Johnny Hatch & the Lost Disciples
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | INDIE
Music
Press
BY ERIN HARDE, FOR THE LEADER-POST MAY 12, 2011
Regina product Johnny Hatch may be partly based in Vancouver and developing an increasing fondness for Los Angeles, but it was in Saskatchewan that he was able to follow through on his dream of making his sophomore album.
While you can feel the laid back California vibe on Happiness Instead, as though Hatch is the Prairies' answer to Brian Wilson, the album was mostly recorded at Dave Fries' Ze Studio on a farm near Zehner, Hatch, whose real name is Hatzitolios, says the album is the fruition of a long journey.
"It was worth coming home to Saskatchewan to create this chapter of my life, and record this album," says Hatch, a graduate of Sheldon-Williams Collegiate. "I put my heart and soul into it."
The pop/rock album was a year and a half in the making, and by contrast to his first album Hot Traxx!!!, was put through the preproduction and production ringer thanks in part to a grant from SaskMusic. Co-produced by Hatch and Fries, Happiness Instead was made for radio, with several tracks already finding their way onto Moose Jaw's Mix 103.
Positive and upbeat, the album's nine tracks and two remixes are instantly infectious, something Hatch aims for in his songwriting.
"A lot of those songs start from something dramatic or sad, but during the writing process, I'll craft it and think to myself that there's so much negativity and complaining in the world, who needs more of that?" says Hatch. "I'll flip a couple words, and turn it around and all of a sudden it sounds like a positive anthem."
Hatch also spent a month in L.A. recording "Echo" and "In L.A." with his friend Doug Milledge, aka Doug Deep, a former Reginan who now composes music for TV shows like Survivor.
"It was a fun contrast between being at Dave's (studio), and listening to the tracks on the way home on the prairie, and then being in a metropolis like L.A," says Hatch.
Truly a Saskatchewan effort, all of the musicians featured on the album are from this province, including Fries, Pat Kelly, Gerry Pittet, Depen Pandya, Michael Herle, Milledge, Megan Nash and Matt Johnstone.
Hatch has big hopes for the album. Like his debut release, he hopes to get radio play across Canada, but he also dreams of hearing the songs in film and television, building on his success of earlier songs being used in the movie Fubar and television show Renegade Press. Fox Sports has already expressed interest in using "In L.A." But, most of all, he's interested in having his songs covered by popular artists. The catchy lead-off track "Echo" would be a perfect song for a singer/songwriter like Colin James, says Hatch.
"I could see any of those American Idol kids singing my songs."
As the owner of R.H.M. School of Rock and Folk Music, Hatch has the freedom to start promoting his album in Canada and the U.S. Together with bandmates Fries on bass, Kelly on drums and Pittet on guitar, Hatch will be touring in Western Canada in July, and taking his solo acoustic show to L.A in August. Regina fans can see Hatch's live show during the CD release party for Happiness Instead at O'Hanlons on June 10.
"I'm really looking forward to getting out and playing a lot," says Hatch. "I try to make it really fun for the crowd and get them up to dance."
In the meantime, fans can pick up Happiness Instead at Long and McQuade, St. John's Music, Bach and Beyond, or music download sites like iTunes.
- Leader Post Newspaper - (Front Page & Feature Article)
BY ERIN HARDE, FOR THE LEADER-POST MAY 12, 2011
Regina product Johnny Hatch may be partly based in Vancouver and developing an increasing fondness for Los Angeles, but it was in Saskatchewan that he was able to follow through on his dream of making his sophomore album.
While you can feel the laid back California vibe on Happiness Instead, as though Hatch is the Prairies' answer to Brian Wilson, the album was mostly recorded at Dave Fries' Ze Studio on a farm near Zehner, Hatch, whose real name is Hatzitolios, says the album is the fruition of a long journey.
"It was worth coming home to Saskatchewan to create this chapter of my life, and record this album," says Hatch, a graduate of Sheldon-Williams Collegiate. "I put my heart and soul into it."
The pop/rock album was a year and a half in the making, and by contrast to his first album Hot Traxx!!!, was put through the preproduction and production ringer thanks in part to a grant from SaskMusic. Co-produced by Hatch and Fries, Happiness Instead was made for radio, with several tracks already finding their way onto Moose Jaw's Mix 103.
Positive and upbeat, the album's nine tracks and two remixes are instantly infectious, something Hatch aims for in his songwriting.
