At first glance one would not think that the obvious opposites of Toronto born Andi D and Hamilton Rocker Jen Benton would ever flourish into such a dynamic duo but oh, the wonderful balance that difference makes!
It all began in a coffee shop in the west end of Toronto during the spring of 2001 where singer/songwriter Andi D. and bassist/writer Jen Benton first met. Andi, sipping on her soy latte, and Jen in her Nirvana tee, sat together and began to share their very different backgrounds and experiences within the Canadian Indie Music scene. Andi, a pure folk singer/songwriter, began her career in a local acoustic trio "Mermaid Cafe" who had a weekly headlining gig at the Legendary Spadina Hotel in the early 90"s. With pure talent and experience, she was well on her way to perfecting her craft!
Jen is a born rocker! She had played with various rock bands throughout the Hamilton region, and held her own monthly gig in Hamilton's Hess Village. She studied jazz and classical music at Mohawk College and upright bass lessons under the guidance of Pat Collins. Their short' meeting grew into hour upon hours of great conversation and a special friendship was brilliantly formed. The question was: Could they work together musically?
The following week the girls met up again; this time with instruments in hand. Andi began to sing and play her tunes and, without hesitation, Jen joined in with her own funky melodic twist; with smiles and excitement, came august!
They spent the next 3 years developing and defining their very differnt musical styles. They released a self titled EP, (produced with Darius Szczepaniak and Sean Ballie), which combined a rock/pop flavour with folkier balads. They played extensively throughout southern Ontario, including such well noted events as; CMW, NXNE , Pride Toronto , Burlington Sound of Music, Indie Music Week - Nashville Tennessee, Buffalo New York, as well as being a featured artist on SonicBids.com. In 2005, Ben was honored with an award from Garageband.com for 14th best written bass line for their song Misbelieving'.
Nearing the end of 2005, august decided to play an acoustic duo gig. The silky vocal style of Andi D mixed with the melodic flow of both upright and electric bass brought a still sound to all; that evening, an ending, and an exciting new-beginning.
For the past year, august has been awing audiences in coffeehouses and acoustic showcases throughout Southern Ontario and Eastern Quebec. They have hit the airwaves on local radio and televsion stations. They are also the winners of the 2006 Toronto Independent Music Award for "Best Country Artist".
Just this past winter Jen was hired as the new bassist for Toronto based band The Cliks [Silver Label/Tommy Boy Entertainment (US/International) Kindling Music/Warner Music Canada]. Along with a great management team, and top of the line musicians, this band is one to watch out and listen for!
With Jen out on the road touring with The Cliks, Andi D is working on writing demoing songs for their new album, as well as a collection of personal writings, which she intends to release in collaboration with their record!These are excitings times with so much to look forward to! To Inspire Awe and Admiration is the meaning of the word "august" and there is no disputing that this inspiring duo are talented and seasoned artists whose songwriting and stage performance undoubtedly leaves their audience wanting more ...
