The Dunlop Brothers, Vol.1 – Album Release
…with special guest Tomi Swick.
Saturday September 22
Infused with a healthy dose of the Steeltown grit that epitomizes the honest, hard-nosed, unpretentious music of the city of Hamilton, the music created by The Dunlop Brothers contains that same spirit of independence, quiet strength and raw authenticity as their hometown.
There is true artistry in their compositions, as both Justin and Matt Dunlop have been well schooled in a host of musical styles, and are unafraid of bending genres and creating a concoction of melodies, harmonies and rhythms that are compelling and highly memorable.
The result is a melding of jazz, blues and roots music, combined with the edgy Hamilton rock sensibility that has defined many of the artists who have come out of Canada’s steel city.
“It’s been a long time coming and this project and the album that we’re working on is really important to us. All the things that we have done, all the hard work, the sacrifices and challenges that we have overcome have led us to this point and I think this attitude is reflected in our music,” said guitarist/vocalist Matt Dunlop.
“We have paid a lot of dues and now we are ready to really push the boundaries of where we are as musicians and songwriters and to take our music to the next level. We’re serious about our songs, how we interact with our audiences and continuing to work at our craft,” added vocalist/bassist/guitarist Justin.
Their father, a working musician in his younger days, instilled in the boys an appreciation for great Canadian songwriters such as Neil Young, Rush and Bruce Cockburn. Now, as musicians and songwriters in their own right, they have developed an affinity for such artists from Leif Vollebekk to Big Wreck and Sam Roberts Band – artists and bands who were able to create very unique songs, stuck to their artistic guns and yet cultivated a wide and loyal fan base.
Which is exactly what The Dunlop Brothers have strived to do since joining creative forces.
Recently completed compositions such as Old Dive Bar, Carved in My Mind and All the Other Things are indicative of the music the Dunlops will be releasing on their debut album – The Dunlop Brothers, Vol.1. They are rootsy, powerfully emotive songs through which listeners can identify their own challenges, hopes and ambitions as they mirror the journey of the brothers through their early days in the music business, to the point where today they are on the threshold of something quite wonderful. The songs are honest, sincere, and well-crafted musically, as Justin and Matt not only show off their prowess as writers, but also as vocalists and instrumentalists.
Since pooling their artistic resources and embarking on this exciting musical venture, The Dunlop Brothers have created a reputation as a live act worthy of attention for the dynamism of their performances, the quality of their musicianship and the ability to draw in audiences with their authenticity.
Their inimitable ability as storytellers, and their easy-going charm makes them a must-see attraction on any stage.
“We put on shows that have a lot of different tones and elements to them. At times it can be like a rock show, but with the versatility and unpredictability of a jazz show. We love to be able really draw people into the performances and feed off of one another’s energy and emotion as the show goes along,” said Justin.
The Dunlop Brothers, Vol.1 was recorded at Hamilton’s well-respected Catherine North Studios, which has played host to the likes of local Hamilton legends Junkhouse, as well as Big Sugar, City & Colour, Broken Social Scene, The Glorious Sons, Big Wreck and more.
With extensive live playing experience, both as a duo and separately over their careers, and with an ever-growing catalogue of original music, Matt and Justin Dunlop are in a position to reach new plateaus and achieve many more ambitious goals as their musical journey continues.
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