NEWS
2.20.2012: Tour Promo Shots Are In
Paint's fourth collaboration with Jason Guitard, a bit of an ode to Anton Corbijn, is up on Flickr, and in the Paint Gallery. Enjoy!
2.19.2012: Rare Rehearsal Video and Photos for Tuesday's Show
Tuesday's show at the Supermarket in Toronto will be a unique event, not only with Paint as the musical guests for the Geoff Hendry & Associates comedy show, but the band will perform a semi-acoustic set, upright bass and all.
Watch a very rare and intimate rehearsal video (above) of Paint working on "End of the Reel" in an acoustic format. Some photos are up as well.
More details on the show are on the Tour page. RSVP on Facebook HERE.
2.15.2012: New Blogs Posted
We've had some requests for more blog postings. Thank you! Here's one on blogging and another on The Grannys, courtesy of Robb. Be careful what you wish for...
2.12.2012: On the Road Again
We are proud to announce Paint will be back on the road again this spring, beginning with a showcase for Canadian Music Week 2012 on March 21 at the Painted Lady in Toronto.
From there it's onto:
3.28: Waterloo ON @ Maxwell's
3.29: Strathroy ON @ Duke of Earl
3.30: Windsor ON @ Milk
3.31: London ON @ Black Shire
4.2: Peterbrough ON @ The Spill
4.3: Montreal QC @ L'Escogriffe
4.4: Quebec City PQ @ L'Agitee
4.5: Ottawa ON @ Zaphod Beeblebrox
4.6: Kingston ON @ The Merchant
4.7: Toronto ON @ The Silver Dollar
Waterloo through London will be co-headlining with the lovely Katlina Cowan. Details are on the Tour page.
More dates are being added, and you'll hear all about them right here. Looking forward to seeing you all once again!
1.23.2012: "Girl in a Frame" music video
A while ago this video was shot and we are pleased to unveil it to you and add some cheer to this gloomy winter.
Remember you can pick up the single, and other songs on iTunes. Also, download the video for 3G phones free at the Paint Store.
1.4.2012: Album Review from Kingston
A kind review of Where We Are Today from Matt Martwick at Kingston Music Reviews: "Never striving to settle on anything less than to captivate your attention... Robb's vocals reign supreme throughout." More at the Press page.
12.26.2011: David Bowie Tribute Show Jan. 8
As a band committed to original music, it's always a rare and fun treat when Paint plays a show in honour of one of their favourite artists. Back in July there was the Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana show (which you can watch HERE), and on January 8, 2012, the band will be part of a David Bowie 65th birthday tribute show at the Garrison in Toronto. RSVP on Facebook here.
12.20.2011: 12 Questions With Robb Johannes / Holiday Food Drive
Thanks to the kind folks at 12 Questions for asking Robb about music, virtue, dogs, and headstones. Read the full interview HERE.
Also, Robb will be performing a rare solo set along with several other Toronto frontpeople for a special Food Drive at Rancho Relaxo this Thursday, Dec. 22. RSVP on Facebook here.
11.29.2011: A Small Victory
We are happy to report that on Monday, Robb Johannes of Paint and Tim Broughton of C'est What? had the City of Toronto's anti-postering charges dropped! Read this blog to get all the details.
While we do celebrate the small victory of a single case, wider struggles around the legality of postering, in spite of Supreme Court decisions that have affirmed the value of postering as a fundamental right, do require proactive involvement of artists and promoters in Toronto.
The show on Dec. 8 will thus be a victory celebration!
11.21.2011: Congratulations Michael Chambers!
A well-deserved "Engineer of the Year" award for Michael Chambers (pictured above on the right) at the 2011 Hamiton Music Awards. We had the great pleasure of working with Michael on Where We Are Today at Catherine North Studios earlier this year. The proof is int he records, congratulations Michael!
11.15.2011: Anti-postering show December 8
As you may recall, back in February 2011, Paint played a month-long residency at C'est What? in Toronto. Months later, the City of Toronto under Rob Ford's "anti-graffiti" crusade, fined C'est What? for posters promoting Paint's shows.
Robb Johannes of Paint and C'est What?'s management are contesting the charges with the city and will be in court on November 28 at 1:00 p.m.
On December 8, Paint will be returning to C'est What? with the always lovely Mittenz and Darren Eedens for an anti-postering awareness show. Depending on the outcome of the November 28 hearing, this show will either act as a victory celebration or a fine fundraiser. Stay tuned to see which!
Details on the show are on the Tour page.