"A lot of those songs start from something dramatic or sad, but during the writing process, I'll craft it and think to myself that there's so much negativity and complaining in the world, who needs more of that?" says Hatch. "I'll flip a couple words, and turn it around and all of a sudden it sounds like a positive anthem."
Hatch also spent a month in L.A. recording "Echo" and "In L.A." with his friend Doug Milledge, aka Doug Deep, a former Reginan who now composes music for TV shows like Survivor.
"It was a fun contrast between being at Dave's (studio), and listening to the tracks on the way home on the prairie, and then being in a metropolis like L.A," says Hatch.
Truly a Saskatchewan effort, all of the musicians featured on the album are from this province, including Fries, Pat Kelly, Gerry Pittet, Depen Pandya, Michael Herle, Milledge, Megan Nash and Matt Johnstone.
Hatch has big hopes for the album. Like his debut release, he hopes to get radio play across Canada, but he also dreams of hearing the songs in film and television, building on his success of earlier songs being used in the movie Fubar and television show Renegade Press. Fox Sports has already expressed interest in using "In L.A." But, most of all, he's interested in having his songs covered by popular artists. The catchy lead-off track "Echo" would be a perfect song for a singer/songwriter like Colin James, says Hatch.
"I could see any of those American Idol kids singing my songs."
As the owner of R.H.M. School of Rock and Folk Music, Hatch has the freedom to start promoting his album in Canada and the U.S. Together with bandmates Fries on bass, Kelly on drums and Pittet on guitar, Hatch will be touring in Western Canada in July, and taking his solo acoustic show to L.A in August. Regina fans can see Hatch's live show during the CD release party for Happiness Instead at O'Hanlons on June 10.
"I'm really looking forward to getting out and playing a lot," says Hatch. "I try to make it really fun for the crowd and get them up to dance."
In the meantime, fans can pick up Happiness Instead at Long and McQuade, St. John's Music, Bach and Beyond, or music download sites like iTunes.
- Leader Post Newspaper - (Front Page & Feature Article)
" a wonderful collection of songs with great musicianship and harmonies. I really enjoyed Happiness Instead"
- John Donnelly, Re-knowned Event Producer & Musician –Vancouver
"Johnny is the Paul Westerberg of Regina. I reeeeally like the song 'Echo'. Dave & Johnny did a great job producing this record." David J. Taylor Award-winning Producer & Artist, Regina
"A world-class album in songwriting, performance & recording. I'm really enjoying listening to Happiness Instead" Steve McDonnell Artist & Magazine Publisher Buzzcity Magazine -Regina
- Music Industry Quotes
" a wonderful collection of songs with great musicianship and harmonies. I really enjoyed Happiness Instead"
- John Donnelly, Re-knowned Event Producer & Musician –Vancouver
"Johnny is the Paul Westerberg of Regina. I reeeeally like the song 'Echo'. Dave & Johnny did a great job producing this record." David J. Taylor Award-winning Producer & Artist, Regina
"A world-class album in songwriting, performance & recording. I'm really enjoying listening to Happiness Instead" Steve McDonnell Artist & Magazine Publisher Buzzcity Magazine -Regina
- Music Industry Quotes
Hey bro! Nice seeing you this weekend at Relay For Life, LOVED IT!...you sure know how to tame a crowd of adoring fans John. You probably rank around eight in my all time favorite groups to see live, and that's considering U2, Billy Joel, Green Day, Panic At the Disco and some of my other favorites. I’ll load a truck of me and my excited friends and head out to see your next show. YOU ROCK!!!"
- Matt S. (19 years old), Fan Comment - Fan Comment from Matt S. (19 years old)
"Hatch's latest batch of tunes are full of uplifting, melodic folk, rock, pop and dance tunes that will stick in your head for days. Happiness Instead is definitely worth your time and hard earned moolah. Make sure to check him and his band out when they tour in the next few months!
JJ Elliot - Spun Music Blog (Nominated by CBC as one of Canada's Top Music Web Sites)
June 2011 from Matt S. (19 years old) Hey bro! Nice seeing you this weekend at Relay For Life, LOVED IT!...you sure know how to tame a crowd of adoring fans John. You probably rank around eight in my all time favorite groups to see live, and that's considering U2, Billy Joel, Green Day, Panic At the Disco and some of my other favorites. I’ll load a truck of me and my excited friends and head out to see your next show. YOU ROCK!!!"
