Music Style Alt-Country Influenced Pop/Rock

Musical Influences Neil Young, Wilco, Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix

Similar Artists Blue Rodeo, The Get Up Kids, The Sadies, Cuff The Duke, Neil Young

Artist History James McKenty was born in Kingston and lived in Gananoque until age12 when he his family moved to Perth. In the early years of high school, he traded his hockey stick for a guitar and began listening to classic rock, eventually forming a local band and taking a real interest in creating music for himself. After high school, James went to The Recording Arts Program of Canada in Stoney Creek Ontario where he graduated with a degree in Audio Engineering. In 1998, he moved to Peterborough where he and associate Karl Lawson opened Sound on Sound Recording and Production Studio. Since that time, the pair have produced a variety of CD's for local and Toronto artists including the popular alt-country band, The Silver Hearts. Being in high demand these days, James splits his time between being a producer/engineer at Sound On Sound studios in Peterborough and appearing live with his band, James McKenty & The Spades. Having made a career out of music the better part of his life, at age 25, James is quickly hitting his stride. In November 2002, he released his debut CD, “Restless Soul” a collection of eleven original songs that quickly garnered public and critical acclaim. Blessed with contributors such as Willie P. Bennett, Alec Fraser, Mark Mariash, and Richard Simpkins, the album shines with its stripped down, bare bones production and showcases James’ incredible songwriting ability. Drawing from a variety of musical styles, James creates a pop/rock and acoustic sound that has its roots in traditional music but is delivered with an edge. Now having teamed up with band mates Dustin Wellman on bass, and Winchester Street on drums, the boys have hit the road performing a series of incendiary live shows, wowing audiences and peers alike. Though James’ first solo album leans towards the softer side of his writing, the band’s live show consists of a healthy dose of fiery rock and roll. With their comfort on stage bringing a sense of ease to the performance, James McKenty & The Spades are set to leave their mark on the Canadian music scene.

Group Members James McKenty - Vocals, Guitar, Lap Steel Dustin Wellman - Bass, Keyboards Winchester Street - Drums, Percussion

Instruments .

Albums Restless Soul

Press Reviews "James McKenty is a quadruple threat"(singer/songwriter/producer/performer) -Ronnie Hawkins (Rock Legend) “ Best local disc of the year “ - Peterborough Examiner “...Lyrics that express a soulful honesty which sadly lacks in much of today’s music ”. - Jeff Macklin ( The Peterborough Examiner ) “ …from his musical range to his ability to make you want to hear more, James McKenty is the next big thing ” - Jody Jenkins ( Mix 97 Radio ) “Absolutely amazing” - Cathy Miller (Canadian Music Network)

Location Peterborough, Ontario - Canada

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