John Jacob Magistery

Yesterday, we were at Divan Orange for the music video release of John Jacob Magistery’s track Greatest Story Ever. What a talented band! The video was shot with a Super 8 vintage camera, courtesy of the Hughes family. The video was very touching and nostalgic. The loyal fans were there showing much love and support. It was great to jam to their sounds while having a drink. MTL Blog wishes them good luck and we are confident that we will be seeing more of them soon. If you missed this last night, take a look at their new video HERE and also check out these photos of yesterday’s vibe at Divan Orange. - MTL Blog

John Jacob Magistery Diamond In A Cave Montreal, QC, Canada Folk/Singer-Songwriter - Unsigned Only

John Jacob Magistery - Greatest Story Ever Told
Posted on 9/30/2014 2:12:00 PM by Jason Rockman - CHOM 97 7

Narcissism Unto Loneliness, the EP from John Jacob Magistery, was released this March 2014. You may have heard the single, “The Greatest Story,” being played on CHOM Radio lately.

We’re sitting in a café on a rainy November night and I’m with Johnny Griffin, front man of John Jacob Magistery. Well, we started talking about the deepest shit we could muster, and now you get to read about it.

Ceilidh Michelle: Alright, you ready for this?

Johnny Griffin: Yes.

CM: Tell me about the first time you ever picked up a guitar. Do you remember what that felt like?

JG: The first time I played a guitar was at my friend Scott’s house. I used to skateboard with him. I was a skater kid. I met him, we became friends, I was listening to hip hop…

CM: Really?

JG: Yeah, I only listened to hip hop. That was the music that I fell in love with. So I was at [Scott’s] house, he was taking guitar lessons and I just [started] screwing around. It sounded horrible, I’m sure, for anyone who was listening. But for me, it was just the best thing ever, that I could make those sounds.

CM: I was going to go ahead and ask you what you were listening to as a kid, but you said a lot of hip hop. Did you grow up listening to a lot of that?

JG: Well, when I was really young, I remember [I was listening to] whatever was on the radio. My mom would always ask me, “Who’s this? Who’s that?” I just loved music.

CM: Was there anything that stood out to you as a kid?

JG: I grew up with Van Morrison, Elvis Presley, you know, the classics.

CM: Did you ever have a clear, defining moment where you knew music was something you wanted to pursue?

JG: I don’t think so. But I always felt super drawn to [music].

I remember the first time that I heard someone playing a guitar. I think they were playing Smells like Teen Spirit. I was in grade seven. I heard someone practicing [the song] in the school auditorium and I thought it was the actual song [playing].

I went into the auditorium, and there’s this kid just playing. I remember being amazed by that, that somebody could make that, what I was hearing on the radio. That was a moment for me.

Anyway.

Oh, the first song that stood out to me was Outkast…you know that song, [starts singing] “Throw yo hands in the ai-air, and wave ‘em like you just don’ cayre,” I was like, “Oh man. This is the best.”

CM: That is the best.

JG: Mhm.

CM: In your track “The Greatest Story,” you ask the question, “Will I wind up alone?” Do you think you make your best art when you’re in a place of solitude or when you’re in love?

JG: It’s strange, because it hits you at weird times, you know? I’m going through different stuff in the day; things are coming from different places.

When I listen to Bob Dylan, he can really get me into this zone. There are plenty of songs that [do that] too.

Or I could be watching a movie, or notice something…Okay, so the question, sorry. A place of solitude or when I’m in love?

CM: Haha, yeah.

JG: I don’t think [I make my best art] when I’m in love. I fall in love lots of different ways. It’s probably more heartbreak. Like when I’m in a place of sadness. Or a place where things are pent up.

CM: Do you think loneliness is something an artist needs in order to create?

JG: I think it depends on what kind of art you’re doing. Some people do art in groups? But I don’t really understand that. For me, it’s always definitely been from a place of solitude.

CM: If you had to choose between loneliness or love, what would you choose?

JG: Love. Of course.

CM: Really?

JG: Obviously, yeah. But loneliness is different than solitude.

CM: True. Why did you call your single “The Greatest Story”? Do you think that loneliness and searching for love with the fear of winding up alone is in fact humanity’s central story, or their greatest story?

JG: That’s interesting that you put it that way, but that’s not why I called [the song] that.

When I wrote that line, the greatest story, it was kind of a nod or a wink, kind of sarcastic…Well, I don’t want to say sarcastic. But it’s a real feeling when you’re in this place of loneliness. There’s an aspect of narcissism in that. You might be feeling sorry for yourself, you might be thinking of, you know, all the things I say in the song.

You build up this legend of yourself that’s going to die. The greatest story ever told. That’s what it is for you. Everyone’s story, to themselves, is the greatest story told.

CM: So is John Jacob Magistry, is that a legendary self, or a mythological self that you’ve created?

JG: Not really. It’s the name of the band. But I got it from reading The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse, also called Magister Ludi. Magister means master, but magistery means agency or substance which has to do with healing, transformation. As in alchemy. Turning something of lesser value into something of greater value.

CM: When you hear people use words like “love,” or “loneliness” what are some of the things that you immediately start thinking about?

JG: [Silence]

CM: Hahaha!

JG: I don’t know, depends on who’s saying it, depends on what mood I’m in. Depends where I am. That’s a very strange…Those words could mean so many things. It’s how somebody says it. People don’t usually walk around going, “Love!” And then walk away, right?

CM: I don’t know man, I’ve overheard some pretty bizarre conversations…

So is it gratifying or just plain weird to hear your single “The Greatest Story” being played on the radio right now?

JG: Oh, it’s gratifying, for sure. I’m super happy that people are taking interest and buying [the EP]. I feel blessed that people are playing it on the radio.

CM: Do you have any advice to offer any other musicians as to getting their songs played on the radio?

JG: Well, Bilal [Butt] is a radio jockey I know and he came to see me play in pubs. I’ve known him for a while, so that was a big in. Also, I played with The Franklin Electric and they were on CHOM Radio. They were on CHOM before I was, so that was a good in, too.

I think it’s really just about who you know. And if you don’t know anybody, I’d say try to go out and meet as many people as you can. Keep being true to your heart. Keep putting out the stuff that you believe in.

CM: How long have you been playing in the Montreal music scene, playing bars and stuff?

JG: I’ve been playing since I was fifteen-sixteen. I was in a punk band in high school. But I moved to the city [of Montreal from West Island] when I was nineteen, and started playing open mics like crazy at Grumpy’s, at Brutopia.

CM: What do you love about being a musician in Montreal? Do you think you’d ever move somewhere else?

JG: Yeah, I’d love to. I want to experience so much. I’d definitely love to move somewhere else and check it out, but for now I think I’ve gotta stay here until things start becoming more stable. I’m just starting, you know?

We’re really in the beginning of the band. All those songs were done in one day. They were all done live. I never played with that band again [that recorded] with me. I’ve got a good group of people now who are really adamant about [the music] and we’re at the beginning. So it’s very cool that CHOM is playing [the track] because this is the very first single we’ve ever put out.

CM: That’s exciting.

JG: Yeah.

CM: My last question is: Do you really think you’ll wind up alone?

JG: There’s a worry! For sure, haha! But I hope I don’t. Maybe if I keep on the right track, doing stuff like you’re doing, yoga and stuff like that, just be nice to people…

CM: I’m not that nice to people. Well, sometimes I try.

JG: That’s all you can do.

CM: Alright. Thank you very much.

JG: Thank you very much, Ceilidh.

John Jacob Magistery on BandCamp At $5 costs less than your next pint of beer and will last longer ;) - Bandmark

Terry - John Jacob Magistery
The night we had Moist in the building and they opened I was completely taken with them. I love their record a lot.

Jason - John Jacob Magistery
The same effect that they had on Terry when they played at the station. They were the first of three on that bill and the room went silent when they played. When John plays acoustically, everyone stops to listen. He's just got that thing and we are just scratching the surface with his talent and whats going to come ahead is going to be great. - CHOM 97.7

Montreal band John Jacob Magistery have had a great 2014. Chom 97.7 voted them one of ‘2014 Best Music Discoveries’ and their first single, Greatest Story Ever, has been gaining plenty of airplay over the past few months.

Chom DJ Jason said of the band, which is fronted by singer/songwriter Johnny Griffin (ex-Franklin Electric), “When John plays acoustically, everyone stops to listen. He’s just got that thing and we are just scratching the surface with his talent and whats going to come ahead is going to be great.”


To kick off 2015, John Jacob Magistery will join forces with fellow Montrealers First You Get The Sugar to play a one-off show at O Patro Vys on January 22nd. As both bands will be going into studio soon after the show, the concert will be a great way to hear their upcoming tracks for 2015.

Tickets will be on sale soon… - Montreal Rocks

Interview with Jason Rockman discussing Montreal's notable bands. - CTV Montreal

John Jacob Magistery‘s “The Greatest Story Ever” might be the greatest song ever to warm your cold little heart this winter. I mean really, how could you not want to cozy up in front of a fireplace (or a Youtube video of) with a nice whiskey in hand, snow (or ice) falling calmly outside your window, while you listen to this folk/indie heartfelt gem?

The name might not be familiar but you might recognize a few of the band’s players. Lead by singer/songwriter Johnny Griffin (The Franklin Electric), who joined forces with various other musicians namely drummer Anthony Lombardi and violinist Mackenzie Myatt, the new Montreal native collective has already released an unsigned debut EP “Narcissism Unto Loneliness” this last spring (Available here).

Thanks to considerable airplay on CHOM, John Jacob Magistery is creating quite the buzz, having been named Montreal’s up’n’comer on CTV Montreal, thanks to Jason Rockman. Which means 2015 is their year. Which also means you won’t want to miss your chance to see them play an intimate venue this January 22nd: The band will be at O Patro Vys (With First You get the Sugar). So grab a pen, mark your calendars, call the babysitter, do what you have to do to be there.

Until then, the video; which gives to the eyes what the song gives to the ears. Enjoy. - Naked Underground Montreal

A very pretty song from 2014 that's worthy of your ears. John Jacob Magistery's "Greatest Story Ever Told". ‪#‎Folk‬ ‪#‎Rock‬ fr.‪#‎Montreal‬. - Indie Underground

Voila un petit bout de temps maintenant que je ne vous avais pas proposé de musique canadienne.