- Matt S. (19 years old), Fan Comment - Fan Comment on June 2011 from Matt S. (19 years old)
"Hatch's latest batch of tunes are full of uplifting, melodic folk, rock, pop and dance tunes that will stick in your head for days. Happiness Instead is definitely worth your time and hard earned moolah. Make sure to check him and his band out when they tour in the next few months!
JJ Elliot - Spun Music Blog (Nominated by CBC as one of Canada's Top Music Web Sites)
Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2007
"...shows a musical maturity and diversity that quite a few bands would be envious of."
“Barrel of Monkeys…a raging guitar solo and wicked rhythm line that makes the song totally irresistible to listen to”
"This Road....vocals sounding like a cross between Tom Waits & Tom Petty....the listener can immediately garner the talent level of the band…….an EP very deserving of a listen"
- Regina Leader Post
Saskatchewan Band Spotlight - 800 CHAB, Moose Jaw
1/ 2 Hour Interview Feature
Sat June 2nd & repeated Sunday, June 3rd . 2007
“Talented, passionate & skilled…. great tunes”
Lori Dean – CHAB Radio, Moose Jaw“
- CHAB Radio, Moose Jaw
Saskatchewan Band Spotlight - 800 CHAB, Moose Jaw
1/ 2 Hour Interview Feature
Sat June 2nd & repeated Sunday, June 3rd . 2007
“Talented, passionate & skilled…. great tunes”
Lori Dean – CHAB Radio, Moose Jaw“
- CHAB Radio, Moose Jaw
“Upbeat, catchy & rocking.
I enjoyed listening to Hot Traxx!!!… one of my favourite Saskatchewan recordings.”
DJ Evan Baran
(104.9 the Wolf, Regina)
- 104.9 the Wolf, Regina
“Upbeat, catchy & rocking.
I enjoyed listening to Hot Traxx!!!… one of my favourite Saskatchewan recordings.”
DJ Evan Baran
(104.9 the Wolf, Regina)
- 104.9 the Wolf, Regina
CFBU 103.7 MHz
- St. Catharines Brock University
Top 30
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Rank Artist Title Label
1 Hazmat Modine Bahamut Barbes
2 Julie Doiron
Woke Myself Up Endearing
3 Delerium
Nuages Du Monde Nettwerk
4 Las Rubias Del Norte Panamericana Barbes
5 Big John Bates
Take Your Medicine Wolverine
6 Reily
We Were Archaeologists Last Ounce
7 Neko Case Live From Austin TX New West
8 Hotshotrobot
Eat My Heart Independent
9 Busdriver RoadKillOvercoat Epitaph
10 Desiderata
We Are Not Convinced There Has Been Any Improvement Champion City
11 Johnny Cash Live From Austin Texas New West
12 TV On The Radio Return To Cookie Mountain Interscope
13 Various
Snowed In: A Tribute To Hank Snow CJSR
14 The Awkward Stage
Heaven Is For Easy Girls Mint
15 Johnny Hatch & the Lost Disciples
Hot Traxx!! MusicMusic Entertainment
16 Statues
New People Make Us Nervous Pelado
17 Live Country Music
Long Hard Season Independent
18 The Stolen Minks
Family Boycott New Romance For Kids
19 Ceti Alpha
The Street Independent
20 Daniel Bouliane
Tagayet Onde Spirale
21 Geoff Berner
The Wedding Dance Of The Widow Bride Jericho Beach
22 Bocce
Hi Birdbear/Can't Reason Do It? Dadmobile
23 Bill Brovold And Larval Surviving Death/Alive Why? Cuneiform
24 Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter Like, Love, Lust & The Open Halls Of The Soul Barsuk
25 Knock Knock Ginger
Based On A True Story Dadmobile
26 Ragni
Ragni Seven Story
27 Attack In Black
Widows Dine Alone
- Ear Shot Online
CFBU 103.7 MHz
- St. Catharines Brock University
Top 30
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Rank Artist Title Label
1 Hazmat Modine Bahamut Barbes
2 Julie Doiron
Woke Myself Up Endearing
3 Delerium
Nuages Du Monde Nettwerk
4 Las Rubias Del Norte Panamericana Barbes
5 Big John Bates
Take Your Medicine Wolverine
6 Reily
We Were Archaeologists Last Ounce
7 Neko Case Live From Austin TX New West
8 Hotshotrobot
Eat My Heart Independent
