Artist Information Biography Reggae from the Rock Idlers are an eleven-piece, self proclaimed ‘reggae circus’ from St. John's, Newfoundland. Their unique sound comes from a love of reggae, ska and afro-beat, peppered with their Atlantic influences. Ringmaster Mark Wilson fronts a solid rhythm section with heavy horns and tight harmonies, and has been bringing audiences to a dancing frenzy since the band came together in 2006. The band includes: Mark Wilson (Vocals and Trumpet), Paul Schiralli-Earle (Guitar), Craig Millett (Guitar), Aneirin Thomas (Bass), Chris Power (Drums), Luke Power (Keys), Chris Harnett (Tenor Sax), Susan Evoy (Alto Sax, Flute), John Duff (Trombone), Curtis Andrews (Percussion) and Erin Best (Vocals). “We call ourselves the ‘reggae circus’ because when we play there is so much going on. We have such a large group of musicians on stage with so many different instruments, there’s a feeling of infectious excitement and an undeniable energy.” – Mark Wilson. Idlers have cultivated a loyal following and are expanding their fan base on a national level. The band has also achieved its fair share of accolades. They were the winner of the Galaxie Rising Star of the CBC Award and were named Alternative Artist/Group of the Year at the 2008 Music Newfoundland (MusicNL) Conference and Awards Show in Gander, Newfoundland.  In addition, the Idlers were named Best Loud Band (2008), Best Band to Dance To (2008) and Best Live Band (2007) in The Scopes Best of St. John’s Readers Survey. Idlers reggae/ska sound comes from years of listening to the likes of Burning Spear, The Congos, The Wailers, Desmond Dekker, The Gladiators, UB40, Steel Pulse, The Clash and Bob Marley. They take much of their musical inspiration from mid-70’s roots reggae. Staying true to the conscious voice of roots reggae, their music speaks of the human condition, discussing issues of war, capitalism, and social and personal struggle. Idlers have toured throughout Central and Atlantic Canada and are emerging on the national scene. Last year, they entertained audiences at the Montreal International Reggae Festival, the St. John’s Folk Festival and the Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival (St. John’s, Newfoundland). Earlier this year they played at Winnipeg Ska & Reggae Festival and the Calgary Reggae Festival in addition to a showcase at the Atlantic Film Festival. Idlers released their debut full length CD, Corner in December 2007. Since the release, which was nominated for an ECMA for World Album of the Year in 2008, Corner has received tremendous national reviews. They are currently heading across Eastern and Central Canada in support of their new release, Keep Out, produced by Bad Brains bassist. Weblinks: www.idlers.ca www.myspace.com/theidlersmusic For more information or to request an interview please contact: Strut Entertainment Allison Dunnings allison@strutentertainment.com 416.861.0387 Since their first show poster, Jacob Rolfe has created all original artwork for Idlers. Album, and website artwork and all show posters are uniquely created by artist Jacob Rolfe, whose art embodies the image of the band... always fun, colorful, eye catching, and immediately recognized, visualizing the same theme of consciousness found in Idlers music. Idlers first performed in April 2006. Drawing their inspiration from artists like Burning Spear, The Congos, Desmond Dekker, The Gladiators, Culture, Steel Pulse, The Clash, The English Beat, The Skatalites, Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh, Idlers made the creation of original music a priority. With enough hits-to-be under their belts they spent the summer recording their debut album, Corner. Released in December 2007, fans across Eastern Canada loved the band and Corner. It has been picked up and/or reviewed by CBC Radio, XM Satellite Radio, 102.1 The Edge in Toronto, Ontario, and numerous other stations located throughout Québec and Eastern Canada. Support from fans and industry alike drove Idlers to take home Music NL Alternative Artists of the year and Galaxie Rising Star for the CBC Awards. In February, 2009, they were nominated for the East Coast Music Associations’ World Music Artist of the Year. Idlers have developed an audience throughout Eastern Canada with regular tours, and just recently expanded their fan base into Western Canada. Idlers have been invited to perform at many major venues and festivals. In 2008 they played the Montreal Reggae Festival, Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival, The St. John’s Folk Festival and The Horseshow Nu Music Nite and showcased at the MusicNL Conference and awards show. This year they have showcased at the ECMA, and COCA National Conferences, and performed the Wreckhouse Jazz & Festival, the Atlantic Jazz Festival, the Calgary International Reggae Festival, and the Winnipeg Ska Festival. Upcoming appearances include a showcase at the Atlantic Film Festival, the Montreal Ska Festival and their debut appearance at The Black Sheep Inn. With the release of their second album, Idlers will expand their touring circuit to include the Northeastern US. In March 2009, Idlers travelled to Dreamland Studio in West Hurley, New York, to record their second album, Keep Out,. Darryl Jenifer, Bad Brains bassist and Bedouin Soundclash producer, is producing the album. At the engineering helm will be Grammy-award winner Phil Burnett. The album is currently in post-production and expected for release in the fall of 2009. Instrumentation Mark Wilson- vocals, trumpet Erin Best - vocals Aneirin Thomas- bass Craig Millett- vocals, guitar Paul Schiralli-Earle- vocals, guitar Chris Power- drums Luke Power- keys Chris Harnett- saxophone Susan Evoy- saxophone John Duff- trombone Curtis Andrews- percussion Discography Fall 2009 - Keep Out 2007 - Corner 2006 - Idlers EP Links http://idlers.ca Idlers Website Idlers myspace Idlers on Facebook