artist Wool and Howl

Wool and Howl.

This indie-pop/rock band was formed as a spin-off of the Guelph/Toronto collective "Luke Nares and the Strays".  The Strays project involved many talented friends and artists over the years and lead to performances at renowned festivals like NXNE and shows with some of Canada’s finest artists such as Dan Mangan and Elliott Brood.

The new project is a growth of edgy, energetic branches from the Strays’ sturdy trunk rooted in folk.  Careful crafting of musical arrangements and imagery-rich lyrics combine with the musicians’ precise touches and tasteful sounds bringing to mind acts like Patrick Watson and Iron and Wine.  The influence of the many shades of indie coming out of Toronto is also clear with dynamics and drive heard from bands like The Coast and Dinosaur Bones.  

The band members’ musical history began when lead singer and song-writer, Luke Nares, first met band mates Dave Lotimer (guitar) and Mike Kennedy (drums) in the suburban school yards of Aurora, Ontario.  This friendship provided the foundation for years of musical experimentation and fostered a love for making music together that glows warm at their live shows.  The musical depth and smarts of Bryce Daigle (bass/multi-instrumentalist) were a comfortable addition in January this year.  Daigle, having held down the rhythm section with Kennedy in an afrobeat band based out of Kingston, has been instrumental in moving this band towards their new sound with the help of Jobin Sam (keys/bells/percussion).  Sam's passion, creativity and style paint a starry night's sky of catchy hooks and tasty synthesized layers.

Combined, these boys have experience playing in jam bands, reggae, afrobeat, psychedelic dance rock, metal, funk, hip-funk, folk and country.  Now after hundreds of shows, years of world travel and multiple albums under their belt, the 5 members are roping it all together in this new project they call: Wool and Howl.  Having just finished their first, self-titled album with Producer Mitch Girio, they are enjoying the growing excitement surrounding the project and look forward to performing at upcoming CD release shows booked around the province this fall/winter.

Have a listen to some songs from their new album at: www.myspace.com/woolandhowl