Flat Top

Artist Information

Biography

Taking their name from the instruments they play, Flat Top is a five piece award winning musical act from New Brunswick, Canada.

Entertaining with an exciting variety of tunes that cover many musical genres such as rock, blues, Celtic, and original music, these artists have shown the ability to impress audiences from Nova Scotia to Western Ontario. Such impressive versitility is exactly what earned Flat Top the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Award for "The Best Out Of Province Act". Flat Top is a household name here in New Brunswick and with their well-mixed sets and breathtaking original songs they are rapidly becoming the talk of the East Coast: “They’re fine songwriters and performers and know just about every good cover tune”.

Flat Top has the experience, musicianship, and song list that enable them to perform at various types of musical functions. Whether it be a bar gig, rock concert, music festival, corporate function, wedding reception or a showcase of original music, Flat Top has the attitude and professionalism to meet your events needs. Flat Top has performed with such acts as April Wine, The Stampeders and Canadian Rock Icons 54-40. With appearances on CBC TV, ATV and Global it's no wonder their fan base ranges from college students to old blues fans, bartenders to CEOs. The band's appeal is undeniable. “Flat Top has the rare combination of talent, towering stage presence and genuine charm that could melt even the coldest critics heart.”

Flat Top’s debut CD "Long Shot" has proved to be anything but. Receiving rave reviews with extensive airplay on East Coast radio stations and Canadian satellite radio. Two original songs from the album were licensed to Sky Dance Entertainment for use in the television series "The Great Canadian Motorcycle Trek" that continues to air on OLN. In January 2008 Flat Top received digital distribution offering their CD for sale through more then 30 global digital retailers such as iTunes, Napster and Puretracks. Currently Flat Top is working on licensing their music throughout Canada and into the United States. In support of the CD, the band continues to increase their live performances and promotion schedules.

More than a band, Flat Top can provide a complete entertainment package for your event. No matter the size or location, Flat Top prefers to make arrangements for complete sound and light production. When requested they can even arrange for items such as video screens, projectors, intermission music, master of ceremonies, and assistance in logistics to make the your event memorable.

Without a doubt, an evening with Flat Top is a not to be missed experience. This band plays for the love of the music and entertaining, and continues to attract new fans while keeping their dedicated audiences on their feet.

For Booking Information Contact Us:
By Phone: 506-392-5922 or 506-325-2556
By Email: flattopbookings@hotmail.com

Instrumentation

Ray Haines – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
John Myshrall – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Richard Jones – Drums, Percussion, Background vocals
Jeff Rideout – Bass Guitar, Background vocals
Mike Jones – Lead Guitar, Background Vocals

Discography

Discography: Flat Top “Long Shot”
Full length CD of original music.
Released October 21/2006

Track Listing:
1. Almost Everyday
2. Big Mistake
3. 'Round Here
4. New Girl
5. 1992
6. For A Little While
7. You Were The Only One
8. Say Goodbye
9. Long Shot
10. Millville Sun

Official Website

http://www.flattopmusic.ca

Audio

• Almost Everyday
  Listen   Download
• Big Mistake
  Listen   Download
• Long Shot
  Listen   Download
• 1992
  Listen   Download

Lyrics

• Almost Everyday
• Big Mistake
• Long Shot
• 1992

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Media Quotes [+ Show ]
  

  Media Quotes “The fun guys write a mean bunch of clapalongs and easily won over the big audie...Media Quotes
  
  
  
  “The fun guys write a mean bunch of clapalongs and easily won over the big audience” Bob Mersereau (The New Brunswick Reader)
  
  “Flat Top has the rare combination of talent, towering presence and genuine charm that could melt even the coldest critics heart”
  Grant Kerr (Telegraph Journal)
  
  “Obvious talent and skill”
  “A professional and well rehearsed show”
  “Occasional fun and witty banter with the audience”
  “A totally professional business attitude”
  “An all round great time for you and your audience”
  Bruce Devlin (UNBSU promotions coordinator)
  
  
  “They’re fine songwriters and performers, and know just about every good cover song too”
  Bob Mersereau (Telegraph Journal)
  
  “Flat Top sent an elated crowd over the moon with its hard driving tunes”
  Grant Kerr (Telegraph Journal)
  
  “Flat Top has become known in New Brunswick as a group to watch”
  Kate Wallace (Here) St. John’s independent weekly newspaper
  

• Client Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  "We loved your band, we loved the fact that the dance floor was crushed all night long and we are m... "We loved your band, we loved the fact that the dance floor was crushed all night long and we are meeting as a committee to discuss next years Glitter City Gala and I will certainly be speaking highly of your band for next year. Flat Top is amazing!
  
