(Saskatoon, SK) - Saskatoon orchestral folk quintet Minor Matter are pleased to announce the independent release of their self-titled debut full-length album on June 17th with the premiere of their feature track 'Barren Ground' (CLICK HERE to listen). Minor Matter are playing 2 upcoming shows in Saskatoon in support of the album's release (full details below) and will embark on a Canadian Tour at the end of June. The full tour schedule will be announced next month.
When it comes to musical experiences, Minor Matter prefer to take the listener down the path less travelled. With influences as diverse as the instruments they bring along for the ride, the group charts a course brimming with scenic detours and unsuspecting surprises.Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Minor Matter started as Jeffrey Popiel’s experimental solo project and has grown to include 5 multi-instrumentalists that help bring his carefully crafted originals to life. Drawing on a well-stocked musical tool-box that includes everything from the bassoon and clarinet to glockenspiel and ukulele, Stephanie Unverricht, Heather Lake, Skyler Cafferata and Jon Henderson work to seamlessly fuse classical, folk, country, jazz and psychedelic rock.
Minor Matter released their 5-track EP, Concept of a Knife, in 2013. And the band has been hard at work since then, performing at prominent cultural events throughout Saskatchewan including LUGO, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, MoSo Fest, the Ness Creek Festival main stage, and the Saskatchewan Art’s Board Lieutenant Governor General Awards, gaining new fans along the way. With the release of their new album on June 17th, the band will undoubtedly continue to grow their fan base with incredible tracks like 'Barren Ground' which is one of the few tracks on the album to feature vocals. Adding vocal elements to the songs certainly makes the music more accessible to a broader audience but the band didn't feel any pressure to include them.
"We really try to be sensitive to and aware of what each piece requires musically and we don’t want to force things for the sake of conforming or meeting external expectations," explains percussionist Jon Henderson. "Each of us is drawn to certain songs from Jeffrey’s repertoire and we pick those that we feel work best both for our individual and collective personalities. The songs also evolve as we play them and in some cases, we’ve removed vocal parts because they didn’t fit quite right. So, no, we don’t feel any pressure in terms of ensuring there is a vocal element."
When it comes to their craft, Minor Matter is passionate about continuously challenging themselves to push boundaries to create something new for audiences of all ages and musical preferences. Don't miss Minor Matter's upcoming shows in Saskatoon on May 28th and June 17th with more dates to be announced soon. Visit minormatter.ca for more info and the most up-to-date show schedules and tour listings. Minor Matter - Minor Matter will be available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers/streaming services on Friday, June 17th.
MINOR MATTER // SINGLE RELEASE SHOW
When: Saturday, May 28th
Where: Saskatoon, SK - Village Guitar & Amp for Ritornello Festival
Info: www.ritornello.ca
MINOR MATTER // ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
When: Friday, June 17th
Where: Saskatoon, SK - The Refinery for MoSo Fest
Info: www.moso2016.com
MINOR MATTER - MINOR MATTER TRACKLISTING
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 17, 2016 (INDEPENDENT)
1. Hypnotisant
2. Those Stars
3. Barren Ground
4. Program 1
5. Zusammen
6. Sacred Harmless
7. Stuck in Serenity
8. Tight Beach Sandals
9. Royal Tour
10. What Indeed
FOR MORE INFO: www.minormatter.ca
Twitter: @mnrmttr
Instagram: @mnrmttr
Facebook: Facebook/MinorMatter