RSVP and spread the word through Facebook HERE, and we really looking forward to seeing you out to support something that does affect all of us!
Read a backrounder on the case in the NOW Magazine, as well as the blog by Robb Johannes that started it all.
10.10.2011: Video Album Project
Surely Paint has developed a reputation over the past two years of being road warriors, and we look forward to resuming active touring and live performance in 2012. In the meantime there will be a few live shows that we'll inform you of, and we will be embarking on an ambitious Video Album Project: every song on Where We Are Today will be made into a music video and presented on Paint's Official YouTube Channel one by one in the coming months. We will be collaborating with several independent filmmakers along the way, and if you are reading this and happen to be one (or know of one), get in touch and we can discuss further!
10.6.2011: Indie Week and Canadian Music Week, more press, etc.
Thanks to all the old friends, new friends, and beautiful strangers who lent us their ears, hearts, and sometimes homes from Windsor, Ontario to Windsor, Nova Scotia. The pleasure was entirely ours and we look forward to seeing you all again. A collection of photos from Paint's Where We'll Be 2011 Tour is up on The Official Paint Flickr Photostream now.
Some new reviews of Where We Are Today: "4 STARS: A cohesive collection of songs" (The Fulcrum), and "The vocals and instruments come together like a Jim Creeggan and Billy Corgan love child, powered by a Kings Of Leon aesthetic... A punk-rock bash out of drums and energized vocals" (The Dalhousie Gazette). Read more in the Press section.
We are proud to announce Paint will be playing Indie Week 2011 on October 13 at the Underground Garage in Toronto. Details on the Tour page. Also, Paint will be appearing at Canadian Music Week 2012 as one of the first round of artist selections!
Where We Are Today can now be purchased in physical CD on CD Baby, as well as independent retailers across Eastern Canada.
9.28.2011: Acoustic performance and interview
On one day off during the tour, Robb and Andre swung by the Harris Institute in Toronto to do an acoustic performance of "Girl in a Frame" and an interview about songwriting, touring, smashing gear, and local delicacies. A transcript will be posted soon but for now visit HERE to listen.
9.27.2011: Reviews from the Road
The critics keep on speaking!
Julia Rogers at The Argosy in Sackville NB says, "Where We Are Today is an exciting blend of catchy pop rock and stellar lyrics... (a) soul-satisfying 10-song compilation... (with) undeniable brilliance."
An interview with Jessica Willms at The Fulcrum in Ottawa gives some of the band's history and the process behind making Where We Are Today.
And Joe Mac of Midnight Matinee, on Paint's Toronto stop at the Hideout, exclaims: "Paint have a penchant for effusive pop, catchy tunes and crafty words that evoke picturesque imagery."
Visit the Press page for more, and don't forget to check out the photo and setlist archive from past shows on the Tour page.
9.13.2011: Live and album reviews
Thanks to Nadia Elkharadly with The Examiner for the glowing review of Paint's Toronto album release show at the Hideout: "Intelligent people making incredible music, Paint will surely be making headlines in the music scene, sharing their thoughtful lyrics and addictive tunes with fans for a long time to come."
Visit the Press under "Live Reviews."
Also, Ryan Bromsgrove with The Gateway, in reviewing Where We Are Today, says: "Johannes sounds like he's in total control of the music, effortlessly slipping between mild exasperation to yearning to demanding -- all on just one track ("Boomerang") -- perfectly complemented by the flexible guitar work in the background. The lyrics and vocals never dwell upon one emotion or style for too long, skilfully avoiding the deadly fate of boring the listener. Start to finish, the album sounds right."
More to come as we are on we're on tour all month, but also note that since we do manage our own website, it's easier for us to update Facebook and Twitter while we're on the road. Stay in touch, cool?
9.6.2011: Where We Are Today... AVAILABLE TODAY!
Where We Are Today, Paint's new album, is now available on CD here at the Paint Store and digitally on iTunes.
It's been quite the journey to get here and we are humlbed to share this album with you. Don't forget we're on tour all month in support!
8.30.2011: Where We Were in April (Official Documentary)
Filmed in April 2011 at Catherine North Studios and The White House, Where We Were in April captures an intimate and in-depth look at Paint in the studio working on their forthcoming album, Where We Are Today. Photographed and edited by Tyler Cardy and Robb Johannes, the documentary is streaming now on Paint's Official YouTube Channel.
A limited-run DVD of the film can be purchased in the Paint Store
8.29.2011: New song clips
Use the LISTEN button above to hear the last three audio teasers from the new album: "Boomerang," "Let Go," and "Vampires."