  Jen Lambert
  Delta Fredericton
  New Years Eve Glitter City Gala
  
  
  "Flat Top made our Christmas Party the best ever! The dance floor was packed all night. We've already booked them for next year.”
  
  Stephanie Neilson
  PR Coordinator
  Moosehead Breweries Limited
  
  
  “Flat Top played a variety of music at the Christmas party and everyone in attendance enjoyed the band. Employees have already requested that the band return for this year’s party!"
  
  “We look forward to purchasing your CD”.
  Elaine Norton, Day & Ross Ltd.
  
  
  
  “We are a small company of about 75 people. Flat Top performed like there were 750 there!! They can play it all. Already have them booked for December 2006!”
  Rinata Reid, Urban Machine Ltd., Fredericton
  
  “The boys have SOLD OUT (500 tickets) the Woodstock Golf & Curling Club’s annual Oktoberfest in advance for the past 8 years! It’s the best party in Western New Brunswick! They’ll be back for 2010!”
  Robbie Burnett, Woodstock Golf & Curling Club
  
  
  
  "You boys were amazing! Our wedding would not have been the same
  without you there! Thanks for getting everyone - young and old - up
  dancing! You guys definitely set the mood for the night and it was
  better then we could have ever expected!"
  
  Amy Gorham, BBA, Realtor
  www.GorhamRealEstate.ca
  
  
  
  Mike, John, Jeff, Ray & Richard.
  Neither Max or I could say enough words to thank you as much as you deserve. What you did for us and for our wedding was absolutely incredible. We, along with our family, friends, & wedding party enjoyed the entire evening of music/entertainment so much. The kids were non-stop, and watching the video back has been a thrill. You helped make our wedding day truly special and unique. Everyone was so impressed with how good you guys were, and enjoyed every minute you were up on stage. We are very thankful that you could play for our wedding and for helping our day be as perfect as it was.
  Please do not hesitate to ask either of us for favours at any point.
  Thanks again,
  Amanda & Max
  

• Flat Top CD Delivers [+ Show ]
  

  October 2006, The Victoria Star It has been a while in the making with a few setbacks, bu...
  October 2006, The Victoria Star
  
  It has been a while in the making with a few setbacks, but Flat Top’s first CD is finally here, and fans won’t be disappointed.
  The album is titled Long Shot, but the title certainly doesn’t reflect the quality of performance. Already the band’s first single Big Mistake is hitting the airwaves and can be heard throughout the Valley on EZ Rock 104.1 FM.
  The CD, recorded at Outreach Productions in Fredericton, was engineered and produced by lead guitarist Mike Jones. The album goes on sale this weekend at Oktoberfest at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club.
  The album features 10 original tunes, combining a unique blend of rock n ‘roll with a hint of country flare. It is sure to please long-time Flat Top fans. Just one listen to the album, and you’ll be tapping your feet, dancing in the street or singing along. Even those unfamiliar with the band perform, but are rock n’roll fans, will be hooked with just one listen.
  Ray Haines provides the lead vocals in seven on the songs, including a duet with Hartland’s Brittany Shaw on Say Goodbye. Shaw also lends her sensational voice to sing back up on many of the other tracks. John Myshrall showcases his vocal talents on three of the songs including an acoustic, folk-like version of Millville Sun – In which he reminisces about t he old days around the York County community.
  The album offers a great mix of upbeat and mellow tracks. The first single, Big Mistake is a ballad with a touch of an upbeat tempo. Listeners will find themselves humming or singing along with the song on the radio or in the car.
  All 10 tracks on this album have the potential to become hit singles. Tracks like Long Shot, A Little While, Almost Everyday and You Were The Only One, are rocking tunes that will get you up on the dance floor or make you want to take a cruise around town or along the highway. The band slow things down a bit with New Girl – which Myshrall describes what it is like to be a first-time dad, -- Millville Sun and Say Goodbye.
  Long Shot will be available at various locations throughout the River Valley. Details can be found by visiting www.flattopmusic.ca. You can also request your cd by emailing flattopbookings@hotmail.com
  
