Metha Mean was founded by Stef Caron, who set out to express his musical vision while creating an environment
where musicians of all stripes could contribute meaningfully. This collective
and collaborative approach is the source of Metha Mean's unique sound: people
have come and gone (to sometimes come back again), weaving their musical culture
into the band's complex tapestry.
The band released its first full length album, Open, in 2001.
The album, written by Stef Caron, Raf Maliba (Angry White Mob) and Jamison Cant,
was a collection of foot-stomping anthems and down-tempo, brooding walls of
sound. It was followed in 2003 with the more nuanced and approachable Unloved,
an exploration of spirituality in which the band experimented with new musical
horizons. The arrival of Pierre Desmarais helped introduce elements of world
music and jazz to the band's already compelling sound. With Simon Langlois (Alain
Caron) on drums, the band delivered a number of blistering performances.
During the composition of Unloved, Metha Mean also joined
forces with Megalomedia Productions and the band Dogwalker to produce the VARIA
2002 and VARIA 2003 compilations. These critically-acclaimed
releases featured songs from bands in Metha Mean's entourage. The compilations
served as a nexus, an identity for a tight- …
Metha Mean was founded by Stef Caron, who set out to express his musical vision while creating an environment
where musicians of all stripes could contribute meaningfully. This collective
and collaborative approach is the source of Metha Mean's unique sound: people
have come and gone (to sometimes come back again), weaving their musical culture
into the band's complex tapestry.
The band released its first full length album, Open, in 2001.
The album, written by Stef Caron, Raf Maliba (Angry White Mob) and Jamison Cant,
was a collection of foot-stomping anthems and down-tempo, brooding walls of
sound. It was followed in 2003 with the more nuanced and approachable Unloved,
an exploration of spirituality in which the band experimented with new musical
horizons. The arrival of Pierre Desmarais helped introduce elements of world
music and jazz to the band's already compelling sound. With Simon Langlois (Alain
Caron) on drums, the band delivered a number of blistering performances.
During the composition of Unloved, Metha Mean also joined
forces with Megalomedia Productions and the band Dogwalker to produce the VARIA
2002 and VARIA 2003 compilations. These critically-acclaimed
releases featured songs from bands in Metha Mean's entourage. The compilations
served as a nexus, an identity for a tight-knit musical scene composed of bands
that didn't feel quite at home in the traditional "indie-rock" circuit.
After opening for Jakalope in 2005, Stef relocated the band to Toronto, which
interrupted the production of the new album as he searched for new band members
and collaborators.
Metha Mean now emerges from this hiatus stronger than ever, with its largest
complement of musicians to date: Dave Ledo (Freakency) on bass, Vincent Durand
(At Hand) on seven-string guitar, Mr! Erik (Wiggler) on six-string guitar, and
Marc Bertola (Red Chemistry, Dogwalker, early Metha Mean) on drums. In addition
to the new lineup, the band remains committed to its credo of collaboration.
As an introduction to
Yggdrasil, the Mean has released
Ambients & Derelicts, Vol. II - a collection of material composed, recorded and remixed during the making of the album. The album will be available at shows during Metha Mean's mini-tour with Insurgent, Inc. in late May 2008.
The upcoming album, Yggdrasil, to be released in 2008, deals with the subject of environmental violence and exploitation,
racism and injustice. It will feature incredible keyboard work by Jay Lemak
(Optangle), beats by Paul Jaworski (Pulse Plant), bass tracks by Rafael Maliba,
guitar tracks by Nevin Douglas (Debaser) and percussion by the always-on-time Roland
Gehti.
2008 promises to be a very loud year…
Einsturzende Neubauten, Godflesh, Massive Attack, Peter Gabriel, Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, New Model Army, Zoviet:France, Recoil, The Knife, Niyaz, The Jimmy Swift Band