Aujourd'hui, je partage avec vous la chanson Greatest Story Ever du groupe montréalais John Jacob Magistery. Le groupe n'est pas encore très connu (seulement 4 600 vues sur Youtube pour leur vidéo officielle), mais il mérite clairement d'avoir plus de place et de succès. Ce groupe de folk / rock est emmené par Johnny Griffin, accompagné de 7 musiciens



Johnny Griffin // chanteur principal, guitare acoustique
Anthony Lombardi // batterie
Michael Felber // basse
Simon Angell // guitare
Justin Wright // violoncelle
Kate Maloney // violon
Genevieve Toupin // chant
Jon Matte // piano


Si vous aimez, vous pouvez découvrir d'autres titres ici : https://johnjacobmagistery.bandcamp.com/

Bonne écoute et bon dimanche ! - Province canadienne

With the New Year upon us, it’s as good a time as any to take stock of the musical happenings in Montreal, one of the world’s great music cities. The sheer size and scope of the music scene in Montreal makes it a nearly impossible task to pick 15 particularly relevant acts. To narrow it down a bit I’ve focused on bands that generally fit into the “pop-rock-folk” framework, so nothing from the DJ, jazz, hip-hop, or metal scenes here (though if anyone wants to make one of those lists and send it along, we’ll gladly post it). I’ve also focused on somewhat lesser known outfits, so no Patrick Watson or Chromeo, no Arcade Fire or Handsome Furs. I was also looking for stuff that was new to me, so personal favourites like Tim Hecker and Colin Stetson didn’t make the list either. Finally, I’ve only looked at Anglo acts, which I don’t really have a good reason for, other than familiarity.

So, without more delay, 15 Montreal bands to keep an eye on in 2015:

1. John Jacob Majestery
Narcissism Unto Lonliness is a very compelling EP of songs written by Johnny Griffin, apparently recorded in one day by musicians who had never met each other before. There are a few chances to catch them in Quebec and Ontario this winter, and lets hope a full album is not to far off. - Quirks and Quiddities

As much as I’m digging Montreal’s John Jacob Magistery‘s debut EP, Narcissism Unto Loneliness, I’m super-excited to hear the full-length debut they’re working on with Besnard Lakes‘s Jace Lasek, who will surely add his magical alchemy to sweet, soulful mixture this band is already brewing.

They released Narcissism Unto Loneliness this past summer, and garnered a lot of local attention for first single “Greatest Story Ever”. They play a string of shows in the coming months from Montreal to Toronto, starting with The Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield, QC on January 16. Full show listings are here. Narcissism Unto Loneliness is for sale digitally and physically on Bandcamp now. - Quick Before It Melts

1

Jack White
Lazaretto

2

Foo Fighters
Something From Nothing

3

Arctic Monkeys
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?

4

The Black Keys
Gotta Get Away

5

July Talk
Summer Dress

6

U2
The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)

7

Arcade Fire
Normal Person

8

Weezer
Back to the Shack

9

Queens of the Stone Age
Smooth Sailing

10

Beck
Blue Moon

11

Pearl Jam
Lightning Bolt

12

Alt-J
Left Hand Free

13

Royal Blood
Figure it Out

14

AC/DC
Play Ball

15

The Damn Truth
Get With You

16

Death from Above 1979
Trainwreck 1979

17

Elbow
New York Morning

18

The Franklin Electric
Unsatisfied

19

Kandle
Not Up To Me

20

Chevelle
Take Out the Gunman

21

Nickelback
Edge of a Revolution

22

Interpol
All the Rage Back Home

23

Courtney Barnett
History Eraser

24

Moist
Mechanical

25

John Jacob Magistery
Greatest Story Ever Told

26

Godsmack
1000hp

27

Rise Against
I Don't Want to Be Here Anymore

28

Royal Blood
Out of the Black

29

Avenged Sevenfold
This Means War

30

Band of Skulls
Asleep at the Wheel - CHOM 97.7

25th of January 2015

John Jacob Magistery
********************

John Jacob Magistery are a magnificent soulful alternative rock sound/band that hail out of Montreal, Canada. With swimming melodies and alternative rock music pasture excellences they provide the good rock music listener with a sensational soulful rock voice presence and an outstanding consistency balance of musicianship band splendour throughout. I ‘wholeheartedly’ feel that they are headed towards rocking roads ahead for them in gaining good respect all around the globe. My music ears were certainly mesmirized and completely riding their magic rock vibe, ace music package here!

John Jacob Magistery will be very admirable listening to fans of: Radiohead, The Flaming Lips and alternative rock, rock music.

Genre: Soulful Alternative Rock
From: Montreal, Canada
Main Link: http://johnjacobmagistery.com/ - Forkster

Walking up to O Patro Vys, 15 minutes before the doors opened for this double bill, I found a lineup. Not a few people huddled up to grab a spot, but a proper gathering of enthusiastic faces, there was a buzz. Montrealers are notorious for being fashionably late and let’s factor in the fact that it’s mid-January, I was astounded.

The fact is that this a great time to be a music lover in Montreal. Especially if you’re into the folk revival movement, you can insert whichever prefix you like before it, alt-, indie-, post whatever suits your fancy. With Patrick Watson and Half Moon Run now certified globetrotters, The Franklin Electric conquering Europe, The Barr Brothers turning heads south of the border and Sunfields gaining steam, we have the makings of an honest to God scene. But a scene isn’t really a scene until it has some crossover storylines.

Former Franklin Electric guitarist/harmonizer Johnny Griffin struck out on his own in 2014, revealing John Jacob Magistery. Nine months removed from the release of the four song EP Narcissism Unto Loneliness, Griffin took the stage with a cast of musicians that has radically changed since the recordings.

At first sight, Griffin looked like Jim Morrison had stolen Kurt Cobain’s wardrobe. He harkened back to an era where musicians produced music rather than an image. I miss musicians that look like musicians. If you saw them walking on the street, you’d think “that guy’s a musician”. There’s an honesty there that can’t be bought at Urban Outfitters. This being said, there was no shortage of young girls ready to swoon on his every word.

From the first verse of Diamond In A Cave it was apparent that this was now a band, not just a project. The sound was bigger, the harmonies more fleshed out. The sound had clearly evolved. There was a playfulness between the musicians, a very palpable chemistry. Those hoping for some new material, a sneak peek the upcoming full length debut Phantom i, were not left disappointed. Several new tracks promised a bigger sound with much of the soul already shown.

One of the aspects separating the Montreal scene from its folk brethren is a haunting, almost gospel quality to the vocals. Griffin is a contender to top them all with this quality. Nowhere was this more apparent than on closing opus Greatest Story Ever, a track familiar to anyone who’s turned on CHOM in the last few months. It sounded even more powerful , fuller. They definitely left the stage leaving the the crowd wanting more. Luckily the wait won’t be too long as they’ll be hitting the stage again February 24th at Casa del Popolo for an acoustic set.

By the time First You Get the Sugar hit the stage, despite a very short changeover, the crowd had already thinned out considerably. In what was perhaps an attempt to keep the crowd in the coat check line, they doled out their radio single Foreign Lands as the second song, a catchy indie pop number.

I don’t think this was a statement on the band as much as a late start on a weeknight and a pairing with a band that would attract a much different crowd. The band didn’t seem affected, they put together a high energy set, anyone who names their bad after a Homer Simpson line obviously knows how to have a good time.

Those who stayed bounced around to some catchy hooks and genuinely seemed to enjoy themselves. This band is a throwback to the early 2000’s scene in Montreal that gave us Arcade Fire, Metric and The Stills which I’m sure will find their audience.

I found myself walking out of the building at the end of the night proud of my city. It’s our job as music lovers in this city to get out there and support these acts while they’re still our little secret, which may not be for long. - Montreal Rocks

To be completely honest, this job has it’s perks ; we get to see countless numbers of shows, we get up close and personal with band members and interview some of them over a beer or two (or five).

The downfall is that we, music writers, sometimes become a tad cynical towards the Quebec music scene. What else do you expect? IT IS an extremely small market for the wealth of talent we have. New bands appear every week and yet so few make the waves they should.

AND not to start a French/English war or anything, but Montreal IS more secluded from the rest of the country because of this language barrier. Maybe I’m completely mistaken but Anglophone medias are incredibly more numerous (consequently more accessible to the rest of the world) outside of this province, therefore increasing exponentially the visibility local bands can get.

And then there’s us. And I love us. (K, my rant is over.)

So all those interviews and beers aside, last week we were invited to check out THIS BAND:
In case you’ve been living under a rock, well, with only a 4-song EP launched only a few months ago, John Jacob Magistery have been feeling some intense love from several influential bloggers and music journalists, and the band was even voted one of ‘2014 Best Music Discoveries’ by CHOM 97 7. Everyone present at O Patro Vys last Thursday night quickly understood why music aficionados have been raving about this band. From the stage, the 4 piece band was playing for a sold out, almost silenced crowd.

Verdict? Well, we’re not the first ones to say it, but we’ll be the first ones to say it this way:

These guys are:
Amazing… that was amazing. May we add that it’s real cool to be blown away once in a while. So here’s to them.

We interviewed the band at Honey Martin’s (yes, at a bar; no café for us) which, as it stands, is a total Irish family affair for Johnny Griffin, band leader, and Jo Griffin, the band’s manager. It’s also where most of the current members of the band met. We say current because funny enough, with the exception of Anthony Lombardi on drums, the EP was recorded live, in one day, with musicians that had never played together before.

Say what? ‘‘At the time, I just really wanted to get it done. That was the main goal. Live recording was the cheapest way to go and we had to do it in one day!’’ says Johnny.

It was only after the launch of the EP that the actual band got together, and, hopefully, we can count on all those members to be the ones recording the full album, scheduled for next fall, in February.

So because fall is light years away, the band has though of your needs until then; you can expect a few videos to come, including one of a song from the upcoming album. You can also tune in to CHOM to listen to their music, and speaking of the station, they’ve been pushing forward some great local music in the past couple of years and is getting its part of responsibility for the success of several Montreal acts, including John Jacob Magistery and Kandle: ‘‘I think once a radio station starts playing your song, it adds credibility. If people hear us playing on the radio, they think we’re important, otherwise, we’re just another band’’ says Mackenzie, violinist and back-up vocalist. ‘‘Something happens. It’s like fashion. Once a celebrity starts wearing a shirt, then it’s everywhere. They [CHOM] know they have that power to push local bands and it’s really great’’ adds Johnny.