9 Busdriver RoadKillOvercoat Epitaph
10 Desiderata
We Are Not Convinced There Has Been Any Improvement Champion City
11 Johnny Cash Live From Austin Texas New West
12 TV On The Radio Return To Cookie Mountain Interscope
13 Various
Snowed In: A Tribute To Hank Snow CJSR
14 The Awkward Stage
Heaven Is For Easy Girls Mint
15 Johnny Hatch & the Lost Disciples
Hot Traxx!! MusicMusic Entertainment
16 Statues
New People Make Us Nervous Pelado
17 Live Country Music
Long Hard Season Independent
18 The Stolen Minks
Family Boycott New Romance For Kids
19 Ceti Alpha
The Street Independent
20 Daniel Bouliane
Tagayet Onde Spirale
21 Geoff Berner
The Wedding Dance Of The Widow Bride Jericho Beach
22 Bocce
Hi Birdbear/Can't Reason Do It? Dadmobile
23 Bill Brovold And Larval Surviving Death/Alive Why? Cuneiform
24 Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter Like, Love, Lust & The Open Halls Of The Soul Barsuk
25 Knock Knock Ginger
Based On A True Story Dadmobile
26 Ragni
Ragni Seven Story
27 Attack In Black
Widows Dine Alone
- Ear Shot Online
PRESS QUOTES & RADIO
“Upbeat, catchy & rocking. I enjoyed listening to Hot Traxx!!!… one of my favourite Saskatchewan recordings.”
DJ Evan Baran
(104.9 the Wolf, Regina)
“I loved the tunes and will feature Barrel of Monkeys in my next film”
Alex Gabor, Film Producer / Director, The Penny King, Hollywood, August, 2008
Hot Traxx!!! - # 15 at Brock University Radio St. Catherine’s, Ont.
Feb. 2007
Songs ‘Wake Up’ & ‘This Road’ were broadcast several times a week throughout 2007 at CJMQ, Sherbrooke, Quebec.
"...shows a musical maturity and diversity that quite a few bands would be envious of."
“Barrel of Monkeys…a raging guitar solo and wicked rhythm line that makes the song totally irresistible to listen to”
"This Road....vocals sounding like a cross between Tom Waits & Tom Petty....the listener can immediately garner the talent level of the band…….an EP very deserving of a listen"
Chris Tessmer - Regina Leader Post, Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2007
Saskatchewan Band Spotlight - 800 CHAB, Moose Jaw
1/ 2 hour Interview Feature Sat June 2nd & repeated Sunday, June 3rd
“Talented, passionate & skilled…. great tunes”
Lori Dean – CHAB Radio, Moose Jaw“
‘Barrel of Monkeys’ - video shot in Toronto, won 1st prize best video industry & reader contest by Canada Computes Magazine, broadcast nationally on CTV. 2003
- www.musicmusic.ca
Saturday, Jan. 20th, 2007
"...shows a musical maturity and diversity that quite a few bands would be envious of."
“Barrel of Monkeys…a raging guitar solo and wicked rhythm line that makes the song totally irresistible to listen to”
"This Road....vocals sounding like a cross between Tom Waits & Tom Petty....the listener can immediately garner the talent level of the band…….an EP very deserving of a listen"
- Regina Leader Post
Discography
April 2011 - Happiness Instead
November, 2007 - Hot Traxx!!!
THOR - Triumphant - 2005
“Fubar is A Super Rock” – Fubar Soundtrack & DVD with THOR 2003
angry candy – snap, crackle, pop! – 1998
Movie & TV Songwriting and Recording Credits
-“Let’s Go, Don’t Crash” – Renegade Press TV show – (Regina, 2006)
-“Scooter Kids” – 3 songs – (Hollywood, California – Amsel Entertainment – 2003) produced by Adam H.
-“Fubar Is A Super Rocker” – From the hit movie “Fubar” (with THOR) 2003 (Alliance Atlantis - Calgary / Toronto)
-“Graveyard” title track (starring Joe “Shithead” Keithley of DOA) (Fizz Films) – Vancouver, BC. 2002
-“Forever & After” title track (378 Productions) – Edmonton, AB 2002
Rock Videos
- Johnny Hatch ‘Barrel of Monkeys’ - (original version) shot in Toronto, chosen best video by Canada Computes magazine reader contest 2003.