  

• Here Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  You can't keep a good band down NB beat. November 2006 In 2002 a group of relatively unknown m...You can't keep a good band down
  NB beat.
  November 2006
  
  In 2002 a group of relatively unknown musicians from Carleton County made regional waves at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in Fredericton. Bringing high energy acoustic blues to the stage, Flat Top were a hit from the first note and quickly earned laurels as a festival favourite nabbing Rising Star honours.
  
  Unfortunately as quickly as the ball got rolling for the band, things hit a bit of a standstill when frontman Matt Andersen pulled up stakes and headed for Halifax and a solo career.
  
  The loss of a frontman has killed more than a few musical groups yet Flat Top preserved, made the necessary changes to the lineup and soldiered on. Now a five-piece and with a solid reputation as one of the region's premiere live bands with a solid repertoire of cover material, Flat Top have just released their first full-length CD of originals titled Long Shot.
  
  Thus far, their debut single Big Mistake has achieved the unthinkable task if an independent band getting airplay on eight-10 radio stations in the region. The disc sees the group move away from the acoustic blues the band was formed on and into a more mature, radio friendly pop oriented sound. Flat Top have the tight and polished sound that comes from playing over 300 shows in the past three years. Some of those shows have included opening for acts such as Colin James, April Wine and 54-40. The energy that has made them fan favourites continues to win audiences over and is an underlying element on the disc.
  
  With positive feedback and radioplay providing the group wider exposure the band is making plans for the future and are keeping an eye on 2008 when the ECMAs will be held in Fredericton giving the band home ice advantage.
  
  Flat Top can teach us all a lesson in perseverance and rolling with the punches. With positive crowd response and a new CD available the band is proof that you can't keep a good band down.
  
  On the web: www.flattopmusic.ca.
  

• Flat Top Songs Added To TV Series Soundtrack [+ Show ]
  

  Trans Canada bikers well be heading through New Brunswick to the sounds of Flat Top. The local...Trans Canada bikers well be heading through New Brunswick to the sounds of Flat Top.
  The local band received confirmation recently that two songs from their debut album will be licensed to Sky dance Entertainment of Vancouver for use in their TV series, The Great Canadian Motorcycle Trek.
  The television documentary series follows motorcycle enthusiasts on a journey from Western Canada to Newfoundland. As they cruse from province to province, the show features one or more bands from each province to provide the background music. Episode 11, which follows the bikers' trek through New Brunswick, will use Flat Top's songs, Almost Everyday and Long Shot for the episode.
  Episode 11 will be airing on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) on the following days and times (EST) -- Friday, March 23, at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, March 25, 10 a.m. and noon.
  Flat Top which feature Ray Haines, Jeff Rideout, Mike Jones, Richard Jones and John Myshrall, perform extensively along the Upper St. John River Valley. Their CD is available at retailers in the area. Information about the band can be found at www.flattopmusic.ca
  

• Best Band Outside Ontario [+ Show ]
  

  While performing in Saint John, local band picks up prestigious award in Toronto. Six littl...While performing in Saint John, local band picks up prestigious award in Toronto.
  