Personally, I think the benefits go way beyond what it does for bands; as a station, they are making themselves relevant to a new audience. It’s also incredibly refreshing to hear something else than old classic rock (no offence Rolling Stones or Nickleback. Actually, no one cares about Nickleback.) on a rock station. My two cents.

Some states that playing on the radio is their claim to fame, but these guys already have someone covering their first single. Is it any good? ‘‘Yeah, I mean it’s weird, but it’s flattering!’’
We usually end interviews by asking band members about their favorite places in Montreal.

They had much to say about their favorite venues to play, including Casa Del Popolo and Rialto. Then I stupidly ask what their favorite bar was.

Honey’s, obviously.
But, the only Plateau resident of the bunch and famed jazz guitarist François quickly stepped in to give a shout out to Quai des brumes.

So there you have it. If you’re in the Deej area; go grab a beer with these very swell guys (And gal. Mackenzie’s awesome!) at the family pub. If you refuse to leave the Plateau area, then your best bet is at Quai - NUMTL

Pas pire pas pire magique comme soirée hier à la Casa Del Popolo avec BELLFLOWER et JOHN JACOB MAGISTERY. Maman est sortie yes sir. Les oreilles un peu vierges un peu pures, parce que la musique live, j’en consomme moins souvent qu’avant. Hier c’était la soirée parfaite pour apprivoiser mes oreilles à nouveau et faire vibrer mes petits tympans juste comme il faut.

BELLFLOWER, ils sont fous-malades. Ils sont huit sur scène à être reliés par un cordon invisible qui les fait tous vibrer égal, en même temps. Ça donne de la musique qui nous résonne dans l’épine dorsale, qui nous fait bouncer de la tête veut, veut pas. Impossible de résister, ça nous passe à travers le corps, et c’est correct de même, on se laisse faire. Pis quand tu penses que ça ne peut pas être meilleur, ben t’as rien vu parce que chaque fin de toune est une explosion. Huit qu’ils sont, à donner leur petit quelque chose pour porter la musique un peu plus loin. Et faut dire que trois beaux cuivres sur scène, c'est comme un petit velours, ça flatte dans le bon sens. WOW. Capoté.

J’étais enchantée de vivre ça hier soir parmi le public qui s’était transformé en plein de petits traits d’unions pour partager l’expérience. On était de même hier, quessé tu veux, c’était fou.

Casa del Popolo, as-tu seulement idée du degré de beauté et d’accomplissement auquel tu as assisté hier soir? Pas sûre, mais je t’aime pareil.

Et en première partie, il y avait l’autre. Il y avait John Jacob Magistery, avec son talent et sa voix qui prenait toute la place. Tellement naturellement que tu te dis, non seulement il a fait ça toute sa vie, mais il ne peut sûrement rien faire d’autre, parce que ça se peut pas être doué de même dans plus d’une chose à la fois. C’était doux c’était bon, et on pouvait entendre les gens cligner des yeux pendant qu’il chantait tellement il nous tenait au creux de sa main. IL FAUT SUIVRE CE GARS-LÀ, LES GENS.



Pour le plaisir de tes yeux et tes oreilles, voici des vidéos (qui n’ont pas été filmées hier soir parce que tsé le plaisir des oreilles j’ai dit). Écoute, si ce n’est déjà fait, partage avec les gens autour de toi et surtout, suis-les, parce que tu veux voir ces deux band là live. OUI. - PAS PIRE PAS PIRE

TW

LW

Artist

Title

Label

1 1 The Golden Dogs CanCon Band Website Band Twitter 3 1/2 Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
2 5 The Elwins CanCon Play for Keeps Hidden Pony Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
3 16 Sleater-Kinney Band Website Band Twitter No Cities To Love Sub Pop Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
4 15 Various CanCon CFRC Sessions, Vol. 1 Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
5 2 Belle And Sebastian Band Website Band Twitter Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance Matador Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
6 10 Hey Rosetta! CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Second Sight Sonic Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
7 3 Viet Cong CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Viet Cong Flemish Eye Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
8 24 Last Ex CanCon Last Ex Constellation Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
9 27 Ron Hawkins and the Do Good Assassins CanCon Garden Songs Pheromone Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
10 -- Twin River CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Should the light go out Light Organ Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
11 29 B.A. Johnston CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Shit Sucks Mammoth Cave Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
12 8 Astral Swans CanCon Band Website Band Twitter All My Favourite Singers Are Willie Nelson Madic Records Chart Appearances this week
13 4 Dan Mangan + Blacksmith CanCon Club Meds Arts & Crafts Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
14 -- Gabrielle Papillon CanCon The Tempest Of Old Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
15 19 Moon CanCon Band Website Moon Bruised Tongue Chart Appearances this week
16 -- Purity Ring CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Another Eternity Last Gang Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
17 26 Ty Segall Band Website Band Twitter Mr. Face Famous Class Label Website Chart Appearances this week
18 30 Pond Man It Feels Like Space Again Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
19 -- John Jacob Magistery CanCon Narcissism Unto Loneliness EP Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
20 -- Mark Ronson Uptown Special RCA Chart Appearances this week
21 7 D'Angelo and the Vanguard Band Website Band Twitter Black Messiah RCA Chart Appearances this week
22 6 Cairo CanCon A History Of Reasons MapleMusic Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
23 -- Elza CanCon Glories Self-Released Chart Appearances this week
24 17 Danko Jones CanCon Fire Music New Damage Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
25 -- Ibeyi Ibeyi XL Recordings Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
26 -- Kodaline Coming Up For Air Sony Label Website Chart Appearances this week
27 23 Thomas D'Arcy CanCon Band Website Band Twitter Fooled You Twice MapleMusic Label Website Label Twitter Chart Appearances this week
28 25 Jons CanCon Com Shred 1 Shake! Chart Appearances this week
29 -- Durrant, Melanie CanCon Anticipation Melo-ds Chart Appearances this week
30 -- James Irwin CanCon - CFRC 101.9 MHz - Kingston

6 - John Jacob Magistery - Diamond in a Cave - RIDE THE TEMPO

Des petits caractères qui peuvent en dire long...


Quelques jours ont passé depuis le dévoilement de la programmation complète de la dixième édition du festival Osheaga, qui se déroulera du 31 juillet au 2 août au Parc Jean-Drapeau, quoique la plupart des gros noms avaient été révélés dans les semaines précédentes. Si la venue de pointures majeures de l’indie-rock comme Alt-J, les Black Keys et Interpol a de quoi satisfaire les mélomanes, je me réjouis aussi de la présence de groupes comme The War On Drugs, qui présentera finalement à Montréal les chansons du sublime Lost In The Dream (mon album de 2014 !), et Viet Cong, jusqu’ici la révélation de l’année avec son album éponyme paru en janvier, un petit bijou de post-punk. Voici trois autres bands qui figurent en petits caractères sur l’affiche mais qui vaudront amplement qu’on s’y attarde…



Strand of Oaks

Le groupe Strand of Oaks est en fait le projet d’un seul homme, Timothy Showalter, qui compte quatre albums à son actif, dont l’excellent HEAL, paru l’an dernier. Avec sa voix qui évoque parfois Justin Vernon (Bon Iver, Volcano Choir), le musicien natif de l’Indiana incarne lui aussi ce vaste courant qu’on pourrait appeler « indie folk », même si l’étiquette ne suffit pas à lui rendre justice.

Puisant son inspiration autant dans le folk americana de Jason Molina (une chanson lui est d’ailleurs dédiée sur HEAL) que dans l’indie-pop orchestrale à la The National, Strand of Oaks crée une musique très émotive, troublée, et qui invoque toutes sortes de sonorités, jusqu’à ces guitares lourdes héritées du heavy metal. À découvrir…





Nothing



Même s’il a connu ses heures de gloire à la fin des années 90 et au début des années 2000, le shoegaze se porte encore très bien, comme l’illustre l’émergence de groupes comme Whirr et No Joy et le retour de bands mythiques du genre comme Slowdive et Ride. La formation américaine Nothing s’inscrit tout à fait dans cette mouvance en combinant la voix éthérée à la My Bloody Valentine et les guitares rutilantes héritées du grunge et du hardcore. Le leader du groupe, Domenic Palermo, est d’ailleurs issu de la scène punk, même si le rock de Nothing demeure plutôt planant, dans des registres mid-tempo. Le groupe se réclame aussi d’une certaine esthétique post-metal qui plaira sans doute aux amateurs de Manchester Orchestra…

<a data-cke-saved-href="http://wearenothing.bandcamp.com/track/dig" href="http://wearenothing.bandcamp.com/track/dig">Dig by nothing</a>



John Jacob Magistery

« Post indie/folk » ? C’est l’étiquette que se donne ce groupe montréalais dont la musique difficilement classable se situe quelque part entre le country-rétro à la sauce Walkmen et la pop somptueuse façon Barr Brothers et Patrick Watson. Le travail des guitares évoque en effet une certaine esthétique post-rock mais ne nous y trompons pas, nous sommes ici en terrain très accessible, dans un format chanson. Le titre “Greatest Story Ever Told” a d’ailleurs joui d’une belle visibilité sur CHOM-FM.

Après la sortie d’un EP il y a un an, John Jacob Magistery travaille actuellement sur son premier véritable album, dont la sortie est attendue cet automne. Et c’est le réputé Jace Lasek (The Besnard Lakes) qui en assure la réalisation - Camuz

Les 9 artistes qui représenteront la scène locale à Osheaga

C’est parti mon kiki. Osheaga à dévoilé le mardi 24 mars à midi l’entièreté des artistes qui seront de la méga belle programmation de la 10e édition de cet été. Les amateurs de musique locale sauront servis par les 9 talentueux artistes/groupes suivants (sur près d’une centaine). Mine de rien, dans mes prévisions, j’ai tout de même deviné la présence de 2 artistes suivant sur les 9 présents.

Il faut savoir aussi que d’autres artistes locaux peuvent s’ajouter à la programmation. Par exemple, Osheaga offre une prestation à un participant aux Francouvertes (et leur choix n’a pas encore été dévoilé). Les artistes locaux servent aussi à “boucher les trous” lorsqu’il y a un imprévu avec un artiste à la programmation.




