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The Hermit - It Was A Better Time

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The Hermit’s story is one of musical evolution and creative growth. Three albums and multiple tours stretching across almost a decade for founder Hamish Thomson have seen The Hermit’s sound change and evolve, whilst bonds with trusted band-mates Jon Frederiksen (bass), Robert Mitchell (keyboards), and Duane Murrin (guitars) have been strengthened and new vocalist Red welcomed into the fold.

Founded in the year 2000 by Vancouver drummer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Thomson, The Hermit began life as a solo electronic project, so called because of the reclusive life Thomson led during the creation of his debut album “Flying out of Solitude”. A successful independent release led to multiple West Coast Music Award nominations and a label deal with Nettwerk Records.

On the 2005 follow-up Wonderment, Thomson once again acted as Producer, but this time captured the essence of a diverse pool of musicians and vocalists including Frazey Ford (The Be Good Tanyas), Martina Sorbrara (now of Dragonette), beat-boxing spoken word maverick C.R. Avery and Allison Shevernoha of Winnipeg’s Paper Moon. Wonderment was a success in Canada, garnering The Hermit an Indie Award for “Favourite Electronica Artist” at Canadian Music Week 2006 and a 1 chart placing on Bravo TV’s Video Countdown with “Sir Real” featuring Shevernoha’s ethereal vocal. The release of Wonderment also saw The Hermit hit the road as a band for the first time, crossing Canada for shows in Toronto and Montreal, as well as heading south of the border for its debut US date.

Building on the collaborative group dynamic that had grown out of touring Wonderment, Thomson invited Shevernoha back to Vancouver to begin the writing process for The Hermit’s third album, yielding a collection of songs which would become the basis for “Turn Up (The Stereo)”. The energy of The Hermit’s live shows exerted an increasing influence on the group’s sound and style, leading to co-writing credits for band members Mitchell, Frederiksen and new arrival (but old friend) Duane Murrin who also plays with Thomson and Frederiksen in local heroes Big Tall Garden. For the recording at Vancouver’s Baker Street Studios, Thomson invited LA-based Krish Sharma (Perry Farrell, Rolling Stones) to share production duties and together they set about capturing the band’s fresh, energized sound fusing elements of indie, pop and electronica. The addition of live strings and horns completed Thomson’s vision for the album, along with backing vocals and flute by Ashleigh Ball of fellow Vancouverites Hey Ocean!

Early in 2008, with recording completed and the album seemingly ready for release, the band was hit by an unforeseen setback when vocalist Shevernoha – newly arrived in Vancouver - announced that she was returning permanently to Winnipeg. Thomson quickly set about finding a replacement and, after a series of exploratory live shows, made an immediate connection with local singer Red after being blown away by her voice, stage presence and charisma. Unwilling to release the album and then tour without first incorporating the new vocalist, Thomson recorded new vocals with Red for three existing tracks – Head Case, Motion Dive and Mr. Dubois. As 2008 drew to a close, the remastered Turn Up (The Stereo) took its final form.

The five members of The Hermit now stand together stronger than ever, fortified by the creative journey with all of its unexpected twists and turns. The Hermit stands proud as a solo studio project that grew into an award-winning band. With the release of Turn Up (The Stereo) - a new album featuring vocalists from the past and present – The Hermit simultaneously marks the end of one journey and embraces a new beginning.