~ Superb songwriting served on an Alt-Country/Rock platter and garnished with a little Roots, Americana and AC ~

Performer:

Multi-faceted Jim Armstrong has had much success since Sonic Deli Records launched his solo debut Mudtown in 2007, drawing comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Waits, Randy Bachman and Steve Earle.
He has composed music for many independent feature and corporate films and his more recent song “Sanctuary” has even been included in the soundtrack of episode nine of the new CBC prime time television series, MVP; The Secret Lives of Hockey Wives.

Jim is backed by The Sonic Deli Band which includes the incredibly talented and seasoned Wes Miller on bass, drummer Alvin Lapp, (who did a 3 year stint with Buddy Guy, and has done studio and tour support with The Jayhawks, Jackson Browne, Colin James, Goo Goo Dolls, The Quakes…), and Phil Kane aka the Windsor Twister (Jeff Healey, Michael Buble) on lead guitar.

Producer/Songwriter:

Jim Armstrong is the core and catalyst of The Sonic Deli Inc / Sonic Deli Records, a Toronto-based music production house and independent record label.
A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer and producer, Armstrong began his musical career as a touring drummer at age 10.
Over the past three decades, his work has included; live performances, radio play, extensive songwriting with and for a number of artists, recording, engineering, arranging and producing independent commercial releases.

Together with his songwriting and business partner, Andrea Poulis, who has a background in film production, Jim Armstrong composes independent film scores and they have an extensive publishing catalogue available for film and television licensing.

About Mudtown:

The title and driving spirit of Jim Armstrong’s Mudtown CD were born during his wanderings through downtown Toronto, where he lives, works and walks his dogs. Armstrong explains, "Life can be dirty, rough and mean, but there's a breed of people who struggle against the grind and somehow keep their humanity. They don't get hard, like the city, and that's what makes Mudtown livable."

"Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.” — Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM

He defends the underdog through his music by dispelling the modern myth of perfection. This is an album that the working class will understand. He writes songs about real characters from everyday life, singing their stories with passion.

Straightforward but rock-solid guitar, bass and drums dominate the tracks. Musical chops are provided by Armstrong himself (guitar, drums, keys, harmonica and more), unshakable bassist Wes Miller, backup vocalist Rob Maurin, and a roster of guests on backing vocals (Debbie Shessel, Amer Diab, Jennifer Claveau) and on lead guitar including Bruce Dies, Ron Bechard, Kenji Miura (aka Kenmi Chank) and Phil Kane.
Up-tempo tracks like “She Spins Around,” sentimental tunes like “I’m Coming Home,” and the sing-along “Gypsy” are gestures to mainstream rock-pop. The image-rich “When it Rains” broods darkly in an alt-rock corner, while “Heaven Only Knows” is a rock-and-roll adrenaline kick.

Jim Armstrong -- Select media and testimonials:

AmericanaOK host Tom Fahey says [of Mudtown] "...this album is a real grower...that's a very beautiful song there, Tomorrow's Gonna Be Grand, from a very fine album indeed.”

Rene Leverink, AltCountryNL: “…let’s not beat around the bush; “Mudtown” is a beautiful record…”

Jan Janssen, Real Roots Café: “…Armstrong reveals that he is not only a skilled songwriter but also a fine multi-instrumentalist and producer…beautiful radio songs…this is almost an hour of pure rock and roll adrenalin kick…”

Benny Metten, CtrlAltCountry: “…with Mudtown he [Armstrong] steps out onto the floor and he does so particularly well…brings to mind the work of masters Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seeger, Tom Petty and compatriot Fred Eaglesmith.”

Chip Frazier, Twangville/ Amber Waves of Twang:”… to call it a solo album is an understatement since Armstrong wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, produced the album and played most of the instruments himself. The result of this tightly controlled process is an infectious hook laden Americana album.”

Chris White, publisher, Party In Kingston: “… Mudtown is 13 highly clever tracks…witty lyrics, innuendos and inspiring messages…closest to a conceptual album I’ve heard in years…highly recommended for your audio library.”

Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues: “…Armstrong is vibrant, fresh and enthusiastic…I haven’t heard an album that sounds this crisp, with such spectacular production, in a long time…”

Todd Wachtel, The Jersey Toddshow: I can't stop playing this album [Mudtown]. I highly recommend it. Jim's got a wonderfully unique feel to him, and sets a fantastically cool mood.