Narcissism Unto Loneliness EP by John Jacob Magistery

Pour être bien honnête, je ne connais pas John Jacob Magistery et si CAMUZ n’en avait pas parlé, je serais passé à côté. La formation célébrait cette semaine la première année de leur opus Narcissism Unto Loneliness EP paru le 28 mars 2014. Très semblable aux ambiances à la Patrick Watson et Barr Brothers, John Jacob Magistery qualifie leur musique de Soulful / alt-rock et j’aime ça. La formation penche présentement sur un premier album complet attendu pour cet automne auquel participe le réalisateur Jace Lasek (The Besnard Lakes).

J’ai très hâte de découvrir la formation sur scène. Si Osheaga a jugé bon de leur offrir une tribune, c’est qu’on mérite d’y porter une attention toute particulière. - Alex Turcotte

Some of the most interesting names in Montreal rock music will be taking their talents to Toronto in the next couple of weeks! John Jacob Magistery, who you might recognize from their airplay on CHOM 97.7FM or stints with The Barr Brothers on CHOM’s RockRoom, and Bud Rice will be performing at Toronto’s The Dakota Tavern on Thursday, April 16.

John Jacob Magistery is a 4-piece rock band fronted by Johnny Griffin, and they’re awaiting the release of their first full-length album in the coming months. Based on their successful EP Narcissism unto Loneliness, the band has booked sets at Osheaga and Canadian Music Week, and will be joining Blue Rodeo on tour as the opening act.

As for Bud Rice, his debut album, Belfast, was just released on January 30 and it’s a really interesting and eclectic mix of R&B, country, soul and rock.

Tickets for their show at The Dakota Tavern on April 16 are 7$ at the door. - CONFRONT MAGAZINE

http://www.osheaga.com/lineup/artists/#artist/372956 - Osheaga

John Jacob Magistery won

Win 14 Days Recording at The Grouse Lodge

RecordingFestival.com is a competition that will give 3 Bands / Artists the opportunity to spend 2 Weeks Recording at the beautiful residential studios of The Grouse Lodge, Ireland in July 2015 with a team of Excellent Producers & Engineers

But that's not all…

An HD Film Crew will be at the studio to capture the winners' recording sessions. The producers will also mix your tracks in their own studios at a later date.

+ Everyone who enters will have their track listened to by one of our expert Judges - Recording Festival

Friday May 1st

Horseshoe Tavern

If you haven’t fallen in love with JJM yet, here’s your chance. But beware, once you do, you simply won’t get enough of their soulful melodies.

The Luke Austin Band-1:00AM
John Jacob Magistery– 2:00AM
CMW Showcase, Presented by: Canadian Music Week - NU MTL

The best thing about Canadian Music Week is that you get to experience and learn more about some new Canadian talent. One of the bands spotted was John Jacob Magistery who played at the great Horseshoe Tavern for a late show on Friday night. After 2 other bands performed, it was getting really late and people slowly started to venture off home. I was about to leave too, but as soon as the band started playing, I was instantly hooked. Thinking my friend and I were going to leave after one song, it turned out that we couldn’t resist staying until the very end, and it wasn’t just us. Some viewers decided to stay, getting closer and closer to the stage. Even though the venue wasn’t packed, they turned their performance into one unforgettable experience.

The Montreal-based band is lead by singer-songwriter Johnny Griffin and consists of Anthony Lombardi (drums), Mackenzie Myatt (violin/vocals), Michael Felber (bass) and Francois Jalbert (guitar). Each member’s talent added versatility and something extra to the enticing chemistry. Johnny’s strong vocals paired with Mackenzie’s violin skills were spiritually moving. But the band’s sound wouldn’t be complete without Anthony on the drums, the electrifying guitar solos by Francois and Michael’s bass expertise. - Novella

Photos - Live in Limbo

Video - Global news

Video: 18:13 - CTV News

The Montreal band John Jacob Magistery has had an exciting debut year. After forming in 2014, the group immediately began turning heads. Several CHOM radio DJs quickly backed the group as one the top new music discoveries of the year. Listeners from the station responded by voting JJM’s first single ‘Greatest Story Ever‘ into 2014’s top 30 songs.With just an EP under their belt, many media outlets dubbed them as the next break out band from the Montreal music scene. They have performed on bills with Daniel Lanois (during Canadian Music Week), the Barr Brothers, Lia Ices (during NXNE), and Blue Rodeo (at the Strangers in the Night Starlight benefit concert). Keeping up with the momentum, JJM is presently in Ireland at the Grouse Lodge Recording Studios working on their upcoming debut album ‘Phantom i’ (other notables who have recorded there include Michael Jackson, Will I Am, U2, REM, etc.).

This great opportunity came as a result of winning 1st place in the international Recording Festival competition earlier this year. With the new album finished, the band will be returning just in time for their OSHEAGA performance on July 31st. - RREVERB

The Montreal band John Jacob Magistery has had an exciting debut year. After forming in 2014, the group immediately began turning heads. Several CHOM radio DJs quickly backed the group as one the top new music discoveries of the year. Listeners from the station responded by voting JJM’s first single ‘Greatest Story Ever‘ into 2014’s top 30 songs.With just an EP under their belt, many media outlets dubbed them as the next break out band from the Montreal music scene. They have performed on bills with Daniel Lanois (during Canadian Music Week), the Barr Brothers, Lia Ices (during NXNE), and Blue Rodeo (at the Strangers in the Night Starlight benefit concert). Keeping up with the momentum, JJM is presently in Ireland at the Grouse Lodge Recording Studios working on their upcoming debut album ‘Phantom i’ (other notables who have recorded there include Michael Jackson, Will I Am, U2, REM, etc.).

This great opportunity came as a result of winning 1st place in the international Recording Festival competition earlier this year. With the new album finished, the band will be returning just in time for their OSHEAGA performance on July 31st. - RREVERB

l’honneur de lancer les hostilités, avec une prestation à 13h ce vendredi 31 juillet sur la petite Scène Verte. Pas mal pour une formation qui ne compte pour l’instant qu’un seul EP de quatre chansons à son actif, l’excellent Narcissicm Unto Loneliness, paru il y a un peu plus d’un an.

Ayant joui d’une très belle visibilité sur les ondes de CHOM-FM avec la chanson “Greatest Story Ever”, John Jacob Magistery, qui donne dans l’indie-post-folk, s’est vite bâti une réputation d’un des groupes émergents les plus prometteurs de la scène montréalaise. Le quintette vient de faire paraître un nouveau single, “Carol”, premier extrait d’un album à paraître d’ici la fin de l’année, provisoirement intitulé Phantom I, et qui laisse entendre un son davantage rock et puissant, légèrement moins folk et intimiste que ce à quoi le groupe nous avait habitués jusqu’ici.

Par ailleurs, John Jacob Magistery revient tout juste d’un séjour en Irlande, où il a enregistré les pistes qui composeront la matière première de ce premier opus, après avoir terminé ex-aequo au premier rang du Recording Festival, une compétition internationale dont l’enjeu était un séjour de deux semaines au studio Grouse Lodge. Décidément, voilà une formation qui a le vent dans les voiles! Camuz a partagé un café avec le chanteur/guitariste Johnny Griffin et le batteur Anthony Lombardi, en prévision de la prestation du groupe sur les planches d’Osheaga.

John Jacob Magistery sera un des premiers groupes à se produire lors du festival Osheaga. Qu’est-ce que ça représente pour vous de faire partie d’un tel événement?

J.G. : « C’est une sensation incroyable puisque ce sera le plus gros spectacle qu’on n’a jamais donné. Je suis d’autant plus estomaqué de faire partie de la programmation que j’ai assisté au festival à quelques reprises et je me disais toujours : "je vais y jouer un jour, nous y jouerons un jour". Mais même au début de l’année, ça me semblait si loin. Et aujourd’hui nous y sommes. Alors, c’est génial! »

A.L. : « J’ai hâte d’être sur scène, de jouer nos chansons, mais aussi, je suis aussi allé à Osheaga à quelques reprises et je me souviens du plaisir de découvrir de nouveaux groupes. Je me rappelle avoir vu Charles Bradley et les Arctic Monkeys et avoir adoré leur prestation. Alors, juste le fait d’être là et de pouvoir voir d’autres groupes le jour où nous jouerons, ça va être amusant et excitant. »

C’est assez surprenant de voir à quel point les choses sont allées vite pour vous au cours des derniers mois. Quel a été le point tournant, selon vous, et qui vous a permis d’atteindre le statut d’un des groupes les plus prometteurs de la scène indie rock montréalaise?

J.G. : « Il y en a eu plusieurs. Bien sûr, réussir à faire tourner “Greatest Story Ever” sur les ondes de CHOM-FM a été un moment important. C’est incroyable tout ce qui nous est arrivé mais en même temps, j’ai toujours senti que nous étions en mesure de le faire, si nous y mettions tout le travail nécessaire. Cela dit, nous essayons de rester concentrés sur la musique elle-même, donner un bon spectacle. Et tout ce qui se passe autour, les accolades que nous recevons, tout cela demeure un peu mystérieux pour nous. Il faut savoir trouver un équilibre et ne pas trop accorder d’attention à ce que les gens pensent et les compliments que nous recevons. »

La composition du groupe a beaucoup changé depuis l’enregistrement du EP Narcissism Unto Loneliness l’an dernier. En fait, vous êtes les seuls membres actuels qui y étaient à l’époque, et la violoniste Mackenzie Myatt, le guitariste François Jalbert et le bassiste Antoine Ferron se sont tous joints au groupe par la suite. Comment avez-vous grandi en : « C’est un peu comme n’importe quelle amitié ou relation. Les gens ont des personnalités différentes. Nous avons été chanceux parce que tout s’est bien passé. Nous nous entendons bien. Il n’y a pas de gros egos qui tentent d’écraser tout le monde, nous sommes tous des gens raisonnables! (rires) »

A.L. : « Nous ne sommes pas des gens très compliqués, j’imagine. Et c’est particulièrement plaisant aussi de pouvoir amener nos chansons à d’autres personnes dans le groupe, plutôt que ce soit toujours Johnny et moi. »

Justement, est-ce que le fait d’intégrer de nouveaux musiciens au groupe a changé votre rituel d’écriture?

