The Johans

After taking an audiovisual course together in college and forming a close bond, the co-conspirators of The Johans each followed their own creative direction before their paths crossed again. The idea of continuing along a common musical road seemed destined.

The journey was anything but linear. Beginning as a trio and trying to find their own voice amongst the many musical styles they enjoyed, they eventually decided to continue as a duo and to focus on folk, a genre whose authenticity they embraced.

Conceptually very family-oriented – for instance, each of the mothers of the original trio was named Johanne – they use original family photos from various eras in their designs. Their traditional yet cutting edge aesthetic aligns well with the musical duality that includes both the raw and a softer side.

Cynthia (voice/banjo) and Emilie (banjo/guitar/ukulele) have developed a sincere repertoire that is not overly simplistic and walks the line between 50s-style folk and modern indie. The duo is putting the final touches on an EP after having been discovered on a TV show by the Handclaps Records team which has taken them under its wing. This musical production-house has acquired international notoriety over the past few years, notably having had successful commercial radio singles in Quebec and France, as well as having a stellar track record with its catalog on TV and all forms of audiovisual advertisement, and network series (aired on networks such as NBC, ABC, MTV, W, Bravo, and ABC2 Australia among others) and movies screened globally.

The Johans will be out in full support of their debut EP this Spring. The first stop: Toronto’s industry-showcase series at the CMW Music Festival in April.