Where We Are Today will be available next Tuesday, September 6th on CD and mp3.
Check back tomorrow for an important documentary announcement!
8.23.2011: "Girl in a Frame" single available now!
"Girl in a Frame," the first single from Where We Are Today, is now available for sale on iTunes. Click HERE to buy.
Help spread the word about the single by inviting people to this event on Facebook.
Also, as we've been adding teaser clips from the rest of the album, use the LISTEN button above to hear two more: "She Leaves" and "Gastown."
The entire album will be available on CD and digital sellers on September 6. Pre-orders can be made HERE.
The final batch of studio photos from album recording sessions are up on Paint's Flickr Photostream.
8.22.2011: In Honour of Jack Layton
This morning our nation lost of its brightest stars and true patriots. Today we mourn the passing of federal NDP leader and Toronto-Danforth MP Jack Layton to cancer. This is a tremendous loss for Canada and Robb and Andre's local community in Toronto. Mr. Layton was a passionate and genuine man deeply committed to his country and its people. A rare bird and shining spark of hope in an ominous landscape. Condolences to Olivia Chow and the rest of Mr. Layton's family.
8.18.2011: "Girl in a Frame" advanced video review
The music video for "Girl in a Frame," the first single from Where We Are Today has been reviewed by The Blanket Reviewer: "Visually, it's simple, it's fun and the fact that it's representative of my city and the cool/diverse people in it, makes me proud to be from Toronto."
Read more on the Press page.
8.17.2011: NOW Magazine article on postering in Toronto
Thanks to Ben Spurr of NOW Magazine in Toronto for discussing the recent postering injunction against C'est What? with all involved parties, including Robb Johannes of Paint. Read the article HERE. A court date for the formal hearing has been set for November 28.
8.15.2011: "Girl in a Frame" single announcement, new audio clips and photos
"Girl in a Frame," the first single from Where We Are Today, will be available for sale on iTunes August 23.
Behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot are on Paint's Flickr Photostream.
Also, use the LISTEN button above to hear audio clips from two more songs from the album: "Home" and "In Disguise."
Last but not least, 10 new studio photos from album recording sessions are up on Paint's Flickr Photostream.
Happy Monday!
8.12.2011: SURPRISE! Secret Show Tonight at the El Mocambo
Not a surprise anymore, Paint will be on stage tonight at the El Mocambo (464 Spadina, Toronto), 9:30 sharp set time. You can get in for free if you RSVP "Attending" to this event on Facebook. Not to give away any more secrets but you'll probably never see a Paint show like this one again. Come to the El Mo and find out why.
8.11.2011: New Blog Post, "A Small Cost to Posting Bills"
The City of Toronto under Rob Ford's direction recently fined a local venue for posters promoting Paint shows. Robb's written a blog with more info and an open call to musicians and artists to join him and the venue management in court on August 15th.
Visit Paint's Weblog to read.
8.8.2011: New Song Clips, Photos, and Documentary Announcement
Have a listen above to clips from 2 more songs from Where We Are Today: "End of the Reel" and "If The Walls Could Talk."
There are also two more sets of photos for your enjoyment: 1) The next batch of in-studio photos from the Where We Are Today (Click HERE); and 2) behind-the-scenes photos from the "Girl in a Frame" music video shoot (Click HERE)
And last but certainly not least, Tyler Cardy and Robb Johannes have completed a 30-minute documentary entitled Where We Were In April, which presents an intimate, raw, and insightful look at Paint in the studio working on the new record. The documentary will be officially launched on Tuesday, August 30 on Paint's Official YouTube Channel.
8.1.2011: Listen to "Girl in a Frame" now! (plus more photos)
Use the little "LISTEN" button in the top left corner to hear "Girl in a Frame," the first single from Where We Are Today. Each week between now and the album's Sept. 6 release, we will be uploading clips from 2 different album tracks.
And of course, we will continue to release 10 new photos from the studio each week as well. This week is no different. Visit The Official Paint Photostream on Flickr for the latest shots (the ones at the end).
Pre-order Where We Are Today here at the Paint Store.
7.29.2011: Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana videos up
Thanks to everyone who attended Two Way Monologues' "Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana" Tribute Night at Rancho Relaxo in Toronto. As a special treat, you can watch Paint's renditions of "Corduroy," "Hail, Hail," "Down," "Better Man," and "Leavin' Here" on The Official Paint YouTube Channel. A rare glimpse at a band so focused on playing its own music, having an out-of-body experience for one special night.