  Six little words in a simple text message informed a local band that their talent won some recognition on the national stage.
  Last month, Flat Top was one of five Canadian bands nominated for the Toronto Independent Music Awards. The band was nominated for the Best Out Of Province band category.
  Because of a previous engagement in Saint John, the band was unable to attend the awards show in Toronto last Thursday night at the Phoenix Theatre. While Flat Top took the stage at the Hilton in Saint John for the New Brunswick Auto Dealers Association, a friend took in the awards show in Toronto.
  Drummer Richard Jones said Flat Top had just got off stage when it received the text message from Toronto.
  “We had a good gig and had a nice surprise at the end,” recalled Jones. “The test message came into my brother Mike’s phone. It said, “Flat Top rocks, congratulations you won.” “We didn’t believe it. So we got on the phone and called to confirm it, and sure enough we did.”
  Jones said the band is reveling in the win.
  “We are very, very excited,” said Jones. “It is a little overwhelming. It was nice just to be nominated, but we didn’t really expect to win. It is kind of nice to be recognized. It might bring a whole new dimension, we are really not sure, but, right now, we are happy about the moment.”
  Jones said that band is hoping the award will help it gain attention for the few categories at the East Coast Music Awards this year, which will be hosted in Fredericton.
  “It me some possibilities out there now,” added Jones, “We kind of hope this may give us a bit of a boost to getting some of those nominations which would likely be really good.”
  Jones said he is not sure what all the award entails, but he noted it does mean the band will head to the awards show next year and perform. He expects organizers will contact the band in the next few days with all the details.
  “There are some interviews we have to do with radio stations in Ontario,” he added.
  For now, Jones said, the band is concentrating on the ECMAs.
  “That is our next goal,” Jones said.
  “Hopefully, we will be there with a few nominations.”
  He added Flat Top will headline Octoberfest later this month on Oct 20, at the Woodstock Golf and Curling Club. He noted the show has sold out for the last five years. Tommy Green Jr., of Centreville will open.
  “Octoberfest if the best party anywhere we play in the Maritimes, no word of a lie,” he said. “It is incredible. We look forward to it, and it is going to be a great time.”
  
  

• Toronto Independent Music Awards 2007 [+ Show ]
  

  Toronto Independent Music Awards 2007 By: TJ Liebgott For all of the unsung heros of th...Toronto Independent Music Awards 2007
  By: TJ Liebgott
  
  For all of the unsung heros of the independent music industry, its great to see an event to mark their achievements. Thursday, October 4th, The Phoenix Concert Theatre was transformed into the 3rd annual Toronto Independent Music Awards presented by Eye magazine. Hosted by local comic Sabrina Jalees, featuring a variety of independent acts and an evenings worth of awards, the 2007 TIMA's proved to be a tribute to canadian musicians.
  
  Some of the notable performances from the evening included Marshall Dane who was without his standard band, but put on an engaging performance of his beautiful acoustic material complete with 3 percussionists playing bongos and djembe. Any fan of Jack Johnson or Dave Matthew's would definitely want to check out this talented song writer.
  
  Hip-Hop artist KeelOGramz may be more comfortable in the recording studio, but still put on an above average performance despite some technical difficulties involving feedback. However, KeelOGramz was able to find his flow with ease anytime he got thrown off by the sound issues.
  
  Mississauga punk band Letters To Elora rocked the stage for their 2 song set and it was easy to see why this band won Peoples Choice Award at las years NXNE.
  
  KC Roberts showed why he won best live electric band when his band took the stage playing their hybrid of funk, rock and hip-hop. This 7 piece were by far the most talented players of the night and seemed heavily influenced by acts such as Jamiroquai, James Brown and George Clinton. Even if those bands didn't appeal to you at all, KC Roberts and company would still impress you as one of the most explosively entertaining club acts in the Toronto area.
  
  The evening closed with last years live electric winners Run With The Kittens. The Kittens whom play regularly at The Cameron House are probably one of Toronto's hardest working bands. Not quite Rockabilly and not quite Psychobilly, The kittens resemble Johnny cash on a speed and coke bender and quickly burnt through their 2 song set before anybody blinked and left the crowd itching for more.
  