J.G. : « En général, j’arrive avec une idée ou une vision de ce que la chanson doit être. J’écris les paroles et j’apporte la chanson au groupe. Parfois, je n’ai qu’une section et c’est ce qui est vraiment excitant puisque je peux arriver avec seulement une partie ou une idée et quelqu’un d’autre va jouer quelque chose qui va me faire voir la chanson d’une autre façon. Même quand nous avons enregistré “Carol”, je suis arrivé en studio avec une bonne idée de la façon dont je voulais que ça sonne, puis chacun y a mis du sien et ça s’est fait de manière naturelle. C’est la première fois que ça arrive ainsi. J’écris des chansons depuis longtemps mais tout ça est complètement nouveau pour moi. Et j’ai l’impression que le processus va continuer de se raffiner et de se perfectionner, un peu comme une bonne machine. »

Votre musique est la combinaison de toutes sortes d’éléments, du country au folk alternatif, avec des éléments de post-rock et même de rock psychédélique. Quelles sont vos racines musicales?

J.G. : « Ah man, tout ce qui est bon et sincère. Quand j’écris des chansons, je pige un peu à gauche et à droite, tout ce qui résonne en moi et je l’applique à mon propre filtre. Je pense que c’est un peu la même chose pour n’importe quel artiste. J’adore Bob Dylan, j’adore Van Morrison, j’adore The Band, j’adore Radiohead, je trouve Arcade Fire excellent. Chez les nouveaux-venus, j’adore ce que fait Father John Misty, Leif Vollebekk, Plants and Animals, les Barr Brothers. »

A.L. : « Oui, les Barr Brothers sont un de mes groupes montréalais préférés. J’adore aussi écouter The Band, Jeff Buckley ou encore Otis Redding. »

Et sur le plan des paroles, quelles sont vos influences?

J.G. : « Comme je l’ai dit, j’adore Bob Dylan et cette manière qu’il a de parler dans ses chansons, simplement, comme s’il ne faisait que dire des trucs. J’aime cette idée de processus un peu sans effort, comme si on ne faisait que déballer quelque chose. J’aime aussi écrire des paroles très directes, et les dire au bon moment. Ça me semble plus naturel? Je cherche le mot juste. En fait, parfois, vous pouvez écrire des paroles qui sont très directes et sans deuxième sens et ça sonne immature ou stupide. Or, vous pouvez aussi écrire des paroles toutes simples, mais si la mélodie est bonne et que vous dites les mots au bon endroit, c’est du génie! À l’inverse, vous pouvez tenter d’être le plus poétique possible mais si la mélodie n’est pas bonne, ça ne fonctionne pas. C’est un peu comme un artiste avec les couleurs. Il n’y a pas vraiment de règle. Mais lorsque tu écoutes le résultat, tu le sais quand c’est bon! » - Camuz

Irish eyes are smiling on John Jacob Magistery.

For a relatively new local band, a few fortuitous bounces have already gone the quintet’s way. Enough to make you think they’re charmed.

That includes an upcoming Osheaga debut, as one of the first acts to play on the first day. When we met at punk venue Turbo Haus in its new St-Henri location a few weeks prior, the quintet had something even more immediate in mind: a two-week trip to Ireland to record their first album, called Phantom I.

They won the trip thanks to their intrepid manager Joseph — cousin to lead singer Johnny Griffin - who entered them in the sort of online contest countless bands enter with no hope of winning.

“We don’t really know what to expect, no idea,” violinist Mackenzie Myatt said a few days before the flight.

“I think we have enough songs to make a nice record,” added guitarist Francois Jalbert.

Not only were they lucky enough to win the contest, but Griffin said they were in the middle of figuring out what to do regarding a first album when the offer came in. Their return from the Emerald Isle would give them days to spare before Osheaga, so they weren’t put in a position of having to choose one or the other.

Ireland and Osheaga represent the apex of an already active summer. In June, John Jacob Magistery managed to turn an aggravating scheduling snafu into an opportunity to share the stage with Blue Rodeo for a rousing rendition of that band’s set-closing staple Lost Together at a West Island charity event. At another show, a wise and mystical Daniel Lanois imparted some rock-god wisdom over beers.

“He asked us if we knew the feeling of being in the desert when the wind is acting like a force of nature,” recalled Griffin. Turned out Lanois was referring to how Myatt’s violin reminded him of his work with string players.
John Jacob Magistery’s good karma has perhaps come as a result of Griffin making the tough decision to go forward with the band in the first place. He was playing guitar for the Franklin Electric, but left just as they were hitting their stride to pursue his own project.

“Everybody was telling me to stay with them. They said I would be an idiot if I missed the opportunity, but I had to do my own stuff,” explained Griffin. “I was never supposed to be in that band; it just sort of happened. Jon (Matte) needed someone to play guitar on the record, then a few shows, but I was always going to leave.”

While in the audience at one of the Franklin Electric’s sold-out Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre shows in December, Griffin realized he made the right choice. “I was happy for them, but I was also happy that I was only there watching,” he said.

John Jacob Magistery released a four-track EP in 2014, the ponderously titled Narcissism Unto Loneliness, which was recorded in a day by Griffin and a number of collaborators. It resembles the Franklin Electric’s ornate pop-folk in parts, albeit a tad gloomier.

Now that the band lineup has been solidified following the addition of bassist Antoine Ferron this spring, John Jacob Magistery’s sound is beginning to take form. Their latest single, Carol, features a more uplifting arrangement to complement Griffin’s heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Carol is a good indicator of their direction going forward.

The quintet rehearses twice a week during the day at Honey Martin, the popular N.D.G. Irish pub where Griffin and drummer Anthony Lombardi played Wednesday nights for years under a variety of pseudonyms. It turns out Honey Martin is a Griffin family business. (His cousin Mikey is also a part-owner of Turbo Haus.)

“We’re fine-tuning the sound for Phantom I,” Griffin explained. “We’re trying to nail the proper energy for music about finding courage and fighting through fear. It’s going to have beautiful parts, because you need that on a record, but there’s an anger and frustration that you need too.”

AT A GLANCE

John Jacob Magistery performs Friday, July 31 at 1 p.m. on the Green Stage in Parc Jean-Drapeau as part of the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. For more information, visit osheaga.com. - The Montreal Gazette

Irish eyes are smiling on John Jacob Magistery.

For a relatively new local band, a few fortuitous bounces have already gone the quintet’s way. Enough to make you think they’re charmed.

That includes an upcoming Osheaga debut, as one of the first acts to play on the first day. When we met at punk venue Turbo Haus in its new St-Henri location a few weeks prior, the quintet had something even more immediate in mind: a two-week trip to Ireland to record their first album, called Phantom I.

They won the trip thanks to their intrepid manager Joseph — cousin to lead singer Johnny Griffin - who entered them in the sort of online contest countless bands enter with no hope of winning.

“We don’t really know what to expect, no idea,” violinist Mackenzie Myatt said a few days before the flight.

“I think we have enough songs to make a nice record,” added guitarist Francois Jalbert.

Not only were they lucky enough to win the contest, but Griffin said they were in the middle of figuring out what to do regarding a first album when the offer came in. Their return from the Emerald Isle would give them days to spare before Osheaga, so they weren’t put in a position of having to choose one or the other.

Ireland and Osheaga represent the apex of an already active summer. In June, John Jacob Magistery managed to turn an aggravating scheduling snafu into an opportunity to share the stage with Blue Rodeo for a rousing rendition of that band’s set-closing staple Lost Together at a West Island charity event. At another show, a wise and mystical Daniel Lanois imparted some rock-god wisdom over beers.

“He asked us if we knew the feeling of being in the desert when the wind is acting like a force of nature,” recalled Griffin. Turned out Lanois was referring to how Myatt’s violin reminded him of his work with string players.
John Jacob Magistery’s good karma has perhaps come as a result of Griffin making the tough decision to go forward with the band in the first place. He was playing guitar for the Franklin Electric, but left just as they were hitting their stride to pursue his own project.

“Everybody was telling me to stay with them. They said I would be an idiot if I missed the opportunity, but I had to do my own stuff,” explained Griffin. “I was never supposed to be in that band; it just sort of happened. Jon (Matte) needed someone to play guitar on the record, then a few shows, but I was always going to leave.”

While in the audience at one of the Franklin Electric’s sold-out Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre shows in December, Griffin realized he made the right choice. “I was happy for them, but I was also happy that I was only there watching,” he said.

John Jacob Magistery released a four-track EP in 2014, the ponderously titled Narcissism Unto Loneliness, which was recorded in a day by Griffin and a number of collaborators. It resembles the Franklin Electric’s ornate pop-folk in parts, albeit a tad gloomier.

Now that the band lineup has been solidified following the addition of bassist Antoine Ferron this spring, John Jacob Magistery’s sound is beginning to take form. Their latest single, Carol, features a more uplifting arrangement to complement Griffin’s heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Carol is a good indicator of their direction going forward.

The quintet rehearses twice a week during the day at Honey Martin, the popular N.D.G. Irish pub where Griffin and drummer Anthony Lombardi played Wednesday nights for years under a variety of pseudonyms. It turns out Honey Martin is a Griffin family business. (His cousin Mikey is also a part-owner of Turbo Haus.)

“We’re fine-tuning the sound for Phantom I,” Griffin explained. “We’re trying to nail the proper energy for music about finding courage and fighting through fear. It’s going to have beautiful parts, because you need that on a record, but there’s an anger and frustration that you need too.”

AT A GLANCE

John Jacob Magistery performs Friday, July 31 at 1 p.m. on the Green Stage in Parc Jean-Drapeau as part of the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival. For more information, visit osheaga.com. - The Montreal Gazette

Radio clip - CHOM Radio

Radio clip - CHOM Radio

https://www.facebook.com/TSN690Montreal

radio clip - TSN 690

John Jacob Magistery

Friday, July 31, 2015

1 p.m.–1:35 p.m.

Scène Verte

​Montreal group John Jacob Magistery is having a very good year.


After releasing a surprisingly strong EP called Narcissism Unto Loneliness, the band unexpectedly won an online contest and then used the resulting loot to record their first full-length record in Ireland.

Former Franklin Electric guitarist and singer Johnny Griffin uses his soulful tenor to unleash honest and revealing lyrics while his band plays like they are on a mission - CBC

John Jacob Magistery

Friday, July 31, 2015

1 p.m.–1:35 p.m.

Scène Verte

​Montreal group John Jacob Magistery is having a very good year.