7.28.2011: Exclusive Premiere of "Girl in a Frame" single tomorrow
Visit www.soundfm.ca from any computer in the world (or CKMS 100.3 in Waterloo) on Friday, July 29 between 12noon and 2:00p.m. EDT to hear "Girl in a Frame," the first single from Where We Are Today, for the first time. The single will be accompanied by an interview with Robb and Mandy from North by Northeast. Thanks to SoundFM for their continued support and we look forward to sharing the first sneak peek of the album with you all!
Audio and video clips will be released soon, stay tuned...
7.25.2011: Studio Photos, Next Round
Visit The Official Paint Flickr Photostream for the latest round of 10 behind-the-scenes photos from the Where We Are Today recording sessions. More will go up next Monday. Also, expect some shots from the "Girl in a Frame" music video shoot and some audio clips very soon!
7.20.2011: Casting Call for music video
If you find yourself free in Toronto on Saturday, July 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Paint will be shooting the first music video for the Where We Are Today album in and around the Annex. Email thepaintband [at] gmail.com if you're interested in being one of 20-some-odd people running with the band through the streets.
7.18.2011: Next Round of Studio Shots
Ten new photos the Where We Are Today recording sessions are available now on The Official Paint Flickr Photostream. Check back next Monday for more, and other updates in between.
7.11.2011: More Studio Shots
As promised, 10 more photos from Paint's Where We Are Today recording sessions are available now on The Official Paint Flickr Photostream. More will go up next week!
7.8.2011: Photos from Pride at the Bovine
Shots from July 2 at the Bovine in Toronto for Pride 2011 are up now on The Official Paint Flickr Photostream.
7.5.2011: New Blog Post, "The Artist Looked at the Producer..."
With an obvious nod to Neil Young in its title, Robb has written a first blog with some reflections on the band's relationship wit producer Ian Smith during the recording of Where We Are Today. Visit Paint's Weblog to read.
7.4.2011: Welcome to the New Website
Welcome to www.paintband.com, our new internet home!
We are proud to annouce that our new album, Where We Are Today, will be available in stores and online September 6, 2011.
Where We Are Today was produced by Ian Smith at Catherine North Studios (City and Colour, Feist, Gord Downie), and mastered by Joe Lambert in Brooklyn, NY (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Social Distortion, Bright Eyes, The Trews).
Over the next 2 months we will be revealing 10 new behind-the-scenes photos on Paint's Official Flickr Photostream each week (the first batch is available now), as well as exclusive audio previews, and Canadian tour dates.
Pre-order Where We Are Today right here at the Official Paint Store.
6.29.2011: Toronto Pride Show This Saturday
Excited to announce that Paint will be playing this Saturday (July 2) at the Bovine Sex Club in Toronto as part of Pride 2011. Visit the Events page for more info.
6.7.2011: And the new album title is...
Those subscribed to Paint's monthly newsletter will have gotten word through the wires already, but we are pleased to publicly announce that the forthcoming September release from Paint will be titled:
Where We Are Today
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we reveal album artwork, launch a new website, provide exclusive album previews, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and much more.
Sign up for Paint's monthly newsletter to recieve advanced notices, special offers, and other goodies.
6.1.2011: North by Northeast Showcase Announcement
We are proud to announce Paint will be returning to North by Northeast on Sunday, June 19 at 11:00 p.m. at The Hideout in Toronto. Ticketing information is in the Events. Thank you for your continued support!
5.26.2011: Canadian Music Week Interview Transcript
Before Paint's showcase at Canadian Music Week 2011, Robb and Mandy sat down with Paul McGeown from CKMS 100.3 FM (SoundFM) for an intimate and entertaining conversation about the music industry, Paint's past, present, and future, on the dawn of the band heading into the studio to work on the new record.
Read in the Press section under "Interviews/Transcripts."
5.25.2011: Another Silver Dollar Show Review
Rachel Gordon at Buying Shots for Bands comments on Paint's harmonies, pop hooks, and indie rock egde in response to the band's set at the Silver Dollar in Toronto
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
5.20.2011: Silver Dollar Show Review
Dave Robson at The Take Media says, "Paint tore up the stage... Managing to balance pop hooks and indie melodies with a harsh, grungy edge... a relentlessly tight set," in response to Paint's show last week at the Silver Dollar in Toronto
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
4.13.2011: Surprise Show and Radio Appearance
Catch Robb performing a rare solo set at The Boathouse in Kitchener on Thursday, April 14 with the amazing Spirits (Spirits' Ian Smith of course has been producing Paint's new record, and this is to celebrate the wrapping of Robb's vocal tracking!).