Bert Gagnon, Neon Productions Radio, Musictogousa.com “…Even though this is Jim Armstrong's first solo album, Jim is no novice to the music arena and it is very apparent as he has hit a homerun his first time out. Here is another artist that will be on our playlists for many years.”

Andy Frank, CIUT 89.5 FM: “"Freed of some of the shackles of epilepsy, this gifted song-writer and multi-instrumentalist, with shades of Waits and Bachman, played his first live gig (post-op) at Healey's… Jim is a genuine hero, an inspiration to all who are faithful to their art.”

Kelly Dearmore, The Gobblers Knob: “…Jim Armstrong's latest CD, Mudtown is a worthy listen….What struck me the most about Mudtown was how the disc seemed to effortlessly transition from bluesy-rockers like "Heaven Only Knows" and softer, more thoughtful alt-country tunes such as "I'm Coming Home".”

Bruce / The Promise Live365.com: “… Jim Armstrong - Mudtown (2007) Straight from the heartland... You know... Toronto, Canada. With his slightly gravely voice and straight ahead attack, this is rock and roll that makes you think of Mellencamp or even Melissa. If you close your eyes you can see these guys playing live in a small club opening for someone, when they really should be the main attraction. Good songwriting. Good sense of rock and roll. Find out more at Sonic Deli Records (love that name).”

Keith Ross Leckie, Emmy and Gemini award-winning writer/producer (Lost In The Barrens, Journey Into Darkness, The Arrow): “Over the years Jim Armstrong's music continues to surprise and entertain me. His first album "Brown Bag Lunch" revealed a strong and confident talent as a musician, singer, songwriter and arranger in different genres. And now his new album, "Mudtown", fulfills that promise again. I find myself looking for films to make that can take advantage of Jim's accomplished music.”

E. Thomas Canton, Director/Producer: "As the director and producer … I found that working with Jim Armstrong and Andrea Poulis was not a matter of simply that the songs and the music created for The Adulterers’ Guide to Toronto were without a doubt Oscar caliber … I dare anyone not to agree with me."

Myrocia Watamaniuk, television host for Rogers Daytime Toronto: “When Jim sings, you know he’s singing from his heart.”

Jon Long (of the national Long & McQuade musical instruments stores): "Jim is an incredibly talented musician. His music needs to be heard."

•  Van

Ryan McMahon grew up in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where he began playing in local bars on Vancouver Island at the age of 17, under the moniker “Citizen Strange.”

There, he befriended several promoters that allowed him opening support slots for bands coming through town such as Nickelback and Wide Mouth Mason, allowing him the opportunity to hone his craft alongside those already established.

In 2003, Ryan moved to Vancouver and began playing with two musicians who would become his best friends, Mike Rogerson (who produces all of Ryan’s material) and Dustin Young, both of whom still play guitars for him to this day. Together they formed the band, “Ryan McMahon & the Dirty Five,” along with drummer Jesse Smith and bassist Thomas Dowding, and the band toured throughout British Columbia and Alberta, but was never really afforded the opportunity to take it further.

Wanting change, and a more diversified sound, Ryan, Mike, and Dustin stuck together and headed to Baker Street Studios in North Vancouver, to begin work on what would become Ryan’s first solo album, “Better Days Gone By.” They recruited several friends throughout the music industry, including Hamish Thomson (the Hermit), Jon Frederiksen (the Hermit), Doug Elliott (the Odds), Pat Steward (Bryan Adams, Matthew Good, the Odds), Jesse Smith (Jeff Johnson, the Dirty Five), Thomas Dowding (the Dirty Five), and Craig Northey (the Odds).

The result? A 12-song rock n’roll roots album that showcases Ryan’s love for playing rough, honest music, which people of all walks can easily relate to.

With themes ranging from infidelities (“Liar”) to the music industry itself (“Song Says So”), “Better Days Gone By” is a well-rounded honest album that will surely communicate well in both the rock and acoustic formats.

Rye’s dynamic, genuine personality, combined with his unique emotional style will definitely offer fans of roots rock a true kindred spirit.

For a better tomorrow, vote Ryan McMahon.

Contact Information:
Geoff Goddard @ Fronstide Promotions - 604-648-2782
Ryan McMahon - 778-892-6974

www.ryanmcmahon.com
www.myspace.com/mcmahonryan

•  Like it lots
•  just found it again
•  This scratches my musical itch
•  A wonderful song!
•  Catchy

Here are a few things people might want to know about me.

