Canyon (band)

Canyon was an American slowcore band from Washington, D.C., United States.[1] Their style was heavily influenced by Americana, folk and country music.

For the country music band, see Canyon (country music band).
Canyon
OriginWashington, D.C., United States
GenresIndie rock
Slowcore
Years active1999–present
LabelsGern Blandsten Records
DCN Records
Wichita Recordings
Associated actsBoys Life
Crownhate Ruin
Kerosene 454

History

The band was formed in 1999 after ex-Boys Life member Brandon Butler relocated from Kansas to the Washington, D.C. area and briefly fronted the band Farewell Bend. Originally playing shows under the moniker Vita Bruno, the initial Canyon lineup consisted of members from several influential DC post-hardcore bands including John Wall from Kerosene 454 and Vin Novara from the Crownhate Ruin. The band released their first LP in 2001 on John Wall's Slowdime Records and toured nationally afterwards.

By the time the record was released, fellow Boys Life member Joe Winkle had arrived in D.C., prompting a lineup shift that saw the departure of Wall and Novara, along with the addition of keyboardist Derry deBorja, bassist Evan Berodt, and drummer Dave Bryson. The self-titled album was picked up and re-released by Gern Blandsten Records, who also released their second full-length, "Empty Rooms," in 2002. Further touring ensued, including an opening slot for former Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt member Jay Farrar, and the recording of a live album for DCN Records.

The Canyon song "Mansion on the Mountain('Live in NYC' version)," from "Empty Rooms," is in the default library for Windows XP and subsequent versions of Windows.

On November 19, 2010, Canyon reunited as a four-piece featuring Butler, Winkle, and a supporting rhythm section, to play at the Black Cat in Washington DC. deBorja, Berodt, and Bryson were not featured in this reunion.

Connections

Derry deBorja, Evan Berodt, and Dave Bryson later played with the DC-based Americana outfit Revival before deBorja and Bryson joined Son Volt as full-time members. Brandon Butler continues to play solo and with a backing band; he has released two albums for Gypsy Eyes Records, "Killer on the Road" and later "Lucky Thumbs." Vin Novara played with the DC band Perfect Souvenir, and is again playing with 1.6 Band.

Members
  • Brandon Butler - guitar, lap steel, harmonica
  • John Wall - vocals, bass
  • Joe Winkle - guitar, harmonium, lap steel
  • Derry deBorja - Fender Rhodes, keyboards, accordion
  • Evan Berodt - bass guitar
  • Vin Novara - percussion
  • Dave Bryson - percussion
  • Amy Heath - trumpet
  • Yalan Papillons - vocals
  • Michael Pahn - hand claps

Discography

References
  1. Brace, Eric (28 June 2002). "Washington's Grand Canyon". The Washington Post.
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