After releasing a surprisingly strong EP called Narcissism Unto Loneliness, the band unexpectedly won an online contest and then used the resulting loot to record their first full-length record in Ireland.

Former Franklin Electric guitarist and singer Johnny Griffin uses his soulful tenor to unleash honest and revealing lyrics while his band plays like they are on a mission - CBC

John Jacob Magistery (1, Green Stage) With a debut album on the way, the local quintet used their Green Stage-opening slot as an opportunity to make a solid first impression. After an opening clap-along, singer Johnny Griffin hooked the audience with the lyric “dunk my head in the kitchen sink,” while the rest of the band showed an uncanny knack for supersizing Griffin’s personal songs. With the added textures, the emotive rock tunes were easily able to fill the big field. They closed the set with the upbeat new track Carol. (Erik Leijon) - The Montreal Gazette

JOHN JACOB MAGISTERY

Ce n'est jamais facile pour un artiste d'ouvrir le bal dans un festival en plein air comme Osheaga, en début d'après-midi, lorsque la plupart des spectateurs ne sont même pas encore entrés sur le site. Mais le groupe montréalais John Jacob Magistery a su relever le défi avec brio, par son folk teinté d'influences post et psych-rock. En fait, c'était beaucoup plus rock que folk, même que le violon de Mackenzie Myatt peinait à se faire entendre. Après avoir ouvert le tout avec l'excellente “(Nothing) Stole My Heart”, le groupe a présenté des extraits de son album Phantom I, à paraître d'ici la fin de l'année, avant de conclure avec “Greatest Story Ever”, devenu un tube sur CHOM-FM, et son dernier single “Carol”. Une nouvelle étape de franchie pour ce groupe en pleine ascension... - Camuz

Photos - Camuz

Photos - Camuz

Video

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid4122422623001?bckey=AQ%7E%7E%2CAAAAFh8CEnE%7E%2ChNKkEeInhBirUACnPZ4HBkCKjl7FQpy_&bctid=4392084079001 - CHOM

Video - Breakfast TV

Hey, could you tell us a bit about JJM?

We’re a post indie rock band from Montreal Canada and I’m (Johnny) super grateful you guys felt inspired enough to write a little something on us. Thank you.

Could you give our readers some background on Carol?

We recorded and mixed Carol live in a day. It was one of the only songs we didn’t record in Ireland after winning the international recording festival songwriting competition. We did it all live except for the vocals and a couple overdubs. I won’t explain the song because I feel that people’s experience and what they draw from the song themselves is much more important than anything I’d have to say.

What’s on the horizon?

We’re going to be touring and putting out some new videos in the next couple months. I’m also working on putting out some other artsy content that should be fun. You can always keep up to date with what’s going on through our website or Facebook page. Hope to see you at the shows. Thanks friends. LOVE JJM - Purple Melon

Why do we like this?
This next piece, on its own, is enough and worthy of your listen. But when you have some pretty good visuals that took a lot of time and a lot of caring to put together, you want to show them off, right?

John Jacob Magistery is self described as an alt-folk group. This song, however, is more electro-rock, and it jams.

The production features an eery intro with a panned, out-of-tune guitar that's strumming the same 3 notes within an 8 bar progression, gently on the left. There's a digital water effect happening all around that's perfectly balanced and placed, and then there's the lead vocalist who instantly captures your ears.

The rest of the number is a three minute and fourty-seven second wave of killer drums, strong harmonies and an awesome groove to carry you right along with it, for the entire ride.

The video is a masterpiece, in my eyes. I love the appearance that a video/scene has been shot in one-take. I've seen Ari Gold appear this way in this classic Entourage scene, and J.Cole walk through SoHo this way on "Simba." I'm a fan of this style, so needless to say, you should absolutely check out the video.

There's a lot more nice work featured there, such as: the sets, acting, costumes, choreo and etc, etc, etc.

Give it a look if you have a few moments, or just listen if you're stuck at work. - Indie Shuffle

Music Video Feature on their site - Testspiel.de

John Jacob Magistery have been part of the Montreal scene for about two years though so far only releasing their 2014 EP Narcissism Unto Loneliness. Folk in essence, band leader Johnny Griffin weaved stories with a band comprising guitars, violin, keys, drums, and bass. Appearing on their second show of their Montreal Jazz Fest Concert Intimes series, JJM showed up with a 5-piece set up: Griffin (lead vocals, guitar), Mackenzie Myatt (violin, keys, vocals), Francois Jalbert (guitars, keys, vocals), Anthony Lombardi (drums), and Antoine Ferron (bass, cello). All of the aforementioned EP’s songs were played and well received from the recognising crowd. ‘Key of Good’ was given a ‘remix’, though the Kanye West that Griffin jokingly said was on it never materialised.

For the band though, what they wanted to celebrate was their new album, released concurrently with their Jazz Fest shows, Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive?. The question for the audience was, how have the two years been used? It turns out that a stint in Ireland has injected quite a bit of bite into the repertoire. Indeed, some songs sounded ready for the rock arenas of the world. Most of this is due to Jalbert, who didn’t play on Narcissism. Watching him play is like watching a Rubik’s cube champion, often channeling what I thought were Dessner brother flourishes on songs such as ‘Carol’ and ‘Voices From The Other Side’. Rightly credited as a maestro by Griffin, Jalbert didn’t seem to even drop a sweat whilst playing soaring melodies or crashing rhythms.
The other star of the show was undoubtedly Myatt. One may harbour hesitation towards the violin, especially in rock settings. It’s an instrument too often used (like vocal harmonies of which there was a fair but not extreme that night) as a folk rock crutch, too easily transforming rock bands into arcadian choirs. However, JJM use the violin in the right settings. ‘Diamond In A Cave’ featured a spine-chilling moment as Myatt plucked away, like elves tiptoeing to heaven.

A Concert Intime suggests one settle into their snug sweater and shoes meant for soft carpeting, tinkles wine glasses with care, leans back in their chair. For the most part, JJM were louder than that, using silence and chaos as though ignorant of the small setting. However, a moment of tender magic was allowed when the band decided to step off the stage into the middle of the crowd and play two acoustic songs: ‘Death Of Cool’ and ‘Allow Her’. The latter, not on the debut album, had Griffin croon, yelp, and scream. Over and above the delicate lyrics, there’s the raw emotion that flows out of Griffin and it was a pleasure to hear. This band can go places. I hope they do. - Montreal Rampage

John Jacob Magistery
Le Savoy
Friday, July 1

While most of the city was moving, or celebrating Canada Day by day-drinking and listening to The Tragically Hip, hard-working local alt-folk act John Jacob Magistery launched their debut LP before a sold-out show at Le Savoy.

The Montreal Jazz Fest-presented show was the first of a pair of back-to-back record release shows for Phantom i/Are You Too Sensitive?, the band’s debut full-length LP (stream the entire record below). - Bad Feeling Magazine

Since its relatively recent inception, Montreal-based band John Jacob Magistery has certainly been enjoying a steady impulse. A debut EP, “Narcissism Unto Loneliness” was released in 2014, collecting rave reviews and prompted a grand exposure from rock radio CHOM 97.7 and an Osheaga performance last summer.

This year at the Montreal Jazz Festival, John Jacob Magistery were to show off what they are made of in the intimate rendez-vous that is the Metropolis’ Savoy, for a series of two consecutive concerts. The first night brought in a good number of devotees, half-of them sitting on the floor in order the get the best in the venue.

As the music begins, we can only acknowledge that it would be hard not to share the enthusiasm that the band generates. On stage, the delivery is vigorous, the chemistry between musicians is palpable and the music is of the soft-and-loud contrast, roaring and soaring. Lead by Johnny Griffin, a rock-star aura singer and guitarist, the spirited quintet are going for an energetic folk-pop forgoing orchestral arrangements for a straightforward style. The violin make an rare apparitions on a few titles, the rest of the time, the layered guitars are softened is softened by keys and vocal harmonies.

More than anything The band as a capacity to effortlessly hook you up and carry you along. Songs from album Phantom i/Are you too sensitive? seems to have been written to make you us sing along made to sing with authenticity. For a band that has been getting a lot of attention, it is absolutely justified and also, heartwarming. - RREVERB

En 2014, le quintette montréalais nous renversait avec son superbe simple Greatest Story Ever. On se souvient de cette voix si douce qui, baignée dans un folk indie authentique, savait comment prendre toute la place dans nos cœurs grand ouverts. Depuis, on attendait qu’une seule chose pour s’en remettre :Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive?, enfin le premier album ! - BARON Magazine

Les Montréalais de John Jacob Magistery viennent de sortir un clip très sympa pour la pièce Carol.

Video Feature - Nightlife Magazine

Montreal's John Jacob Magistery are readying their debut full-length Phantom i/Are you too sensitive? for release this summer, but before it arrives, Exclaim! is giving you an exclusive first look at the brand new video for album cut "Carol."

The track showcases the band's penchant for alt-folk that blends the beautiful with the dystopian, and the new video adds some extra drama to the song. The music opens sparse and melancholic, but once the whole band get going in full swing, the action onscreen picks up as well.

The video was directed by Emile Lavoie, while filming and production was carried out by Martine Aimait Les Films. The clip stars John Jacob Magistery's singer and songwriter Johnny Griffin alongside Nastassia Markiewicz as actors rehearsing in an empty theatre — but the drama isn't limited to just the stage.

Phantom i/Are you too sensitive? is expected to arrive on July 1, but you can watch the clip for "Carol" right now. Just hit play below. - Exclaim!

Being a photographer first, writer second it’s not often I find a performance that causes me to drop my camera and forget to shoot, then again it’s not often that I get to see Montreal’s Po Lazarus and John Jacob Magistery. In fact I’d never seen either band until they played Moncton’s Plan b where they both managed to do exactly that. Both of these indie rock bands were completely phenomenal, blowing away all in attendance with their incredible talents. By the end of the night more than a few in attendance, including myself, were left thinking they need to spend more time checking out the Montreal scene. - Canadian Beats

From Montreal, John Jacob Magistery has just recently released a new 12 track album, titled Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive? and it’s awesome. They’re an alternative folk band that has been gaining a lot of momentum since their first single, “Greatest Story Ever” came out. They’ve shared bills with names like The Barr Brothers, Blue Rodeo, Lia Ices, Daniel Lanois, and The Struts. We had the chance to listen to their latest album, and this is what we think.

