Chris Smith's Short CV · 19.11.09
After a brief academic hiatus from the national music scene, guitarist, songwriter, producer Chris Smith, returns to touring and making albums with acts Le Fuzz, Andrea House, John Henry, Terry Morrison and The Almost Leather Band. From the end of the second wave ‘80’s punk/hardcore scene in Edmonton, to touring nationally and internationally with Jr. Gone Wild, Uische Breathe, The Painting Daisies, Luann Kowalek, and The Piemyn, Chris’ career is one of exploration, both musical and geographical with a discography spanning twenty years and including over thirty albums. Chris also tours as a solo songwriter and with his own band—The Almost Leather Band and has made multiple appearances at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Mariposa, The Regina Folk Festival, The Ottawa Folk Festival, Canadian Music Week, COCA, SXSW, Seattle’s Bumpershoot Festival, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Andrea's Biography · 19.11.09
Andrea House is a singer with a penchant for melody whose writing floats beautifully between the hits of Patsy Cline and Billie Holiday, Willie Nelson and Irving Berlin, Allison Krauss and Norah Jones. Whether the influence is obvious or ambiguous, the focus is clear: this is a impassioned voice reminiscent of the great singers of the 1940’s and 1950’s telling stories of depth and meaning. Her songwriting is a dedication to compositions of the past, full of melody and thoughtful lyricism.
Encouraged by community support and the success her 2001 EP “Twilight”, Andrea went to work on her first full-length album in 2003, subsequently releasing “Heart’s Hotel” in January 2004. Andrea’s new album “The Same Inside” (2008) is gathering momentum to be a full on indie hit.
Andrea tours each year to an ever-widening circle of fans around North America. With the help of American agent Annie Rock (NYC), and the global reach of Internet music distribution, Andrea’s music travels farther with each new album.
Andrea’s earliest musical memories are of church hymns and Old Time country music. Her musical education began in a small white church in Arrowwood, Alberta, continued at home with her parents record collection: the songs of Tom T. Hall, Don Williams, and Dolly Parton, and reinforced by her father, an avid music fan, learning anything and everything on the guitar.
Spending her early twenties acting in musicals, dramas, and comedic theatre productions, Andrea’s nominations for three Elisabeth Sterling Haynes Awards, resulted in a 1999 win for Best Actress for her lead role in “Babes in Arms”.
Garnering critical acclaim and fans from around the world, Andrea’s evocative voice and well crafted songs are slowly propelling her into Canada’s music industry spotlight.