Music
Press
Last night for the January 4th First Friday, we had the pleasure of hearing WHITE FIRE REED live for the first time.
For a 3 piece band, they sure pack a big musical punch. Performing mostly original material from their CD ‘POSITIVE CHANGE’, the audience very much appreciated their skill, enthusiasm & professionalism. A few covers were also done from bands such as The Doors, CCR & a version of a U2 song that was particularly amazing. Lead singer & bass player Gary was having lots of fun trying out a new toy he got for Christmas. I am not a techie kind of person, but I think it was a processor that he used to add reverb & other effects at the perfect times.
We all look forward to hearing the brothers Johnston along with Kurt Oblak play again soon. If you haven’t seen them yet yourself, you should – or at least pick up their CD. It can be yours for only $9.99 – on sale at Cheeky Monkey of course! - Mary Anne Peloza
Discography
In 2003, White Fire Reed recorded 3 song EP. Singles The Only One, Blinded, and Take My Heart.
In 2009, CKXS 99.9, Jay Smith, Radio DJ, did an interview with Gary and Mike of White Fire Reed for 4th Fridays-Cultural Crawl-Wallaceburg, Singles were played on their radio station-The Calling and Bitter Taste.
In July 2010, White Fire Reed Recorded Full Length Album, called Positive Change-16 bed tracks recorded and 12 tracks were released. Recorded at STP-Sugar Tone Productions-Dave Allan, Co-Producer/Engineer.
October 2010-Spirit Walker released for radio airplay-The Eagle Radio Station-103.3 and 107.7
July 25th, 2012-The Eagle Radio Station 103.3 and 107.7 aired singles The Calling, Bitter Taste, Spirit Walker, and, The Round Universe.
Photos
Bio
White Fire Reed is:
Gary Johnston-Vocals/Bass
Mike Johnston-Lead Guitar
Kurt Oblak-Drums/Percussion
In 1997, The band was without having a band name and exchanging creative idea's through music and lyrics. During this time in 1997, White Fire Reed consisted of Gary Johnston-Vocals and Guitar, Mike Johnston-Lead Guitar, Steve Podolchuk on Bass, and, Chuck Chaboyer-Drums.
During rehearsals in the basement, the band at the time mostly played "Covers" of other musical influences and it inspired them to dig deeper within their roots to form their own creativity. Most late nights after practice, the band went to their favorite coffee shop and the idea of the band name was discovered by Lead guitarist, Mike Johnston, during a coffee break and "White Fire Reed" was created.
In 1998, White Fire Reed was selected to perform at the Canadian Aboriginal Festival (CANAB) at the Toronto SkyDome. White Fire Reed was the only Rock/Alternative band that was featured in the performance tent that year.
The CANAB Festival Committee had requested for White Fire Reed to return to the stage in the following year in 1999 as a Main Stage Act and the band had shared the stage with Derek Miller, Eagle and Hawk, Eagle Feather Band, Joanne Shenandoah, and many other Aboriginal artists. The band also returned to the festival in Toronto in 2001, 2003. In November of 2010, the CANAB Festival had moved to the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, ON, where White Fire Reed had performed.
In 2001, White Fire Reed had appeared on APTN’s First Music and Arts Show with Waneek Horn. Both Gary and Mike spoke about how they became musicians and spoke of their dreams of developing a full length album.
In 2003, Both brothers, Gary and Mike Johnston decided to make a Demo/EP in Thunder Bay and approached original bassist-Steve Podolchuk to help them record their 3 song demo through Valente’s Music. Their EP consisted of the recorded singles-"The Only One" "Take My Heart" and "Blinded."
Moving further to 2010, White Fire Reed managed to receive sponsorship through a local source to assist them with the making of their Full Length Album and the band decided to call it Positive Change. The band decided to record their album at STP-Sugar Tone Productions with Dave Allan, Co-producing and Engineering the album. You can also find their album online through their soundcloud.com page. It gives the consumer an opportunity to listen to the album before purchasing it. You can also purchase their album at Cheeky Monkey Record Store within the store or online through the Cheeky Monkey website.
In the early years of White Fire Reed, both brothers, Gary and Mike had decided to part ways with Steve Podolchuk and Chuck Chaboyer.With the changes within the line up, this meant that Gary would be doing Bass and Vocals and Mike doing all Rhythm and Lead guitar parts.
In October 2012, Gary and Mike had met Drummer Kurt Oblak. Kurt is a young high school student that delivers his talent and experience by his versatility, creativity and, uniqueness behind the drums. Although Kurt has not recorded an album with Gary and Mike yet. Kurt has the necessary skills and experience by performing all of White Fire Reed's material from their "Positive Change" album. Now as a Trio, White Fire Reed continues their music by performing at many local venues and has participated by performing for Free at several fund raising benefits within Sarnia for good causes.
You can also find White Fire Reed through many social networking websites online at Twitter, Youtube, Reverbnation, Facebook, Vimeo, CBC Radio, and Myspace
Links