- THOR – ‘Fubar is a Super Rocker’ – from the hit movie FUBAR (Alliance Atlantis). 2002
- THOR – ‘Graveyard’ – from the movie Graveyard (Fizz Films –Vancouver) 2002
Photos
Bio
Just released Jan 2015 - ‘Bones About It’, a brooding, exciting rock track. Features tasty guitar by Morgan Hughes and tight vocals by Hatch. Fans of Foo Fighters, Tragically Hip, classic and modern rock will enjoy this. Play loud when you’re in the mood for some motivating rock’n’roll!
Johnny Hatch is a
purpose-driven renaissance man, self-employed full-time in music. The
Hatchman and his band-mates are dynamic performers & gifted inspiring
songwriters. Tracks from the last album ‘Happiness Instead’ received radio airplay across parts of Canada
and the US and 5 publishing offers. ‘Happiness Instead’ was recorded in Regina, Canada except for the songs ‘Echo’
& ‘In L.A.’ recorded in Los Angeles with Doug Deep (music composer
for shows such as mega-hit Survivor & Dave Grohl’s Sound City Movie).
· The band line-up has now evolved to include virtuoso
guitarist Morgan Hughes (toured for
years with the acclaimed Funkenstein and offered a
contract with Epitaph). Morgan & Johnny have a fantastic
musical chemistry, constantly creating catchy songs and riffs.
· Awarded 2 recording grants by Creative Saskatchewan
· After amazing experiences recording and performing
the songs on Happiness Instead on two continents, Johnny Hatch has decided to
split his rock music from his acoustic music, the latter of which will now be performed
as ‘Folk Sanctuary’.
RADIO Airplay at KLED & KCLA Los Angeles. CBC Canada national Radio. Mix 103.9 FM Moose Jaw. Rock 104 the Wolf Regina - NWCZ – Seattle, UMFM Winnipeg, CJTR Regina, CJMQ Sherbrooke, Quebec, CFBX Kamloops, Sun FM Estevan, SK & many more. Multiple online stations across North America. Songs from the debut EP ‘Hot Traxx!!!’ (produced by David J. Taylor) received radio airplay at college radio across Canada and some commercial radio.
SHOWS: 2015 - Booking shows in Canada, Germany & Greece. 2014 & 2013 – Performing and songwriting in Vancouver, Regina, Saskatoon, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, & Newport winning many new fans. Summer 2012 – regional Sask shows, 3 shows in Toronto. Performed 5 shows in Greece! Recent Sask shows include Cathedral Village Arts Festival, All Folked Up in Montremarte, Saskatoon’s – Stripped Down TV show and the Fez
Influences: Classic
Rock , Alternative, Funk, Roots
Foo Fighters, Chili
Peppers, U2, Goo Goo Dolls, Tom Petty, Radiohead, Stones, Beatles, B-52’s
AMAZING FAN
COMMENT!!
LOVED IT!...you sure know how to tame a crowd of adoring fans
John. You probably rank around 8 in my all time favorite groups to see live and that's considering U2, Green Day, Billy Joel, Panic At the Disco
and my other favorites. I’ll load a
truck of me and my excited friends and head out to see your next show. YOU ROCK!!!
FILM & TV Songs Wrote and placed songs in several
Movies & TV shows including the hit film Fubar!
(‘Fubar is Super Rocker’ with world-wide metal legend Jon THOR). Soundtrack on EMI records
alongside bands Sum 41, Treblecharger etc. Rocked 3 tours with THOR, most
notably opening for Nashville Pussy
(Grammy nominees). Credits
include: Scooter Kids (Hollywood),
Canada’s Renegade Press TV show
& more.
INDUSTRY QUOTES
"Positive & upbeat, instantly infectious" Erin Harde - Leader Post Regina (Front cover & feature article).
4/5 Stars Excellent "..uplifting, melodic rock, pop & dance tunes that will stick in your head for days" JJ Elliott - Spun Music
" A wonderful collection of songs with great musicianship and harmonies. I really enjoyed it."
John Donnelly Event Producer Vancouver
- Johnny co-founded Neurotic Paperboy (later the Waltons) with Juno winner Jason Plumb and opened for bands such as Soul Asylum & Pursuit of Happiness.
Band Members
Links
