biographical info
Formed in 2003, Ottawa, Ontario’s The Soiree have been writing and recording melodic, yet progressive folk-rock for nearly a decade. At its core, The Soiree is a songwriting collaboration between Bryce Colenbrander and Matthew Arnold, each of whom bring their own distinct style to their songs, and temper the others’ arrangements with creative ideas.
The band’s first release, a hastily assembled EP (2004), charted nationally on C/C Radio, catching the attention of the Ottawa music community along with devoted music nerds across the country. This was but a prelude to their first full-length record, Birds (2006) which solidified their reputation as one of the more innovative acts amongst Ottawa’s independent musicians. Minor Details (2008) again extended reach and exposure with standout tracks “Perfect Crimes” and “Coast to Coast” recieving regular national airplay on CBC and on Campus Radio.
Marathons (2012) is the product of studio sessions that took place throughout 2011 and highlights the group’s renewed commitment to taking risks and experimenting in the studio. The songs and even the sounds were constructed and assembled slowly and deliberately, and mark a great achievement and leap forward in the band’s songwriting.
The result is a series of earworms woven into songs that are unapolgetically experimental, yet firmly rooted in melody.
Press Quotes:
“songs stick to your ribs because they brim with the confidence of a band growing their songwriting prowess“
- Ottawa Xpress
“What really makes Marathons work is the band’s willingness to take risks“
- Herohill
“a quintessential recording with some classic tracks from a band that has grown musically with each release ... a torchbearer for Ottawa’s indie-folk sound”
- Chris Cline, Apt 613
lineup
Mike Armstrong Keys / Guitars
Matthew Arnold Bass / Vocals
Eric Roberts Drums / Percussion
Bryce Colenbrander Guitars / Vocals
Jon Pearce Guitars