1. I rock
2. All songs are written, produced, arranged and performed by me, Todd Steinhilber.
3. My philosophy is one of expansion, adventure and humour.
4. My focus is radiating an energy of joy through my musical endeavours.
5. I hail from Earth, a small blue planet tucked away in a cozy little corner of the universe. Actually I'm from a little city located on the coast of one of the northern continents, it's called New York.
6. I am musically inspired by The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, U2, The Clash, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Costello & Radiohead among many others.
7. The point of all of this is to communicate.To create a space, unrelated to daily civilized routine, where people can find something new, can look into a mirror, can laugh for no reason.

•  Flow

Basically, we are five friends having a great time playing music that we love: Jamie Myers on bass and vocals, Paul Bircham on drums, Nick Lawton on vocals and harmonica, Ryan on guitar, vocals and guitjo, and last but not least Kris Welch on guitar, vocals, and pedal steel. In the future we plan on touring this huge country of ours, playing some festivals, and having a great time while meeting some cool new people. See you at the show!

•  I had to buy it
•  Boot stompin', drinkin' tune.
•  Seriously in the comfort zone
•  I like it...Tony likes it!
•  Nice... Harmonica!

Tom Howie is a singer/songwriter from Vancouver, BC. After releasing his debut EP Stepping Stones to great reviews and eager audiences in September 2005, he has gone on to play many of the premier clubs in Vancouver while completing his final year of high school.

Now 18 and graduated, Tom is taking on music full time, including recording a full length album with producer/musician Ashwin Sood (Sarah McLachlan) and engineer Chris Potter (Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan). Also on board is Vancouver/San Francisco based composer/producer/musician Jason Nett (composer in residence, Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra).

After being the lead singer and songwriter in many bands throughout high school, Tom decided to go out on his own and play the music that came most naturally to him. “I want to be able to write a band tune or a little soulful ballad, or whatever else, and just let it be what it is. I'm enjoying the freedom of experimentation."

With that thought in mind, Tom sat down with friend/producer Josh Bluman to record Stepping Stones at the studio of highly acclaimed producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Hedley, Red Hot Chili Peppers). The EP features stripped down versions of four soulful, satisfying songs. YouThink Magazine had this to say: “The ability to spin out four tracks that have yet to be boring, complete with lyrics that are startlingly affecting, isn’t just dumb luck. Howie’s observations about life and its joys and sorrows, combined with his acoustic, mellow sound, build a strong sample of what he has yet to give.”

Looking ahead, Tom is filled with great excitement about recording new material, which he says has lots more to offer; from simple, haunting, poetic songs, to full out rockers. “Things are just starting to work out for me, and there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. I love playing, singing and writing more than anything. Busy? Bring it on!”

Be sure to see Tom Howie live in concert, either with his band or on his own. Visit myspace.com/tomhowie for tour dates and streaming audio.

•  Awesome track
•  Great voice
•  Stop and listen and chllin'

Biography

Matt Harlan is a songwriter's songwriter. He composes scenic landscapes and pointed statements disguised as songs. Often non-linear, but always melodic, Harlan's works confront social norms, celebrate lives overlooked, or just wax poetic about coffee and bus stops. Whatever the inspiration, the music is always heartfelt and genuine.

Born and raised in Texas, Harlan soaked up the richness of the state and its song-smiths while bouncing between big cities and small towns. Always in love with music, he eventually learned to play and write it. From '60s pop in kindergarten to alt-country in college and all the angst in between, Harlan draws from a range of influences, interpreting a generation steeped in plastic and filtered through the Hill Country limestone.

After gigging in rock bands around San Antonio and Austin, Harlan dropped the pick and the power chords to develop his own unique fingerstyle guitar technique. Now back in Houston he is working to promote his earthy, socially conscious sound, which is continually evolving.

Accomplishments

In 2003 Matt Harlan won the Kerrville Folk Festival's Texas University Songwriters Competition based on the merit of his songs “Suitcase Blues,” “Warm November,” and “The Optimist.” Winning the competition allowed him to play on the Threadgill's Stage at the Festival along with other songwriters from Texas universities.

The Houston Fort Bend Songwriter's Association (HFBSA) has nominated Matt Harlan's “Heavy Steel and Spinning Wheels” for their 2006 Song of the Year award.

Matt Harlan was recently offered the chance to play at the legendary Anderson Fair for its songwriters showcase series. Details can be found on Matt Harlan's websites and at www.andersonfair.com.

•  Good Folk Story
•  Thoughful folk song