The first track on the record is “Captain Of The Sea.” My first reaction to this track is that the vocals remind me slightly of a tame, slowed down mix between Mumford and Sons and Death Cab for Cutie, which is awesome. The track builds momentum, starting out low and gentle, and slowly building a stronger presence. At the end, everything drops low and the vocals are isolated, before the music explodes into one last instrumental spotlight. The track is intense and emotional and just stunning.

The next track is called “Carol”. This track is a completely different feeling than the last one. It picks up the tempo, has a somewhat careless feel to it. The feel of the vocals are even a complete 180. This track is fun and carefree and exciting as they sing that “there’s one uncrossable line,” and this unique groove will make you want to dance.

The next song picks up the pace even more. The song is called “Let The Joy Thru,” and it starts out with a catchy guitar line. This track has a frantic feel, as they tell you “you got to let the joy through.” Drums and guitar are the driving force behind this track and there’s a very interesting shimmering interlude in the middle of the song, which certainly makes it unique.

The 4th song on the record is “Trans.” This is a short piece, only a minute and 44 seconds long, and is completely instrumental. Different layers of tones come together, combined with some electronic ones – some bouncing and some almost whistling. It’s seamless, like one giant sustained sound, and before you know it, it fades off into nothing.

“Barking At The Dogs” is the next track. This piece slows things down again. This slow jam has about a full minute of just instrumentals before the vocals even start. The vocals in this piece seem almost muted, and a steady beat keeps things moving. The guitar jam comes in when they sing, “you brought this on yourself.” This track feels raw and exposed and electric.

The 6th track on Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive? is “Mary”. This song is soft and gentle and asks “Mary will you go with me?” and “Mary will you marry me?” This track is emotional and beautiful and full of love. It feels like an old love song, as a man lays out his heart for a woman.

“Tension (Key #2)” is next up. This one has a doo-wop beat with light and feathery lyrics. The song starts off soft at first, and suddenly builds momentum at the chorus. This mid tempo track feels minimalist in a way, compared to the others. This song swells and recedes, like an emotion building up before exploding and settling again.

The 8th track on this album is “Voices From The Other Side”. This has a gentle and soft beginning, as they talk about the voices from the other side, and then the sound explodes into a powerful force. Every aspect of the song becomes powerful – from the instrumentals to the vocals. This is one of my favorites on the track. It’s authentic and just stunning.

“Kings” is next up. This one has relaxed instrumentals, with a an intensity behind the vocals that is unmistakable. The chorus has some awesome vocals to it, that’s different than the rest of the album. This is a unique track, that will have you singing “When all the kings die,” over and over again.

The next track on the album is shares one half of the album name: “PHANTOM i.” Once again, the band shows us another side of their music. The vocals are soft and almost whispery and timid at first, before crescendoing and becoming fully present. This track picks up the tempo and is a face paced groove that feels a tad bit panicky. This track is catchy and well deserving of half the album name.

The 11th track is “Bite The Bullet”. This is a sweet melody accompanied by the strum of the guitar. The innocent and simplistic tune contrasts the lyrics such as, “bite the bullet it’s alright, it’s supposed to feel like fire.” Drums join in, giving the piece a stronger structure. This is another one of my favorites on the album.

Last but certainly not least, is the tract that shares the other half of the album title, “Are You Too Sensitive?” It starts right off the bat, with the lyrics “try not to feel so much.” This track is constantly changing up the rhythms, keeping the listener on their toes. The guitar is the spotlight of this track, with an awesome guitar riff in the middle of the song. This track comes in waves of intensity, and is definitely a memorable piece. The end speeds up, faster and faster, into chaos, until it all unravels and suddenly ends. - Impose Magazine

C’est sur le toit de l’Auberge Le Jardin d’Antoine, rue Saint-Denis à Montréal, que l’équipe de la Fabrique culturelle a eu le privilège de retrouver deux membres du groupe John Jacob Magistery pour une prestation musicale intimiste.

Johnny Griffin, (chant et guitare) et François Jalbert (guitare) interprètent la pièce Be Your God. Ils nous invitent à partager leur univers poétique et on accepte avec bonheur de voyager quelques minutes en leur compagnie. Johnny Griffin séduit par la chaleur de sa voix et parvient à créer une atmosphère romantique dans un lieu aussi inusité qu’un toit d’immeuble du centre-ville. Difficile de ne pas penser à la voix du chanteur défunt Jeff Buckley à l’écoute de Be Your God, une pièce qui n’a pas encore été enregistrée.

John Jacob Magistery est un groupe de post-indie folk montréalais. Le groupe a connu des sommets dès le lancement de son premier EP et sont depuis passés par plusieurs festivals importants tels que Osheaga, Montréal en Lumière, Festival de Jazz de Montréal, M pour Montréal, NXNE (Toronto), et CMW (Toronto).

Le groupe est l’une des têtes d’affiche du Festival OUMF 2016 qui se déroule du 7 au 10 septembre dans le Quartier Latin à Montréal. Ils se produiront sur la scène La Vitrine, samedi à 21 h 30.

http://oumf.ca/2016/programmation/ - La Fabrique Culturelle TV

It’s time to take another look at an artist who both released an album this year and happens to be playing at next weekend’s Ottawa CityFolk! Montreal’s John Jacob Magistery was somewhat of an unknown quantity until this July. After garnering some attention for an EP release in 2014, many patiently awaited the first full-length effort from a promising young band. After two years of hard work, the band released Phantom I / Are You Too Sensitive?, and in doing so have made a definitive statement to the music world.
The album starts slow and dramatic, with a soulful, brooding indie folk tune in “Captain of the Sea”, but this overture only hints at the raw power that defines Phantom I / Are You Too Sensitive?. “Carol” launches the listener into a driving indie rock sound characterized by frantic vocals, echoing textures, and distorted guitar. Indie rock makes up the majority of the album, but John Jacob Magistery made sure that they would return to a quieter folk vibe to give the listener a bit of a breather.
Phantom I / Are You Too Sensitive? is not an album that feels like a debut. This record is meticulously crafted, beautifully produced, and shows a maturity of songwriting that is not often found on a musician’s first offering. However, if there is one criticism I have of the album it’s that the overall style is not the completely original. Particularly in the vocal department, John Jacob Magistery sounds strikingly similar to a crossover between Arcade Fire and Hey Rosetta!. If someone played a song like “Let the Joy Thru” and told me it was a new Arcade Fire single, it would strike me as a new direction from a familiar band. Regardless, Phantom I / Are You Too Sensitive? is well worth listening to, particularly if you are an Arcade Fire fan.

The emotionally-driven energy of John Jacob Magistery leads me to believe that they will put on one hell of a show, but I won’t know for sure until their performance at Ottawa CityFolk. They’ll be playing on Friday, September 16, on the Ravenlaw Stage at 6:30. I know I’ll be there to see a little more of who John Jacob Magistery is. You can find all the CityFolk lineup and ticket info here. - The Indie Blender

From Montreal, John Jacob Magistery has just recently released a new 12 track album, titled Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive? and it’s awesome. They’re an alternative folk band that has been gaining a lot of momentum since their first single, “Greatest Story Ever” came out. They’ve shared bills with names like The Barr Brothers, Blue Rodeo, Lia Ices, Daniel Lanois, and The Struts. We had the chance to listen to their latest album, and this is what we think.

The first track on the record is “Captain Of The Sea.” My first reaction to this track is that the vocals remind me slightly of a tame, slowed down mix between Mumford and Sons and Death Cab for Cutie, which is awesome. The track builds momentum, starting out low and gentle, and slowly building a stronger presence. At the end, everything drops low and the vocals are isolated, before the music explodes into one last instrumental spotlight. The track is intense and emotional and just stunning.

The next track is called “Carol”. This track is a completely different feeling than the last one. It picks up the tempo, has a somewhat careless feel to it. The feel of the vocals are even a complete 180. This track is fun and carefree and exciting as they sing that “there’s one uncrossable line,” and this unique groove will make you want to dance.

The next song picks up the pace even more. The song is called “Let The Joy Thru,” and it starts out with a catchy guitar line. This track has a frantic feel, as they tell you “you got to let the joy through.” Drums and guitar are the driving force behind this track and there’s a very interesting shimmering interlude in the middle of the song, which certainly makes it unique.

The 4th song on the record is “Trans.” This is a short piece, only a minute and 44 seconds long, and is completely instrumental. Different layers of tones come together, combined with some electronic ones – some bouncing and some almost whistling. It’s seamless, like one giant sustained sound, and before you know it, it fades off into nothing.

“Barking At The Dogs” is the next track. This piece slows things down again. This slow jam has about a full minute of just instrumentals before the vocals even start. The vocals in this piece seem almost muted, and a steady beat keeps things moving. The guitar jam comes in when they sing, “you brought this on yourself.” This track feels raw and exposed and electric.

The 6th track on Phantom i / Are You Too Sensitive? is “Mary”. This song is soft and gentle and asks “Mary will you go with me?” and “Mary will you marry me?” This track is emotional and beautiful and full of love. It feels like an old love song, as a man lays out his heart for a woman.

More Independent Music
HISTRIONIC - MARIA MINERVA
“Tension (Key #2)” is next up. This one has a doo-wop beat with light and feathery lyrics. The song starts off soft at first, and suddenly builds momentum at the chorus. This mid tempo track feels minimalist in a way, compared to the others. This song swells and recedes, like an emotion building up before exploding and settling again.

The 8th track on this album is “Voices From The Other Side”. This has a gentle and soft beginning, as they talk about the voices from the other side, and then the sound explodes into a powerful force. Every aspect of the song becomes powerful – from the instrumentals to the vocals. This is one of my favorites on the track. It’s authentic and just stunning.

“Kings” is next up. This one has relaxed instrumentals, with a an intensity behind the vocals that is unmistakable. The chorus has some awesome vocals to it, that’s different than the rest of the album. This is a unique track, that will have you singing “When all the kings die,” over and over again.

The next track on the album is shares one half of the album name: “PHANTOM i.” Once again, the band shows us another side of their music. The vocals are soft and almost whispery and timid at first, before crescendoing and becoming fully present. This track picks up the tempo and is a face paced groove that feels a tad bit panicky. This track is catchy and well deserving of half the album name.

