smokekiller

Artist Information

Biography

John Antoniuk, aka "smokekiller", is a singer-songwriter from Saskatoon, SK, who inspires a diverse range of comparisons from Teenage Fanclub and Weezer, to Ryan Adams and Neil Young.  "Out There" from the album "13" was selected as a National Finalist in the 2009 Radiostar Songwriting Competition.  "13" was the first full length release for John with the smokekiller moniker and was mixed by Steven Drake (the Odds).  John originally released two ep's under the Smokekiller name which he compiled and re-released nationally in 2006.  It was the release of the Side A ep which quickly garnered John attention as a songwriter and saw him sharing the stage with Ron Sexsmith and Hayden.  In 2011 John was awarded a 10k20 grant from Rawlco Radio, and recorded an album of new material with Leeroy Stagger producing.  "Always With You" will be released September 2012 and a full North American tour will follow.   John has also been very busy over the last 5 years managing and performing with the Jen Lane Band.

The album is set to be released on September 4th, 2012 with a full North American tour to follow. Some of the special guests on the album include Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath), John Ellis (Be Good Tanyas, Ridley Bent), and Jen Lane.

"Smokekiller and Jen Lane are two of the happy finds of SXSW" billsmusicblog

"out there" by smokekiller is the regional winner for the Canadian Radio Star Songwriting Competition 2009. Smokekiller was in Toronto for Canadian Music Week for the songwriting competition finals.

Smokekiller has showcased at CMW 2011, NXNE 2010, SXSW 2009, CMW 2009, NXNE 2008.

"the mellow genius of smokekiller. Smokekiller, a.k.a. John Antoniuk, has evolved into one of the most capable solo players in the city, if not Western Canada."
Andrew Schwab, editor of the Sheaf. (U of S student paper.)


" "13" plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Antoniuk's love of electric guitars - underpinning this sonic growth is what made smokekiller's name in the first place: Antoniuk's sweet melodies and talent as a lyricist."
caitlin ward, planet s magazine

"I have now produced/engineered 68 albums in my career since 1992. I believe Smokekiller "13" is one of the finest hands down. Great songs + great sounds + great production + great vibe = 1 great album."
David j Taylor, WCMA producer of the year 2007

"mellow but emotionally stirring show"
Shannon Boklaschuk, Star Phoenix, Saskatoon.

"..sensationally catchy.."
Planet S Magazine

"Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement."
National Association of Record Industry Professionals

It begins with the breaking of a heart and the lighting of a cigarette. Music and inspiration follow, and as the music fills the air, and the lyrics fill the page, so dies the cigarette. Filter and ash, the by-product of lost time while writing. The songs kill the smoke and I write and play them.
Peace

smokekiller has shared the stage with:

Ron Sexsmith
Hayden
Dan Mangan
Tegan & Sera
Corb Lund Band
The Waifs
Wide Mouth Mason
Madison Violet
Jen Lane
Leeroy Stagger

Influences include matthew sweet, ryan adams, pixies, bruce springsteen, dinosaur jr.

Instrumentation

Jen Lane - Vocals, Guitar
Enver Hampton - Bass
Christian Kongawi - Drums
Josh Palmer - Vocals, Guitar

Discography

John Antoniuk 2012 "Always With You"

Smokekiller 2008 "13"

Smokekiller 2006 "smokekiller"

Smokekiller 2005 "Side B" EP

Smokekiller 2003 "Side A" EP

Links

• Facebook
• Last.fm
• Twitter
• MySpace
• cd baby
• official website

Audio

• The Secret
  Listen  
• Jenny
  Listen  
• Out There
  Listen  
• You've Got A Hold On Me
  Listen  
• Foolish Heart
  Listen  
• Back To The Heart
  Listen  
• Coming Home
  Listen  
• War Song
  Listen  

Lyrics

• jenny
• out there
• you've got a hold on me
• hover
• california
• foolish heart
• sunshine
• happy ending
• favorite thing
• back to the heart
• believe
• my song
• coming home
• War Song
• The Secret

Video

all my love "live"

Photo Gallery

Press

• Smokekiller avoids sophomore slump!! [+ Show ]
  

