Dan Kosub

Dan Kosub wasn't about to rest easily after releasing his new album.

In fact, the Toronto-based musician finds those weeks after he puts a new offering out to be especially fruitful.

He started to write after his first disc, Reservoir, came out in 2008.

"The urge overcomes me as soon as I release a record to have new material," said Kosub in a recent telephone interview from his home.

"It's beyond my control. I just write."

The Victoria, B.C., native sifted through about 50 tracks he wrote between 2008 and 2010 for a new six-song EP, Jacob's Island, that came out in March.

The disc was "written on a Greyhound" during three cross-country tours "and a lot of regional touring" to support Reservoir.

"I really wanted to just to pick six songs that I felt were really strong as opposed to a full-length album this time," said Kosub.

"That was my goal."

Audience reaction was "a definite factor" in the songs selected for the disc. Listener input also helped Kosub decide on the pop/rock Aurelia as the first single from Jacob's Island.

But he still made the final call on what tracks he'd record for the project.

"The ones that I felt connected to me personally the most are the ones that I really was inclined to record," said Kosub.

"The hope is if I'm excited by the music, the audience will be too."

He's already written about 10 new songs in the nearly three months since Jacob's Island came out.

"It begins," said Kosub. Jacob's Island can be ordered through the singer's web-site

at www.dankosub.com

He plays Loplops on May 26. - Brian Kelly, The Sault Star

Dan Kosub wasn't about to rest easily after releasing his new album.

In fact, the Toronto-based musician finds those weeks after he puts a new offering out to be especially fruitful.

He started to write after his first disc, Reservoir, came out in 2008.

"The urge overcomes me as soon as I release a record to have new material," said Kosub in a recent telephone interview from his home.

"It's beyond my control. I just write."

The Victoria, B.C., native sifted through about 50 tracks he wrote between 2008 and 2010 for a new six-song EP, Jacob's Island, that came out in March.

The disc was "written on a Greyhound" during three cross-country tours "and a lot of regional touring" to support Reservoir.

"I really wanted to just to pick six songs that I felt were really strong as opposed to a full-length album this time," said Kosub.

"That was my goal."

Audience reaction was "a definite factor" in the songs selected for the disc. Listener input also helped Kosub decide on the pop/rock Aurelia as the first single from Jacob's Island.

But he still made the final call on what tracks he'd record for the project.

"The ones that I felt connected to me personally the most are the ones that I really was inclined to record," said Kosub.

"The hope is if I'm excited by the music, the audience will be too."

He's already written about 10 new songs in the nearly three months since Jacob's Island came out.

"It begins," said Kosub. Jacob's Island can be ordered through the singer's web-site

at www.dankosub.com

He plays Loplops on May 26. - Brian Kelly, The Sault Star

Dan Kosub reminds me so much of something… I want to say Barenaked Ladies… their less funny songs… and just so we’re clear I actually love the Barenaked Ladies. The vocals sound so similar to BL, and although he’s from Toronto his music carries this very East Coast feeling to it which makes it so much more than the G rated radio rock of its nature.
It’s too pretty to be boring, like many radio bands are to me lately. It’s soft, sensual, something for the whole family – grandma, mom, and little sister.
With great big orchestral build ups worthy of Hey Rosetta!, with the ability to move even the heaviest boulder of a heart. - Music She Blogged, on Jacob's Island

Dan Kosub reminds me so much of something… I want to say Barenaked Ladies… their less funny songs… and just so we’re clear I actually love the Barenaked Ladies. The vocals sound so similar to BL, and although he’s from Toronto his music carries this very East Coast feeling to it which makes it so much more than the G rated radio rock of its nature.
It’s too pretty to be boring, like many radio bands are to me lately. It’s soft, sensual, something for the whole family – grandma, mom, and little sister.
With great big orchestral build ups worthy of Hey Rosetta!, with the ability to move even the heaviest boulder of a heart. - Music She Blogged, on Jacob's Island

Dan Kosub reminds me so much of something… I want to say Barenaked Ladies… their less funny songs… and just so we’re clear I actually love the Barenaked Ladies. The vocals sound so similar to BL, and although he’s from Toronto his music carries this very East Coast feeling to it which makes it so much more than the G rated radio rock of its nature.
It’s too pretty to be boring, like many radio bands are to me lately. It’s soft, sensual, something for the whole family – grandma, mom, and little sister.
With great big orchestral build ups worthy of Hey Rosetta!, with the ability to move even the heaviest boulder of a heart. - Music She Blogged, on Jacob's Island

I’m a sucker for a band that mixes acoustic guitar with electric. It generates such a lovable give and take. These guys had the perfect tone to ease me into the gong show that is my next 4 nights. Easy listening pop rock tunes, with beautifully melodic lead vocals.

