Bobcat Bartolo - The Liberation

Born and raised in Kitchener and the surrounding areas, Canadian artist Joshua Bartolo is Bobcat Bartolo; founder, front man, and driving force of Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation. Together with bassist Robert Parise, providing his signature Quebecois groove, funk, & lure, and an entire roster of unique, soulful, and talented drummers including Nathan Bonassin and Mathieu Limoges, Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation’s playing will invite you to listen in as they explore the sounds and flavours of a variety of genres, in a way that has not been heard before. Blending the high-octane sounds of bluegrass with the precision of electronic, the melancholy of blues with the spirit of reggae, the commanding beat of funk with the electricity of good old fashioned rock’n’roll. Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation bring you a fresh new sound that is as unique and adventurous as it is hopeful. Bobcat Bartolo has written and composed each one of their original songs guaranteed to draw you in, some of which are now available on their growing YouTube channel. Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation feel lucky to be blessed with the opportunities to collaborate with solo artists, helping them to bring their songs to life, or to discover a flavour they’d never imagined. Their most recent collaboration was showcased at An Evening of Peace, a multi act concert that was organized and presented by Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation as part of Peace Week, in recognition of the UN International Day of Peace.

At the age of 12 Bobcat Bartolo received his first guitar, a gift from his mother. After some time spent in traditional lessons, Bobcat started to experiment with music and the sounds his new instrument was capable of creating on his own. His teachers in those beginning years include following the rhythms and melodies of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton, to name a few. It was not long before the foundation for his present day mission would begin to take root, he began to understand that music was a tool and that wielding it was both a privilege and an opportunity, but also a responsibility. By the end of his teen years Bobcat had written and composed a number of original songs, and started to explore new sounds and techniques that he had not encountered yet. As he entered his 20’s he began to collaborate with other artists, developing a broader scope and more unique sound with each new connection. In 2016 Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation was first formed, borrowing support and back up from members of the local music community to help bring shape to many of the songs that he had been working on throughout his life. In 2017 Bobcat Bartolo would begin to work with Robert Parise, and a brotherhood and commitment to defining new sounds would soon be solidified.

Bobcat Bartolo & The Liberation are currently preparing to record, while enthusiastically exploring new compositions and sounds. In addition they are continuing their work with solo artists, creating some exciting sounds that they are looking forward to sharing in the coming year. Planning has also begun for the next multi act experience to be held in 2019, Bobcat and his team have an amazing vision , you will want to stay tuned for all the upcoming details.