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Ask founding member Matt Antaya about his alt-folk-rock band Self Cynic and his answer may surprise you. Songwriter and lead singer, Antaya, conceived his project as perhaps the opposite of a band. Self Cynic is an evolving experiment whose rotating lineup aims to demonstrate that a collection of songs will communicate their character despite varying musicians and arrangements.
Though most bands will insist it is “about the music”, Antaya wants to prove it is most definitely not about the personalities, costumes, gimmicks or showmanship. “I was raised listening to artists who believed that a great song was a great song, regardless” Antaya explains, “The music industry has changed, but I feel that should be as true today as it was then”.
Taking shape in early 2007, Self Cynic began performing in local Montreal hot spots during a high time for the city’s indie music scene. Though the idea of “a band that is not a band” would require explanation, audiences’ early praise encouraged the project’s rapid growth. Self Cynic would begin attracting listeners eager to discover how their favorite songs would vary from night to night. The idea has to-date enjoyed contributions by over 20 musicians from both Canada and the U.S.A. This constant rotation of cast members allows for fresh, dynamic and unique performances – equally interesting at high-volume or acoustic/unplug’d.
This success prompted their debut album released in June 2008 on Sudden Envy Records. This full-length self-titled album enjoyed contributions from over a dozen musicians including Josh Trager (Sam Roberts Band), Matt Leblanc (The Dress Whites), Maia Davies (Ladies of the Canyon), Alec McElcheran (Anik Jean), Nelson Carter (The Paddingtons), Arun Pal (Snack!), Jared Lozon (Social Slander) and NYC-based studio drummer Rob Murphrey. With diversity in approach, yet consistency in style, the album mixes upbeat, hook-laden anthems with powerful introspective ballads. Following a successful album launch, Self Cynic spent the summer 2008 on the road touring Quebec, Ontario and Eastern Canada – including invitations to headline Frosh Events at both McGill University and St Jerome's University (at the University of Waterloo, Ontario).
As evidenced by recent media attention, Self Cynic is quickly becoming a recognized name. The band has been featured on Montreal’s CHOM 97.7’s "Made in Canada", MIKE FM 105.1’s "Emerging Artists", CHOQ-FM and CKUE 95.1/100.7 FM. The project has also garnered positive attention from The Plant, Curiouser and Curiouser, The St Catharines Standard, and The Westmount Examiner to name a few.
Self Cynic will be touring Ontario and Eastern Canada throughout the Fall 2008. Please refer to the website for details. (www.selfcynic.com)
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