Artist info:
Also known as
Verified yes
GenreIndie, Rock, Alternative
Rank3,570 (−1,108)
Albums6
Songs52
About In 1997, John K. Samson was playing bass in Canadian hardcore staples, Propaghandi. John decided he wanted to pursue a different route, thus began, The Weakerthans. The band -- Stephen Carroll (guitar, backing vocals), Jason Tait (drums and saw), and John Sutton (bass, backing vocals) -- were all part of the Winnipeg punk community and already knew one another. "We began playing with no expectations. We try to keep that attitude and enjoy ourselves," says John, now lead vocalist and guitarist. The Weakerthans have been called everything from "prairie soul" to "a collection of punk bandits". While these descriptions work for their warm, stripped-down sound, it overlooks the music's most gleaming quality: honesty.
Humility, refinement and dignity aren't words usually employed when describing the commercial success of a band. Yet, on these strengths, The Weakerthans first full-length, Fallow spent 10 weeks anchored on the CMJ charts, landed them Album of the Year from Perimeter Magazine, and was named one of the 10 best albums of 1998 by CBC National Radio. After taking part in the highly successful Take Action tour and a stunning performance at SXSW 2000, the accolades and acceptance from the media has rolled in. The Weakerthans true victory is something much less ephemeral; they are creating a very real, widespread grassroots fanbase garnered largely by word of mouth.
The Weakerthans sophomore effort, Left and Leaving, truly displays the band's maturity. Musically, it's more distinct than its predecessor; you can hear they made the record they wanted to make. "It was difficult," says John, "because I think it's not the record people are expecting. But I have no interest in confining our work." The result is a rare and precious album, one full of heart-secure playing and earnest lyricism that twines together country, punk and folk. "Watermark" from this record, has also been released in cdep format and contains the video for that track as well as two previously unreleased live tracks.
A portion of the proceeds from Left and Leaving and the Watermark cdep go to Art City, a non-profit art center in Winnipeg. John, who co-founded a publishing collective, feels that Art City is a working example of "the revolutionary potential of art in action." Art City provides free art programming to all ages, that fosters young artist with self-expression, self-respect, and pride in their work and their community.
Now with their third album out, Reconstruction Site, the band has hit new heights. With songs like Plea From a Cat Named Virtue which was written from the point of view of a feline to a song about their home town of Winnipeg and how much they hate it (they don't really though). This band shows they have no limits in the area of talent and will continue to strive for excellence in Canadian music industry.
Humility, refinement and dignity aren't words usually employed when describing the commercial success of a band. Yet, on these strengths, The Weakerthans first full-length, Fallow spent 10 weeks anchored on the CMJ charts, landed them Album of the Year from Perimeter Magazine, and was named one of the 10 best albums of 1998 by CBC National Radio. After taking part in the highly successful Take Action tour and a stunning performance at SXSW 2000, the accolades and acceptance from the media has rolled in. The Weakerthans true victory is something much less ephemeral; they are creating a very real, widespread grassroots fanbase garnered largely by word of mouth.
The Weakerthans sophomore effort, Left and Leaving, truly displays the band's maturity. Musically, it's more distinct than its predecessor; you can hear they made the record they wanted to make. "It was difficult," says John, "because I think it's not the record people are expecting. But I have no interest in confining our work." The result is a rare and precious album, one full of heart-secure playing and earnest lyricism that twines together country, punk and folk. "Watermark" from this record, has also been released in cdep format and contains the video for that track as well as two previously unreleased live tracks.
A portion of the proceeds from Left and Leaving and the Watermark cdep go to Art City, a non-profit art center in Winnipeg. John, who co-founded a publishing collective, feels that Art City is a working example of "the revolutionary potential of art in action." Art City provides free art programming to all ages, that fosters young artist with self-expression, self-respect, and pride in their work and their community.
Now with their third album out, Reconstruction Site, the band has hit new heights. With songs like Plea From a Cat Named Virtue which was written from the point of view of a feline to a song about their home town of Winnipeg and how much they hate it (they don't really though). This band shows they have no limits in the area of talent and will continue to strive for excellence in Canadian music industry.
Most Popular Songs (More)
Most Popular Albums (More)
Artists you may also like
Pictures (0)
no pictures
Fans (2)
