Concert in your area for Indie & Alt, Folk & Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, and Pop.
As a collection of solo artists/musicians, the band comprises of: A.C. Newman, Blaine Thurier, Dan Bejar, John Collins, Kathyrn Calder, Neko Case and Todd Fancey. Inspired by a Japanese film entitled “The Pornographers”, the band went forth with the name The New Pornographers releasing their debut album “Mass Romantic” in 2000 which received raving reviews from critics and featured the single “Letter from an Occupant”. Despite having little chart success, in support of the new release the band embarked on their first national tour to sold out crowds.
Having each had successful careers in the Vancouver music scene and bringing their own individual styles to the table it provided The New Pornographers with their refreshing and creative edge. Inspired by generations of music through artists such as: U2, Electric Light Orchestra, Sigue Sigue Sputnik and Robert Palmer have all influenced and fed into the band’s distinctive sound. With three vocalists at the helm each with unique qualities, together it creates a magnificent chorus of voices who we can recognise as TNP.
In 2005 the band released their third album “Twin Cinema” which featured the singles “Use It” and “Sing Me Spanish Techno”. As well as receiving great praise from critics, the album was also shortlisted for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize. In 2006 The New Pornographers released their “LIVE!” album which at the time was only sold on the road.
Following releases saw the band steadily achieve chart successes with “Challengers” (2007) reaching number 34 and “Together” (2010) at number 18. The album “Together” was recorded in seven different studios between British Columbia, Canada and New York, US, featuring the tracks “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” and “Moves” which were both used in television adverts.
With each release, the band dive into more intricate orchestral elements which continues to assist the evolution of their distinctive sound. For as long as their creative energy flows, the members of The New Pornographers will continue to produce outstanding albums, surpassing all expectations.
The New Pornographers originally burst onto the scene 15 years ago as something of a one-off experiment, a supergroup concocted by indie rock veterans Carl Newman and Dan Bejar along with rising alt country superstar Neko Case. The group's early shows could be a bit loose with the members of the band seeming almost afraid of stepping on one another's spotlight.
Years of recording and touring have changed that. Live, the New Pornographers are now a terrific and brilliantly fun show worth seeking out. As the band's sound has evolved from the glam-influenced power pop of its early days to a more sophisticated and adventurous sound, so too has the band itself grown. Expanded to a seven piece setup in concert, the group will switch off various instruments as required. Thus, they do a remarkable job of making songs that sound as if they'd be difficult to perform live sound absolutely stunning.
Even better, the group has clearly honed their set and performance into a well-oiled machine. Four-part vocal harmonies with Newman, Bejar, Case and new-ish New Pornographer Kathryn Calder flow from the stage like honey. The audience is likely to know most of these songs by heart, and you can expect spirited singalongs to older tracks like the jaunty and ironic “Slow Descent Into Alcoholism”. To see a New Pornographers show these days is to see one of the most talented and interesting live bands on the planet.