 Records. Chromium Records will be releasing a compilation album called Unsung Heroes, featuring PAINT's "Open Your Eyes" in February 2005. Busy composing songs for their next record, PAINT plans to support "Urban Folk Tales" with live performances and international touring.
"Music has never been so desperate for a new messiah...lyrics that scream out for a new generation to step forward, learn and take care of the world around us...an elegant and contemplative record."
- Youthink Magazine
"...the band conjures up a perfectly pleasant, dusky-summer vibe with well-placed cello, warm backup vocals and laid-back acoustic grooves."
- Shawn Conner, The Georgia Straight
"Powerful, intricate and soulful...reeks of musical genius.
- Matt Smith, Electric Blues EuphoriaYour musical influences
MIchel Foucault, Malcolm X, Gandhi, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim.All comments (2)
588 plays
9,773 views
9,773 views
"Madonna" and"Girlie boy" are outstanding tracks. These songs are hot. Keep on truckin'. You should rate me too. Check out my new track,"The MIGHTY".