Haven’t heard of Jon McKiel yet? Perhaps its because he’s spent the last year hauled up in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in a dim lit house, armed with a guitar and a cigarette, writing beautifully affecting indie-pop songs. Joined by his bandmates Josh Kogon (bass), Cory LeBlanc (drums), Mike D’Eon (guitar) and Colin Crowell (synth and trumpet), Jon improves on the tradition of fellow Canadian bands like The Stills and Great Lake Swimmers by combining deep pop sensibilities with rich descriptive lyrics and haunting melodies. On songs like “Poor Heart” and “Get Caught,” Jon McKiel delivers the genuineness that has attracted many to fellow singer/songwriters like Andrew Bird, Stephen Malkmus, and Ryan Adams.

Jon’s new album, “The Nature of Things,” was released by Wednesday Records on February 12, 2008. The album follows Jon’s self-titled debut, which was dubbed The Coast’s “Top 50 Albums of 2006.” “The Nature of Things” was recorded at the old Fort Apache in Boston (home of the Pixies’ “Come on Pilgrim,” Radiohead’s “The Bends,” and Dinosaur Jr.’s “Green Mind”) by Thom Flowers. The record was mastered by Noah Mintz (The Dears, Stars, and Broken Social Scene) at Lacquer Channel in Toronto.

Upcoming shows:

28 Jun 2008      20:00    Sled Island Festival @ Marquee Room  Calgary, Alberta
29 Jun 2008     22:00    Canmore Hotel     Canmore, Alberta
01 Jul 2008     20:00    Ottomon Lounge     Medicine Hat, Alberta
04 Jul 2008     20:00    Lydia’s     Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
08 Jul 2008     21:00    Albion     Guelph, Ontario
09 Jul 2008     20:00    Casbah     Hamilton, Ontario
10 Jul 2008     21:00    Rancho Relaxo     Toronto, Ontario
19 Jul 2008     20:00    Green Mountain Festival  Nanimo, British Columbia