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artist Alanna Gurr

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Guelph, ON, CANADA
Self Released
genres
Folk, Alt Pop
plays
3044
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biographical info



 

Alanna Gurr is sure to leave you longing for more of her sweet and sultry sound. Whether backed up by her minimalistic rock troupe or ably holding her own, Gurr’s songs of longing and heartbreak are complemented by her graceful and charming stage presence.  She has transfixed audiences in Southern Ontario as an opening act for well-known Canadian bands  such as Basia Bulat, Bruce Peninsula, One Hundred Dollars and Daniel, Fred and Julie.  The much-anticipated release of her full-length album titled “Oh, Horsefeathers” was self-released in October 2011, and by November 1st it was #32 on Earshot’s National Campus Top 50 Chart. Gurr kicked off an east coast tour by playing Hillside Festival 2012 and plans to further her success by touring throughout Canada in the coming year. 

 

 

"Sultry Newsom-style Gurr, and backing folk-pop troupe, make the kind of honest, heartbreaking folk that should lead to a huge following on the CBC-friendly folk circuit" - NOW Magazine 2012

"Alanna Gurr may be the best known Ontario act you've never heard of... Oh, Horsefeathers is a collection of accessible slice-of-life songs about love, loss and longing. The instrumentation is minimal, which focuses the album on Gurr's charming, sweet and slightly raspy voice and sincere, introspective lyrics." -NXEW 2011

"At first I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was that drew me to her music, but a few listens later I realized that it’s a combination of her extremely expressive voice and her heartbreakingly honest lyrics...Oh, Horsefeathers is a calm but powerful album that really possesses that special “something.” - Grayowl Point 2011

"There is a definite warmness to the album – the kind of feeling that when that when the earth finally implodes, you’d put it on and sit comfortably, if only for a few minutes." - Songs & Cigarettes 2011

"There are some incredibly talented individuals on the album too, such as the remarkable Alanna Gurr, whose soulful, throaty Marlborough vocals on the track 'Take the Streets' seems to embody the very spirit of the city she inhabits." - Undersong 2013 Album Review of "These Arms Are Too Wide" Compilation

lineup

Alanna Gurr Vocals/Guitar
Joseph Gallo Bass
Mike Kennedy Drums
Matt Monoogian Pedal Steel/Vocals
Oh Horsefeathers
Independent
October, 2011
Play Oh Horsefeathers
Oh Horsefeathers
List Tracks ▼
October
Independent
June, 2011
Play October
October
List Tracks ▼

A Lovely Review from Grayowl Point in Toronto

posted by alannagurr on Nov 17, 2011  
As I come across more and more folk musicians from all corners of Canada, I find myself surprised each and every time. Alanna Gurr is the latest one of these surprises; I found myself absolutely blown away on my first listen of Oh, Horsefeathers, her debut album. At first I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was that drew me to her music, but a few listens later I realized that it’s a combination of her extremely expressive voice and her heartbreakingly honest lyrics. As with many folk musicians, Gurr successfully uses minimal instruments, providing just the right backing to her versatile vocal range. In a lot of ways, Gurr reminds me of Kate Maki. Both make use of simple instruments and blow their listeners away with their great voice. Lyrically, Gurr touches on love in several different ways, like the pain of heartbreak and the anticipation of going out on a date. There’s even a song about marriage (Gurr sings about how it could be a big mistake). It’s not as if the subjects have never been written about, but again it’s Gurr’s honesty that makes the songs so compelling. Musically, as mentioned earlier, Gurr employs simple instruments. Most prevalent is the electric guitar and acoustic guitar, and it’s occasionally supported by gentle drums and the banjo makes an appearance in a song or two. The simple guitar works well in songs like “So Hard” which only intensifies the sadness personified in it. She also harmonizes frequently with bandmate Gord Auld for great effect. Her work is not all melancholy. The song “October” for instance features a steady thumping of foot pedal to give the song a more upbeat and optimistic feel. And the album’s ending song “Take the Streets” is positively uplifting; it almost sounds like a singalong when Gurr gets to the chorus making for a spectacular end. Gurr’s quiet confidence will no doubt appeal to folk fans of all stripes. Oh, Horsefeathers is a calm but powerful album that really possesses that special “something.” Get it via Bandcamp. Top Tracks: “Little One”; “Come Home”; “Take the Streets” Rating: Proud Hoot (Really Good) +*swoop*
posted by alannagurr on Nov 17, 2011  

upcoming shows

Jun 19 Toronto The Cameron House
Aug 15 Toronto Toronto Botanical Garden
Aug 17 Elora Elora Mill
Oct 12 Guelph ANAF Hall #344
Oct 16 Hamilton homegrown hamilton
Oct 17 Toronto The Cameron House
Oct 20 Ottawa Raw Sugar Cafe

Video

So Hard 2:44

So Hard

Filmed by Mitch Fillion for southernsouls.ca

October 3:25

October

Filmed by Mitch Fillion for southernsouls.ca

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where to buy
353 Clarence St, London , ON
(519)640-6714
Guelph, ON
782 Bathurst Street , Toronto, ON
572 College Street , Toronto, ON
St. John's, NL
Limited Play

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