Five Questions With James Blonde

Niagara Falls based trio, James Blonde is made up of Steph Mercier (guitar), Phil Taylor (drums) and Neil Carson (Bass). The three have released a new single entitled, “Don’t Lock The Door” which you can grab on iTunes below. The band is also taking off on tour throughout September & October, and if you’re able you should stop by one of their shows because as they state,

“Our favourite thing to do is play live in front of audiences,” Taylor says. “So, success with this record would mean continuing to tour but on a larger scale. We wouldn’t complain if we had some radio play. But really, the goal is to get the music out there so people come see us play, and see the party come to life.”

Care to introduce yourself to our readers?

We are James Blonde, an Alt-Rock Pop trio from Niagara Falls, who love writing music and love playing it live even more! If this were a cheesy dating video, we’re pretty sure you’d stick around till the credits… And Star Swipe!

Tell us a bit about your music and writing style:

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Michael Jackson, the Arctic Monkeys, and Franz Ferdinand had a child? That child may be James Blonde… or a mutant, but it would be interesting, that’s for sure, and full of wonderful grooves.

We approach writing by not necessarily having one set approach; letting every facet flow. It can start from a groove, a riff, a hook and then we stop, collaborate, and listen. Alternatively, sometimes someone comes with a full song they wrote in their basement in the middle of a blizzard, haha. Ultimately, it’s a rather democratic process.

Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?

We have our Toronto album release party at The Drake Underground Sept. 6th which we are very excited for! As well as a full Canadian tour throughout the rest of summer/fall.

In terms of our live show, we’ve been told there’s a certain energy that people feel when seeing us, something that transcends the music and playing. And though we will never feel exactly what they feel, we know that our experience as musicians, entertainers, performers is not to be taken for granted, and so we give it all we can, each and every time.

If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?

How does one choose their favourite child? The smarter and more attractive one. (we kid!) Our first single “Don’t Lock the Door” has many elements of what James Blonde is and can be, and has a chance to showcase different aspects of the band, e.g. multiple lead singers, rockin’ vibes, and good ol’ fashion singability (wow, that’s actually a word.)

Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?

This one’s tough – we all have different favourites, but I think we could narrow it down to a short list of The Blue Stones, Mother Mother, The Elwins, Arkells, July Talk, The Zolas and Half Moon Run for what we seem to listen to the most. But in reality, Canada produces so many incredible artists that there’s no way we could fit all the ones we love.

Connect with James Blonde:
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Jenna Melanson

I’m Jenna, the founder and editor of Canadian Beats. I have had a strong love for Canadian music, which started many years ago. I have a passion for promoting these talented Canadian bands and artists, and that’s how Canadian Beats came to be.

Canadian Beats has grown to become more than media, and what a journey it’s been.