The 11th track is “Bite The Bullet”. This is a sweet melody accompanied by the strum of the guitar. The innocent and simplistic tune contrasts the lyrics such as, “bite the bullet it’s alright, it’s supposed to feel like fire.” Drums join in, giving the piece a stronger structure. This is another one of my favorites on the album.

Last but certainly not least, is the tract that shares the other half of the album title, “Are You Too Sensitive?” It starts right off the bat, with the lyrics “try not to feel so much.” This track is constantly changing up the rhythms, keeping the listener on their toes. The guitar is the spotlight of this track, with an awesome guitar riff in the middle of the song. This track comes in waves of intensity, and is definitely a memorable piece. The end speeds up, faster and faster, into chaos, until it all unravels and suddenly ends. - IMPOSE MAGAZINE

Must See M for MTL Canadian Acts

John Jacob Magistery – Montreal band – Alternative indie @johnjacobmagistery

Driven by the lead singer’s obsessive personality, the post-indie group experiments with beautiful/dystopian sounds and emotionally charged lyrics. Their live performances, which range from an acoustic solo to a full six-piece band, showcase the group’s strong vocals with an intent well-crafted sound/message

Friday, November 17th 10 pm-1 am @ Le Ministère - Best Kept MTL

Montreal’s John Jacob Magistery comes through with a title track equal parts heavy and sexy for his recently released HARMONEY EP. Nocturnal verses light the fuse for the fiery stoner, psych-rock riffs in the latter half, as singer Johnny Griffin coos “I give you purpose/I am love/I am free/buy into harmoney” with undeniable swagger. Just like the title, a fine balance of subdued ambience and controlled chaos work in harmony to make for a provocative, bold new sound for Griffin and co.

Also from the EP, “You Snooze You Lose” offers up a similarly dark psych-rock flavour, complete with overdriven bass, ethereal dulcimer and a woozy piano hammering away during the chorus. - Ride The Tempo

John Jacob Magistery first came to our attention in 2016 when they impressed us during a late-night set at The Rainbow. Their engaging lyrics and bursts of spontaneous energy on stage made them an obvious recommendation as a band to catch later that year at CityFolk Festival. The Montreal natives recently completed an EP, Harmoney, prompting a return visit to Ottawa to celebrate its release. Despite the inclement weather with the first snowfall of the season, fans arrived to Cafe Dekcuf eager to enjoy the evening. The band started the show by playing their favourites from previous albums before winding down the night with three new songs – “You Snooze You Lose”, “HARMONEY”, and “Song For A Psychopath”. With prompting from those in attendance, Johnny Griffin obliged their request for an encore, performing a song solo to draw the evening to an end.

The band is currently on tour in Ontario and Quebec (with a wildcard date in LA) for the remainder of November and early December. Give yourself an early holiday gift and go!

The band was supported by Cold Capital and Mad Ones. - The Revue

We also have the best show in Montreal

...And did you know that the John Jacob Magistery Band will be performing at halftime on Thursday? They’ve played at Osheaga, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Folk Fest sur le canal and on Thursday, they’ll be with us for an electrifying performance! - Montreal Allouettes

SXSW 2018 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Father John Misty, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire



Classic pop croons and percussive indie rock intermingle on John Jacob Magistery’s 2017 EP HARMONEY, a dense three-song collection covering a hell of a range. Psychedelic jams, bouncy pop, quiet folk - Magistery’s band beams with mature precision. Even so, Magistery emboldens his music with a loose grip, lushly exploratory in each form without losing the core of the Canadian artist’s songwriting. Magistery has a voice that’s able to keep up with the instrumental dynamics, rich in tone and often vibrating on notes with passion and attention. 2016 full-length debut PHANTOM i / Are You Too Sensitive? derives influence from new wave pop and moody alt rock, showcasing even more sides to this multi-dimensional unit. John Jacob Magistery showcases at SXSW Tuesday night at Bungalow, a set following inventive folk/pop artist Lisa LeBlanc. - Operation Every Band

It’s true that Arcade Fire fans are the immediate target group of John Jacob Magistery’s music – just try his 2016 indie hit “Carol“. But this 3-track EP show there’s more sides to this talented singer-songwriter, hopefully coming back this year with a proper full-length. - Beehype

Montreal-based songwriter John Jacob Magistery, has had that rarest of things when launching as a new act – Momentum, from the very first single. After “Greatest Story Ever” started turning heads, the track was voted in the top 30 songs by CHOM-FM radio listeners and several DJs from the station selected them as the top musical discovery of the year. The music video has generated over 90,000 views on Youtube.

The live hype soon followed, with a host of big names including them on the bill, notably a performance at this year’s SXSW. After a lot of work and their talent being recognized through an international recording contest. Their album Phantom i/ Are You Too Sensitive received significant support in their native Canada, resulting in two sold-out shows at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Since working between Montreal and Los Angeles, and have released their new EP Harmoney. The release is an eery, emotive piece of indie-folk-soul that’s reminiscent of Father John Misty with an electronic edge. Lyrically it manages the juxtaposition of being haunting, emotive and engaging together in perfect harmony. It’s an intriguing mix of organic and electronic sounds, with a live, loose and imperfect performance. Our recommendation is the anthemic final track “Song for a Psychopath”. - IMPOSE MAGAZINE

2000+ artists – holy hell! Apart from Aussie faves Gang of Youths and Castlecomer, I’ve been
pouring through Spotify playlists and the SxSW website and have these artists on my ‘Need
To See Live’ List:
DYGL (Japan)
Catholic Action (Scotland)
Jerry Williams (UK)
John Jacob Magistery (Canada)
Emily Wolfe (USA)
Tiny Ruins (New Zealand) - Forté

John Jacob Magistery’s presented a sound that drew from anthemic rock, but was careful to not overdo bigness in lieu of highlighting the emotional core in his songwriting. This did feel like a songwriter’s set, using music and mood to convey a lyrical presentation. That said, Magistery’s newer tracks were moodier and looser than songs from his debut, which also took up good space during his set. While dense at times, Magistery’s set all brought a sense of delicacy, nicely assisted by a violinist intoning orchestral beauty. The heavier moments resonated the most (“Harmoney” stood out), pulling from 90s alt rock but with a psychedelic ambience that makes sense today. (Words/photos: Kevin McStravick) - Operation Every Band

Montreal’s John Jacob Magistery is hard to put into one category as they regularly experiment with multiple genres from rock, soul, hip-hop, folk and alternative styles of music. This mix of music, while it might seem eclectic, actually leads to an interesting musical experience not like many other bands currently touring.

JJM has been heralded for their energetic and charming live shows driven by the large personality of their lead singer. While interesting sonically and as performers JJM also address political issues and the political subtext of North America through their music leaving a thought provoking impression on the listener.

John Jacob Magistery will be playing Saturday, August 4 at 1:30 pm-2:05 pm on Scène Verte Banque Nationale. - CFMU Radio

John Jacob Magistery – Samedi 4 août 13h30 – Scène Verte Banque Nationale
Assister à un spectacle de John Jacob Magistery, c’est définitivement se perdre dans un rêve lointain, en espérant revenir un jour à Osheaga… Sous ce patronyme de vin australien un peu cheap se découvre pourtant une folk-pop délicieuse. À l’image de leur premier disque Phantom i/ Are You Too Sensitive?, les sonorités autant expérimentales qu’émotives du trio montréalais vont sans doute développer chez le public une nouvelle sensibilité artistique. (V.P.) - Sors-tu?

John Jacob Magistery

After their performance at M for Montreal, and their more recent tour through the US, we will be looking forward to seeing the Montreal-based post-indie band and its charismatic lead singer perform with their usual emotional energy and vocals, laid on sounds of folk, soul, and hip-hop. - Canadian Beats

John Jacob Magistery + photos - IX Daily

There’s no way I was going to miss the chance at a little hometown bias in the list, Montreal’s own John Jacob Magistery are on early Saturday. It’s well deserved that the local art/folk rock ensemble is getting a spot on a big stage so I feel it’s only right to show a little support.

If you’re unfamiliar with them here’s their bandcamp page plus their video for Carol, a track I could listen to all day every day. - Forget the Box

Osheaga is right around the corner and John Jacob Magistery is one of the local bands you should really be on the lookout for this weekend. If you’ve never had the privilege of seeing Johnny Griffin and company take to the stage for a live performance do yourself a favor and make your way over to the “Green Stage” at 1:30 pm on Saturday.

Johnny talks a little about his family, what’s in his briefcase and the intrinsic value of being an individual. All this and more. Enjoy the show! - 9 to 5

Le band de musique alternative / indie John Jacob Magistery est, lui aussi, plutôt jeune au sein de la scène musicale anglo-montréalaise. Avec quelques EP et un album officiel (2016) à leur actif, ils ont su tailler leur place et on les a même déjà vus à Osheaga en 2015. Ils ont développé beaucoup de nouveau matériel depuis, on a donc très hâte de les voir performer cet été. - Ton Barbier

Montreal's John Jacob Magistery have returned with a brand new video for "Harmoney."

The track comes from the group's three-song EP of the same name, and the video was directed by lead singer/songwriter Johnny Griffin.

The video is a suspenseful one, showcasing bright lights, cars driving through the city at night and shirtless chase scenes. There's a disjointed, dream-like feel to it, matching the song's psych-leaning sound.

Watch the video for "Harmoney" below.

John Jacob Magistery will be embarking on a string of tour dates at the end of the month. See the upcoming shows below, as well.

Tour dates:

08/30 Kamouraska, QC - TBA
08/31 Halifax, NS - HUFF Festival
09/01 Moncton, NB - Tide & Boar
09/02 Saint John, NB - TBA
09/03 Charlottetown, PE - Babas Lounge -
09/07 Sherbrooke, QC - La Petite Boîte Noire
09/15 St. Adolphe D'Howard, QC - L'Ange Vagabond
09/20 La Malbaie, QC - L'Auberge de Jeunesse
09/21 Les Escoumins, QC - Kiboikoi Café
09/22 Tadoussac, QC - L'Auberge de Jeunesse
09/26 Hamilton, ON - Mill's Hardware
09/27 Toronto, ON - TBA
09/28 Ottawa, ON - TBA
09/29 Montréal, QC - Pop Montreal *
10/06 Huntingdon, QC - Grove Hall
10/19 Canning, NS - Sea Esta - Exclaim! Magazine