Also, visit www.soundfm.ca on Friday, April 15 at 12noon EDT for an interview and on-air acoustic performance by Robb, discussing the recording process and what to look forward to in the coming months from Paint.
4.2.2011: Keep up-to-date on Studio Happenings
Keep an eye on Paint's Facebook and Twitter pages in the coming weeks for up-to-minute updates on the recording process. More detailed blogs on the Paint Blog will follow in due time.
3.7.2011: Drake Show Review
Thanks again to Joe Mac at Midnight Matinee for another generous review, this time of Paint's opening slot for France's Revolver at the Drake Hotel March 3 in Toronto: "With self-assuredness Paint ploughed through their setlist with a go-for-broke attitude... The room was filled with Paint’s towering anthems and keening guitars."
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
3.1.2011: It's Official: Paint is going into the studio in April!
You heard it here first: Paint is officially heading into the studio in April to record the much-anticipated follow-up to Can You Hear Me? with producer Ian Smith at Catherine North Studios (City and Colour, Feist, Gord Downie). Nothing more needs to be said. Expect regular studio blogs and updates in the coming weeks!
2.28.2011: Residency Week #4 Review and Indie Solo Feature
The final C'est What? show rings out with journalist-in-residence Joe Mac (of Midnight Matinee)'s summary: "Paint have these songs that have this maddening ability to stick in your head... Behind Paint’s ring and chime of guitars is a rhythm and pulse that comes from the spirit of independent and imaginative rock."
Read in the Press section.
On another note, thanks to the kind folks at Indie Solo, who will be featuring Paint as their artist of the day on Wednesday, March 2 as part of their Canadian Music Week preview. For 24 hours, Paint will be the main banner artist on the Indie Solo Website and you will be able to download "Strangers," the flagship single from the Can You Hear Me?i album, for free during that period as well!
2.21.2011: Residency Week #3 Review: "Can Paint be the next U2?"
Week #3 at C'est What? has brought some glowing feedback from Joe Mac at Midnight Matinee, notably that "Paint's music can be an exclamation point to the world," and begs the question: "Can Paint be the next U2?"
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
Also, visit the Midnight Matinee site for a cute love-in piece on Robb Johannes and Sarah Smith of The Joys.
2.18.2011: February 22 show to Stream Live on the Internet
Tuesday, February 22nd is Paint's fourth and final show of their month-long residency at C'est What?, and we have a special treat for folks outside Toronto: the show will stream live on the internet!
Visit www.cestwhat.com and click on the phrase "click here" on the right-hand side of the window to listen beginning at 9:15 p.m. EST with comedy by Bridget Tobin and a set by Hamilton Trading Co.
Paint will play from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. EST.
Post your comments on Paint's Facebook page in real-time the night of the show, and happy listening!
2.15.2011: Residency Week #2 Review
Thanks again to Joe Mac at Midnight Matinee for the review and photos of Paint's second residency show at C'est What?: "Paint have an exceptional sense of the pop and the (new) wave steeped in the root of the hallowed order of Factory (Records) made music and Manchester, even before Madchester took hold."
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
2.8.2011: Videos, etc. DVD Available Now!
Videos, etc. is officially out today! The DVD contains all four music videos from the Can You Hear Me? album singles ("Strangers," "Don't Blow Me Away," "A Gentle Art," and "Madonna"), plus the first six episodes in the "A Day in the Life" documentary series.
The only place to buy it, aside from at shows, is right here at the Paint Store for $12.00 CDN (includes s/h). Videos, etc. is NTSC/Region 1 encoded (USA/Canada).
Preview videos on The Official Paint YouTube Channel.
2.6.2011: Residency Week #1 Review
Thanks to Joe Mac at Midnight Matinee for the review and photos of Paint's first residency show at C'est What?, noting that "the sound of Paint was as ebullient and chimey as ever with ringing guitar and harmonies and vocals hallmarking their Edge-inflected sound."
Read in the Press section under "Live Reviews."
2.1.2011: Tour Poster Prints now for sale in the Paint Store
Previously only available at the merch table at shows, individualized 11x17" colour tour poster prints by Paint's design team of Clarence King and Andre Dey can now be ordered online in the Paint Store for $15.00 CDN (includes s/h).
Have a look at the above posters and many, many more on Paint's Official Flickr PhotoStream