These guys had the appropriate stage presence to accompany their sound.

There is nothing wrong with pop rock, ok? Our borderline pretentious outlook is blinding us from countless outlets for good music these days. It’s not easier or harder to play any specific genre of music; working hard is working hard, damn it. - Megan Oquias, The Take Media [Canadian Music Week 2012@The Horseshoe Review]

We’re not sure about you, be we had a hell of a fun time on December 2nd at The Silver Dollar.

Indie folk rocker Dan Kosub started off the night with his witty charm and swirling vocal melodies; sans-backing-band, Kosub still held the stage (and the audience’s attention) strong for the entirety of his set, and we’re sure some of the ladies were left swooning.

Next up, we were Jones-ing for some hard rock stuff by this point in the night, so T.O. rock trio The Jones kindly obliged with a set of hard-hitting hooks that really amped up the night.

Former iM showcase alum, jazz-prog-rock fusion outfit Groovesmith finished off the night with their charm (and pop cover tributes) before we kept the party going with a little more drinking and snacks (yes we went for pizza).

Check out these great bands at the following links and check out the photos from the night below: - The Indie Machine

Receiving nationwide airplay as a video on Much More Music, the opening song of this pop-infused 10-track debut recording is Blue and Grey, a song about renewed passion for life with the coming of Spring. And about three or four songs in,the artists that come to mind while listening to Dan Kosub sing are British singer-songwriter Greg Wyard and, oddly enough, the Alan Parsons Project, a prog rock band also from Britain.

Before relocating from Victoria BC to Toronto ON in 2006, Dan Kosub graduated from the Canadian College of Performing Arts where he studied performance in multiple disciplines.

Awarded the Bill and Margaret Bender Voice Scholarship, Mr Kosub was also the featured vocal soloist with the Victoria Symphony. Now a road warrior, touring across the country performing solo and with a band, Kosub writes songs every chance he gets. Citing the Smashing Pumpkins, Dylan, Radiohead, Springsteen, and Tom Waits as major influences, Kosub has filled Reservoir with songs about politics, social issues and the environment.

With lovely acoustic strumming and haunting melody,the Bells of St Cuthbert is a definite standout, segueing into soothing Gone by 2040 ocean waves.

A very strong debut record to say the least, and with a follow up promised for later this year, this writer suspects Dan Kosub will provide a batch of brand new songs to colour all seasons. - Lisa McDonald, Live Music Head

“Dan Kosub has a voice that sounds very established for such a young cat. His reflective debut album Reservoir is a magnificent display of gifts…Songwriting and composing are the obvious highlights of this Canadian rising star …Blue and Grey spins the same spool of thread held by the likes of Jonathan Clay or Howie Day, but is much better lyrically.”
- Fensepost.com


Full Review Here:
http://bit.ly/1S7NC - Ron Tremblath, Fensepost.com

"...there is an intelligence to the lyrics of Kosub not found in most pop tunes these days..."
– Jim Barber, Pie Magazine

Full article:
http://bit.ly/5cqNyd
- Jim Barber, Pie Magazine

Full media:
http://vimeo.com/19964951 - - David Marskell, The Indie Machine

Looks like I'm not finishing that Toronto kick anytime soon. Dan Kosub call's Ontario's capital home, and he is set to release Jacob's Island March 8th. I'm really enjoying E.P.'s lately, they seem like such a great way to create buzz and excitement for more from the artist. Kosub's latest works are no different. Six solid tracks, and now I sit and wait for the tour...

With an upbeat sound, and a great voice, it's an easy album to fall into. Kosub sounds like he's been releasing albums for years. "House Arrest" and "Til I'm there" are my two favourites. I love the instruments in "House Arrest", and "Til I'm there" is a killer song to start the album off with, Kosub's singing pulling you in immediately.

