artist The Maladies of Adam Stokes

The Maladies of Adam Stokes are a Toronto based band started by Michael Hill and Kohji Nagata of Holding Sky. The two were looking to create a new band that would allow them to express themselves musically in a way that Holding Sky would not let them do. They wrangled 4 friends, Brett Harris, Emily Anderson, Joshua Awerbuck and Ted Turner to round up the rest of the band positions and in October of 2009, The Maladies of Adam Stokes began on their musical journey!

Detailed Bio: 

“The music we make is incredible, and the plaid is mesmerizing.”- Brett Harris

In just 6 months as a band, the Maladies of Adam Stokes have created a uniquely gritty country sound with traditional rock arrangements, steel guitar, fiddles and two-stepping beats. Lyrically, the songs are compelling portraits of writer Mikey Hill’s personal and musical journeys and are well complimented by the musical backing of Kohji Nagata, Ted Turner, Brett Harris, Joshua Awerbuck and Emily Anderson. These Toronto-based musicians have attempted to incorporate a mixture of melancholy and up-tempo songs which are heavily influenced by a variety of genres and styles. The Maladies of Adam Stokes are no cowboys, but defiantly have a country-ish tilt from their unique mash-up of musical backgrounds.

Coming from various musical roots, members of the Maladies of Adam Stokes all have something unique to bring to the forefront. Lead singer and guitarist Mikey Hill brings an emotional heft to the band through the combination of his unique rhythm and warm wordplay. Mikey began his musical journey at the age of 14, developing his talents through numerous music projects and groups including Holding Sky. It was in Holding Sky where Mikey met Kohji Nagata, a talented producer and guitar player who provides the band with subtle ambient effects. He has expanded his musical talents in the maladies, playing the more obscure instruments such as the lap steel, trumpet, glockenspiel, banjo, melodian, and basically anything else he can find.

While the Maladies originally started as a change in genre for Mikey and Kohji, the band took on a new form after picking up Josh, Brett, Emily and Ted. Lead guitarist Joshua Awerbuck has a strong musical background and substantial live experience, providing some of the slow tempo songs with a strong layered soundscape. Josh’s tenacious guitar solos have developed into a strong signature for the Maladies. Brett Harris originally played the saxophone and guitar, but has recently taken on the challenge of the bass. His bouncing bass lines are completely unexpected from a new player and consistently stand out. Ted Turner has a background in sound engineering and has slowly transitioned into playing drums within the past year. His soft textures and moods emboldened the subtle country feel. Similarly, Emily Anderson’s fiddle and piano arrangements provide illusive texture to their stomp-along tempo. Despite her strong musical upbringing, this is the first band Emily has joined.