Douglas September
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | AFM
Music
Press
Among many other things, this Toronto-based singer-songwriter is responsible for one of the most striking Bob Dylan covers ever recorded: an alternately sleek and ghostly take on "Girl From the North Country", featuring a death-rattle vocal that makes Dylan's rasp sound like a production number from Glee. This track from album No. 5 envelops those weathered vocals in an aural background that evokes Daniel Lanois one moment and a Depression-era folk tune the next. Startling stuff. - John Sakamoto, The Toronto Star
“…a potent lyricist…” - Guitar Player Magazine
“…bristling with promise, passion, and nascent brilliance.” - Uncut Magazine
“…a collection of post-apocalyptic country-metal ballads tailor-fitted for a 21st-century Mad Max… an innovative interpretation of country/blues themes and forms…” - The McGill Tribune
...thought-provoking, powerful, and literate... - The Gavin Report
on Oil Tan Bow...
...a collection of post-apocalyptic country-metal ballads tailor-fitted for a 21st-century Mad Max... an innovative interpretation of country/blues themes and forms... - The McGill Tribune, Montreal
on Ten Bulls...
...'Douglas September is a Canadian singer-songwriter who, just as his countrymen Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, may score well in the future...An extremely strong international debut...' - Music Maker, the Netherlands
on Io...
...Brillant... - Markische Allgemeine
on Ten Bulls...
...Blood on the Tracks" for the next millennium. Don't let this one slip by unnoticed. With the most dynamic daunting backing band for a newcomer in recent memory... Douglas September stands tall for his music... - Kent Zimmerman, The Gavin Report
Discography
sundaysinradio - (2009; Lupins)
Oil Tan Bow - (2001; Lupins)
Io - (1999; Samson Music/Gold Circle)
Ten Bulls - (1998; Samson Music/Gold Circle)
Crows - (1996; Lupins)
Photos
Bio
Douglas September has five full length albums to his credit, all of which have met with strong critical review. His sound is unique and engaging, slightly hard to define with roots in folk but use of looping and sampling. He was once described as a 'post-apocalyptic country/metal balladeer' and it stuck. Originally from Cape Breton, he is known for his innovative musical style that blends folk and blues with a caustic modern commentary. His music has been likened to Bob Dylan, Tim Buckley, and Tom Waits.
While signed with US label Gold Circle, he was fortunate to have collaborated with many talented and inspirational musicians, such as Michael Shrieve (1998 release, Producer-Ten Bulls; Gold Circle/Samson Music), Bill Frisell (1998 release, Lead Guitar-Ten Bulls; Gold Circle/Samson Music), David Torn (2001 release, Producer-Oil Tan Bow; Lupins), Robby Aceto (2001 release, Oil Tan Bow; Lupins and 1999 release, IO; Gold Circle/Samson Music), Rich Depaolo; (1999 release, IO;Gold Circle/Samson Music), Wayne Horvitz (1998 release, Ten Bulls; Gold Circle/Samson Music), David Bearwald and Steve Lindsey (The Runner, 2000). These experiences have culminated into the artist he is today; a diverse singer/songwriter and great entertainer.
Key Achievements:
- Listed #1 on John Sakamoto's Alternative Top-Ten Anti-Hit List, October 2009 - Toronto Star
- In January 2005, UK Uncut (magazine), listed Douglas September's song 'Lady and I' from album 10 Bulls as their #1 Track influenced by Bob Dylan
- Debuted on the Album Network Chart at #35 and rose to #24
- Climbed from #48 on the Gavin Chart to #33 (non-commercial Triple A Grid)
- Designated as grid-bound on Gavin’s commercial Triple A Chart
- Network appearances on CBC Canada (Rita and Friends) and on Radio Netherlands Worldwide.
- Wrote and performed two compositions ('The Light' and 'The Search') for feature film 'The Runner' (directed by Ron Moler), with John Goodman, Courteney Cox and Joe Montegna.
- Has collaborated and/or worked with many talented and inspirational musicians, such as Michael Shrieve, Bill Frisell, David Torn, Rita MacNeil, Robby Aceto, Wayne Horvitz, Rich DePaolo, Steve Lindsey, ..among others.
Notable Performances include:
The Bottom Line - New York City, NY
The Ark - Ann Arbor, MI
The Living Room - New York City, NY
Blue Bird Cafe - Nashville, TN
Arlene’s Grocery - New York City, NY
El Mocambo - Toronto, ON
The Borderline - London, UK
Showcasing at Conferences include:
South By SouthWest - Austin, TX
North By NorthWest - Portland, OR
North By NorthEast - Toronto, ON
College Music Journal Music Marathon - New York City, NY
Canadian Music Week - Toronto, ON
Philadelphia Music Conference - Philadelphia, PA
LAUNCH Music Conference - Lancaster, PA
East Coast Music Awards - Moncton, NB
* a list of radio station support as well as chart history is available at d9's website.
What People Are Saying About Douglas September:
- "...Startling stuff..." - John Sacamoto, The Toronto Star
- "...a potent lyricist..." - Guitar Player Magazine
- "...bristling with promise, passion, and nascent brilliance..." - Uncut Magazine, United Kingdom
- "..."some kind of ambient-electronic messiah who hasn't stepped forward yet..." - Beacon Pass, NYC
- "...Tasteful and high-quality..." - Pieter Hofmann Dirty Linen
- "...unbridled soul and passion..." - The Coast
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