  Thursday, April 16, 2009 Review -- SMOKEKILLER -- 13 13 Smokekiller Independent 8.5-out-of-10 ...Thursday, April 16, 2009
  Review -- SMOKEKILLER -- 13
  13
  Smokekiller
  Independent
  8.5-out-of-10
  Readers may recall from an earlier review of the self-titled debut album in September 2007, that Smokekiller is the stage name for Saskatoon-solo performer John Antoniuk.
  That debut album was one which didn't immediately impress, but gained strength with a few listens.
  No worries this time around. Smokekiller has grown as a musician, and 13 starts off strong, and holds your attention from the get go.
  The strength here is a sound which is mellow, akin to some of the rock of the past. For example, the lead cut California could just as well have been performed by the Beach Boys, as a sort of slower number for their repertoire. Smokekiller does a really nice job of the piece, a cut that should find radio itching to slot it into the summer rotation.
  Interestingly, the song You've Got a Hold On Me reminds me of the Beach Boys rock generation too, not as party rock as the Beach Boys, but the same underpinnings of style.
  Smokekiller recently showcased at Canadian Music Week in Toronto, and if his live music matches the CD, he no doubt earned some attention.
  At least the material on the CD is very strong given its mellow rock genre stylings. Cuts such as Out There are offered up in a relaxed, bop along to the beat styling, which is quite infectious. It's plain hard not to get into the rhythm of the music here.
  There are a number of cuts here that could make radio, including the aforementioned California, Hover and Sunshine.
  Overall, a CD which takes Smokekiller to a whole new level in terms of his music. It is impressive to see such growth in material, especially since many performers see a drop off in their second album, having less time to prepare for it. Antoniuk avoids the sophomore slump here and takes a major step forward. It will be interesting to see how he grows with his third album. Until then, just enjoy this one.
  Check it out at www.smokekiller.com
  -- CALVIN DANIELS

• kool kat musik album review [+ Show ]
  

  "Plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Antoniuk..."Plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Antoniuk's love of lots of electric guitars - underpinning this sonic growth is what made Smokekiller's name in the first place: sweet melodies and talent as a lyricist...sensationally catchy.."- Planet S Magazine We agree! "Back To The Heart" and "My Song" both have a strong, early Peter Bruntnell influence and are among the discs highlights for sure! What really sets this uniquely apart though is the 80's indie guitar, shimmering Brit Pop at times delivery - a very nice
  and interesting touch indeed! A real grower! EXCELLENT!!!
  

• 13 review [+ Show ]
  

  Smokekiller-13. Another artist with a quality sophomore release is Saskatchewan's Smokekiller. They ...Smokekiller-13. Another artist with a quality sophomore release is Saskatchewan's Smokekiller. They have a winning mix of indie pop, power pop, and Americana (Canadiana?) and 13 just might be their lucky number. The rootsy, jangly "California" opens the disc in quality fashion, and "Jenny" is excellent power pop. "Out There" channels the Old 97's and Hundred Air, and "Foolish Heart" channels the Pernices. The real triumph here is "You've Got a Hold on Me", which combines all of their styles into one fine mix.

• jay semko on smokekiller 13 [+ Show ]
  

  "I love the new Smokekiller album(13)!! The songs just kill!! I guess I'm a bit biased, as I've seen..."I love the new Smokekiller album(13)!! The songs just kill!! I guess I'm a bit biased, as I've seen and heard how great Smokekiller is in a live setting, but this album gets better every time I hear it..excellent!!"

• the mellow genius of smokekiller [+ Show ]
  

  “the mellow genius of smokekiller. Smokekiller, a.k.a. John Antoniuk, has evolved into one of the m...“the mellow genius of smokekiller. Smokekiller, a.k.a. John Antoniuk, has evolved into one of the most capable solo players in the city, if not Western Canada.”
  
  

• happy find at SXSW
  

  "Jen Lane and Smokekiller are two of the happy finds of SXSW 2008"

• mellow but emotionally stirring show
  

  "mellow but emotionally stirring show”

• Ready to Kick Ash [+ Show ]
  

  "13 plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Anton..."13 plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Antoniuk's love of electric guitars - underpinning this sonic growth is what made smokekiller's name in the first place: Antoniuk's sweet melodies and talent as a lyricist."
  caitlin ward, planet s magazine

• Toronto College Radio #6 [+ Show ]
  

  1.Hey Ocean It's easier to be... 2.Mstrkrft Fist of God 3.Junior Boys Begone Dull Care 4.Hands...1.Hey Ocean It's easier to be...
  2.Mstrkrft Fist of God
  3.Junior Boys Begone Dull Care
  4.Handsome Furs Face Control
  5.Joel Plaskett Three
  6.Smokekiller 13
  
  for the week ending April 14th, 2009
  

Setlist

a typical set is an hour.

Basic Requirements

Calendar