After a five year hiatus, Junip is back in action and hitting the road to remind us all just how wonderful indie-folk music can be. Folk music is something that I’ve become rather partial to. Don’t get me wrong, I love indie pop, dance, etc. because it makes every muscle in my body shake, but every once in a while we need a little down time, and that’s exactly what Junip does for me reminds me to come down (not to mention Halifax is swarmed with indie-folk music, so it’s a part of my blood).
So, for those of you who are scratching your head right now and wondering, “Who is Junip?” here’s the goods…
Junip is a Swedish based band comprised of three members: José González (guitar and vocals), Tobias Winterkorn (organ, keyboards and synth) and Elias Arayer (drums). Junip’s tunes are smooth, down-to-earth melodies that seem to be the antidote to the busy life we all seem to lead (or my antidote at least). On September 14th, 2010 Junip released their second EP, Fields and have been touring ever since.
José González, lead vocalist of Junip, is a prominent classical guitar player. Prior to creating Junip, José played in a hardcore punk band named, Back Against The Wall. The three bandmates created Junip in 1999 as a result of dreaming and wanting something more from the music they were making (growth and change is an essential component to making it in this business!).
During the five year hiatus, José pursued a solo career, giving him quite the reputation amongst us music keeners’. His music has been featured in numerous television programs and movies, including: Friday Night Lights, The O.C., Scrubs and House. He’s also appeared on various late night talk shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Canada’s MTV Live.
In celebration of their 2010 tour, Junip is holding a contest, The Big Hipstamatic, for all you photo-maniacs. So what’s the deal with the contest? Junip wants and encourages you to submit photos of fields (see the theme, EP Fields = pictures of fields) to the site (click the link! click the link!). Junip is then going to review all the shots and choose their top five favourite photos. The winners will score sweet prizes from Hipstamart.com, vinyl package from Mute and lots of other cool swag (get on it!).
See you Thursday and don’t forget to submit your photos!
Junip plays this Thursday, November 4, 2010 @ Le Belmont in Montreal at 8:30pm.
