Jon and Roy

It’s easy to fall for the effortless, everyman charm of Jon Middleton and Roy Vizer. Seasoned musicians and long time friends, their brand of indie-folk is pretty much a genre in itself; evoking fog-shrouded mountains and evergreen treetops, sun-dappled beaches and the crackle of a campfire. With over 30 million streams worldwide, it’s clear many others have been captivated by Jon and Roy and the stories they tell.

Jon and Roy's 8th album Here epitomizes their journey to date; an assured collection of 9 brand new songs that touch upon themes of love, presence, hardship and joy. Building upon the creative energy of 2017’s The Road Ahead is Golden, Here is an aural balm to soothe in these uncertain times; a gentle reminder to be present, to revel in the simple joy of living.  “To me, this album is something special,” says Middleton, “It contains all the elements that I hold dear about this band, and it feels free to me; as true an expression of our music as we’ve ever created”.

Recorded in the quiet forests of Vancouver Island over the summer and fall of 2018, Here is quintessential Jon and Roy. “Half of the songs were written this past year", Middleton continues, “but the other half are 2, or even three years old, and have needed time to simmer to get where they needed to be.” In the title track, Middleton’s beguiling vocals weave a languid tale atop of Roy Vizer’s laid back percussion. The tracks 'Headstrong' and 'Seven Colts' are buoyant, filled with an exuberance that is elevated by a breezy horn section and strong vocals.  In the raw and honest 'Where Has My Love Gone', Middleton laments lost love; his impassioned vocals rising over Vizer’s stripped back drums. A compelling lyricist, Middleton is renowned for not sharing the meaning behind the songs; instead encouraging the listener to draw upon their own personal experiences to find connection, “I love that our songs have an ambiguity to them,” he says.