  As far as awards, the TIMAs handed out quite a few in a variety of categories. Some of the winners included:
  Westpoint - Best Alternative
  A Certain Symmetry - Best Indie
  Arya - Best Metal
  Jen Militia - Best Urban
  Lowlife - Best Rap
  Daphne Darling - Best Pop
  A Certain Symmetry - Best Live Acoustic
  KC Roberts - Best Live Electric
  Andrew Scott Quintet - Best Jazz
  Romney Getty - Best Country
  Eliana Cuevas - Best World
  Flat Top - Best Out of Province
  The Romanovs - Best USA
  Sue Passmore - Best Song
  
  
  
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  

• Summer Kick-Off concert organizer sees the successful Portage fundraiser becoming an annual event [+ Show ]
  

  The Summer Kick-Off concert was a huge success, raising around $20,000 for Portage, the addiction tr...The Summer Kick-Off concert was a huge success, raising around $20,000 for Portage, the addiction treatment centre for young adults in Cassidy Lake.
  
  Around 1,100 people filled the Northern Carleton Civic Centre last weekend to see The Common People and Flat Top shred some tunes.
  According to John Maunder of The Common People, the huge crowd got what they wanted.
  "It was amazing, the atmosphere was incredible and everybody was so happy. It was the best show that I've ever been a part of," said Maunder.
  That says a lot coming from a man whose been performing for more than 50 years.
  The concert started at 9 p.m. and it was practically non-stop rocking straight through until 2 a.m.
  The sound and light show left fans dazzled. It was the exact same set-up the Trews had the night before in Gagetown, courtesy of Mike Jone's Signature Sound.
  "It was first class in every way," said Maunder.
  That the show raised so much money for a worthy cause is, "a tribute to the people of Carleton County," he said.
  Maunder expressed appreciation to the volunteers at the civic centre, and to the event's sponsors, including EZ Rock and Joe and Sandy Keenan of Ayr Motor Express.
  Carol Tracey, of Portage Atlantic, said the organization is overwhelmed with the result.
  "It was a wonderful community effort and we are very grateful," said Tracey.
  "John and the other sponsors did a lot of work in a short time and it's amazing."
  Tracey said the money raised will go into the Portage Atlantic Foundation and be put towards after-care programs.
  Once released from the program, "the youth will receive counselling from a Portage worker in their area and talk about how the youth is integrating back into the community," she said.
  "It's one of the areas we need to work on," she added.
  The Summer Kick-Off's success reached beyond the funds it raised.
  "Just from this one event there was so much awareness created in Carleton County about Portage, and you can't ask for better than that," said Tracey.
  Maunder was so pleased with the outcome that he is already considering another benefit show next year.
  "This could be the start of a beautiful thing," he said.
  "There is a very strong possibility this could be an annual event, I'll put it that way."
  
  

• National award | Flat Top nominated for its second Toronto Independent Music Award [+ Show ]
  

  JULY 2008 Carleton County-based band Flat Top will try to win its second consecutive Toronto Inde...JULY 2008
  
  Carleton County-based band Flat Top will try to win its second consecutive Toronto Independent Music Award next week.
  
  Flat Top vocalist Ray Haines said in a news release that the band is honoured to be recognized among the top unsigned independent recording artists in the country.
  
  "It's exciting to be nominated for the second year in a row," he said.
  
  "When we won last fall we were really surprised.
  
  "To be nominated for a national award again feels good."
  
  The awards ceremony will take place at the Phoenix Theatre in Toronto on July 31, but the band will be performing in New Brunswick on that night.
  
  Members of the band's management team will make the trip to the awards ceremony instead.
  
  Drummer Richard Jones said the band has gained recognition because of its supportive fan base.
  
  "We have the best and most loyal fans up and down the St. John River Valley," he said.
  
  "We can't thank them enough for the support. It's also nice to think that folks across the country like us, too."
  
  Flat Top will perform as part of the Tobique Valley Homecoming in Plaster Rock on Aug. 2, and will play Bobby's Rec Room in Nackawic on July 26 as part of SummerFest.
  
  

Setlist

Flat Top has the experience, musicianship, and song list that enable them to perform at various types of musical functions. Whether it be a bar gig, rock concert, music festival, corporate function, wedding reception or a showcase of original music, Flat Top has the attitude and professionalism to meet your events needs. Depending on the venue, Flat Top can offer up to a 4 hour performance that consists of a mix of originals and cover tunes throughout each set.
Flat Top adjusts their set list accordingly to best accomodate the event.
For a complete set list, please inquire.

Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Flat Top tech rider

Calendar