With a new album recorded in 2008, smokekiller is ready to be seen and heard. The new record was produced by smokekiller and DAVID J. TAYLOR (WCMA PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2007, WCMA PRODUCER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE 2008) and mixed by Odds guitarist Steven Drake(mixed the tragically hip, 54-40). Smokekiller was in Austin, TX for SXSW 2008 with Jen Lane and showcased the smokekiller band at NXNE 2008 in Toronto, ON. With "13" available soon, and a summer tour in the works, it's been a busy year for smokekiller. The beginning of 2009 comes with "Out There" selected as a regional winner in the Canadian Radio Star Songwriting Contest, and a trip to Canadian Music Week in March. The new album title comes from having 13 tracks on the record, but is also smokekiller's birthday (born on a friday the 13th of april some years ago.) As well, smokekiller has been writing songs for 13 years, so the title just seemed to make sense. With all the buzz surrounding the project, smokekiller is ready to make some big waves in the music industry in 2009.
“the mellow genius of smokekiller. Smokekiller, a.k.a. John Antoniuk, has evolved into one of the most capable solo players in the city, if not Western Canada.â€
Andrew Schwab, editor of the Sheaf. (U of S student paper.)
" "13" plays with ambient noise and backmasking, showcases imaginative drumming, and also reveals Antoniuk's love of electric guitars - underpinning this sonic growth is what made smokekiller's name in the first place: Antoniuk's sweet melodies and talent as a lyricist."
caitlin ward, planet s magazine
"..sensationally catchy.."
Planet S Magazine
"Smokekiller makes music that vibrates with consistent excitement."
National Association of Record Industry Professionals
smokekiller has shared the stage with:
Ron Sexsmith
Tegan & Sera
Corb Lund Band
The Waifs
Wide Mouth Mason
Jen Lane
Leeroy Stagger
Kevin Kane
Jon McKiel
Randy Bachman
Scott Nolan
The Weakerthans
Shane Yellowbird
Notable showcases:
SXSW 2009
OCFF 2008
NXNE 2008
SXSW 2008
WCMA 2007
OCFF 2007
JUNOFEST 2007
WCMA 2006
WCMA 2005