This talented singer/songwriter has tour dates lined up in Ontario to support this latest release. He also has plans of hitting the road hard this summer, making his way out here to Victoria and then heading back. Bringing Jacob's Island with him, gives us all the chance to visit and take in the sights and sounds. - Adam Lee, Island Soapbox

Toronto singer-songwriter Dan Kosub takes the stage tonight.

He's currently touring to support his sophomore album, Jacob's Island.

Kosub writes about everything from stardom to losing loved ones. The latter topic is carefully penned on the track Fifteen Summers, which Kosub wrote on the 10-year anniversary of his mother's death.

While Kosub tackles difficult subject matters, he balances them with indie-pop tunes, such as the album's lead tune, titled Til I'm There, while Aurelia, another notable track, is a fast-paced indie-rock gem that talks about the problem with fame.

Kosub is definitely committed to his craft. He's been known to write songs on Greyhound buses. He wrote over 50 tracks for his debut, Reservoir (not all of them made the cut). Part of this probably stems from being raised by artists: his mother was a sculptor; his father, a musician; his grandfather, a painter.

Kosub performs in the London Music Club's Front Room Thursday. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $5, which also gives you access to a set by Tim Fraser. - - Lori Mastronardi, The London Free Press

Toronto singer-songwriter Dan Kosub takes the stage tonight.

He's currently touring to support his sophomore album, Jacob's Island.

Kosub writes about everything from stardom to losing loved ones. The latter topic is carefully penned on the track Fifteen Summers, which Kosub wrote on the 10-year anniversary of his mother's death.

While Kosub tackles difficult subject matters, he balances them with indie-pop tunes, such as the album's lead tune, titled Til I'm There, while Aurelia, another notable track, is a fast-paced indie-rock gem that talks about the problem with fame.

Kosub is definitely committed to his craft. He's been known to write songs on Greyhound buses. He wrote over 50 tracks for his debut, Reservoir (not all of them made the cut). Part of this probably stems from being raised by artists: his mother was a sculptor; his father, a musician; his grandfather, a painter.

Kosub performs in the London Music Club's Front Room Thursday. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. Cover is $5, which also gives you access to a set by Tim Fraser. - - Lori Mastronardi, The London Free Press

Singer and guitarist Dan Kosub, whose new album is Jacob’s Island, was also terrific at Bloor Street’s Paupers’ Pub’s 25th anniversary party Thursday where everything on the menu went for 1986 prices. I was at a table with the Sun’s Jenny Yuen, her better half Dave McEwen, Tim Muzza, Amy Killoran and Adam and Seb Dalgarno and Karen from Creemore Brewery and we all agreed we love the beer and wings as much as we love the priced like they were in 86. - - Joe Warmington, The Toronto Sun

Singer and guitarist Dan Kosub, whose new album is Jacob’s Island, was also terrific at Bloor Street’s Paupers’ Pub’s 25th anniversary party Thursday where everything on the menu went for 1986 prices. I was at a table with the Sun’s Jenny Yuen, her better half Dave McEwen, Tim Muzza, Amy Killoran and Adam and Seb Dalgarno and Karen from Creemore Brewery and we all agreed we love the beer and wings as much as we love the priced like they were in 86. - - Joe Warmington, The Toronto Sun

Singer and guitarist Dan Kosub, whose new album is Jacob’s Island, was also terrific at Bloor Street’s Paupers’ Pub’s 25th anniversary party Thursday where everything on the menu went for 1986 prices. I was at a table with the Sun’s Jenny Yuen, her better half Dave McEwen, Tim Muzza, Amy Killoran and Adam and Seb Dalgarno and Karen from Creemore Brewery and we all agreed we love the beer and wings as much as we love the priced like they were in 86. - - The Toronto Sun

"There's a definite radio-friendly vibe in his songs with a James Blunt-raspy cool...he's more at home with his acoustic ballads like the One Tree Hill-ready-made 'Blue and Grey' and the environmental-themed 'Gone By 2040'

Full review:
http://bit.ly/6FneJI - Noah Toh, http://youretheshitandimkneedeepinit.blogspot.com

"...subtle bass and chilling imagery that works well for Kosub, showing sides of intelligence and melancholy laced with vulnerability."
- Sheena Lyonnais, Toronto Music Scene on "Gone by 2040"

Full review here:
http://bit.ly/P9UyA - Sheena Lyonnais, Toronto Music Scene