Canadian singer/songwriter Joel Willoughby has absorbed plenty of culture in his youth, being the son of traveling missionaries and having called a variety of places home. Growing up overseas gave him a unique world view. At one time, his parents lived in war-torn Uganda. While Willoughby went to an Anglican boarding school in Kenya, he met other kids from around the world, played the usual British sports such as rugby and cricket, and was introduced to the influential Brit-pop scene. With such varied life experiences, that well-traveled, world-weary soul can't help but show up in Willoughby's songs.He's been writing and performing in various bands for over 15 years -spending the past 10 years drumming in Vancouver's 'critically acclaimed' Maplewood Lane, while also splitting his time with Dawntreader.While in the midst of recording drum tracks for their prospective albums, Willoughby began crafting his own solo record with producer Jon Anderson. An album began to take shape that embraced Joel's love of catchy guitar-driven indie pop - an album aptly titled "Do you Have Something To Say?" (Released July 2008)Joel has shared the stage with bands and songwriters alike - at folk fests, clubs and coffeehouses around the northwest US and Canada. He's already released one EP, entitled "Closer to Home." This was also recorded and produced by Jonathan Anderson (Maplewood Lane, Dawntreader, Kensington Prairie, Stabilo, etc.)On his new album, Willoughby took things slowly - recording demos with producer Jonathan Anderson, and slowly crafting the songs over the course of the last 2 years. Anderson lends his hand at electric guitar, bass, and a plethora of other instruments. Catherine Newton sings hauntingly beautiful back-up vocals and plays violin on one track as well. Joel Willoughby takes care of the rest: lead vocals, bgv's, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, drums and percussion.All in all, "Do You Have Something To Say?" is a great LP and a captivating album of catchy indie pop. For fans of: Death Cab For Cutie, Doves, Josh Rouse, or Travis.
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