Jason Collett
Encyclopedia
Jason Collett is a Toronto based singer-songwriter. He has released four solo albums, and is a member of Broken Social Scene
. His latest album, Rat a Tat Tat
, was released in March, 2010.
, a Greater Toronto Area suburb. He began writing songs at a young age to escape the boredom of his suburban life, and cites Bob Dylan
, Kris Kristofferson
and Nick Lowe
as influences. Eventually, Collett moved to downtown Toronto where he worked as a woodworker and carpenter, doing renovations and custom home building, while he pursued his music. He was a part of the short-lived alternative country
group Bird, of which Andrew Cash
and Hawksley Workman
were also members. Bird released one album, 2000’s Chrome Reflection. Collett also took part in Toronto’s popular indie music gathering, Radio Mondays. Collett, along with others such as The Weakerthans
and artists on the record label Arts & Crafts
, would perform and write songs together. Collett has mentioned how Radio Mondays were great community-building events, with five or six artists on stage at a time.
that allowed Collett to give up woodworking and become a full-time musician. Collett became a member of Broken Social Scene, serving as one of their guitarists, after the band’s album You Forgot It In People
. Collett was eventually convinced by Kevin Drew
to join the band once they moved from a strictly instrumental band into one that wrote their own songs (digphilly). Though Collett took a break from touring with Broken Social Scene in the fall of 2005 to pursue his solo career and spend time with his family, Collett has made many musical connections through the band. His 2005 album, Idols of Exile
, produced by Howie Beck
, featured many prominent Canadian artists. Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew
, Leslie Feist
and Brendan Canning
all contributed, as did members of Stars and Metric
.
; in 2002 it was Motor Motel Love Songs
. In 2005, he released Idols of Exile
, his first on his current record label, Arts & Crafts
; it was the same label to sign Broken Social Scene. Jason's Here's to Being Here
was released in February 2008 and is different from Idols of Exile. Instead of a group effort, with many collaborating artists, Collett decided to focus on making an album that was meant to be played live. Collett tours under his own name with backing band The Dark Horse. In February 2008, Collett added Gregory McDonald, who plays keyboards with Sloan
, and Jeremy Little, a bass player, to his touring band. Formerly touring with backing band Paso Mino, made up of members Robbie Drake, Afie Jurvanen, Mike O'Brien and Michael P. Clive, Collett’s band has undergone many changes in recent years. For Collett's Wood Wires and Whiskey tour in Autumn 2008, the band consisted of Robbie Drake and Mike O'Brien, as well as newcomers Carlin Nicholson (also a member of Toronto acts Zeus
and the 68's) and Neil Quin (also a member of Toronto acts Zeus, Major Grange and The Sexy Moving Parts).
In 2009, Jason Collett took part in an interactive documentary series called City Sonic
. The series, which featured 20 Toronto artists, had him reflecting on his long time relationship with Kensington Market
.
Collett's fifth solo album, Rat a Tat Tat
(produced by O'Brien and Nicholson), was released in March 2010.
and performed at an NDP kick-off rally in Toronto during the fall 2008 election. At a recent show at Queen's University
, Collett expressed his displeasure for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
. He also brought a petition to get Canadian citizen Omar Khadr
released from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre where he has been kept for some time.
Broken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Most of its members currently play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly based around the city of Toronto...
. His latest album, Rat a Tat Tat
Rat a Tat Tat
Rat a Tat Tat is the fifth solo album by Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The album was released on March 9, 2010 from record label Arts & Crafts....
, was released in March, 2010.
Early life
Collett was born in Bramalea, OntarioBramalea, Ontario
Bramalea is a neighbourhood in the city of Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Created as an innovative "new town", Bramalea was developed as a separate community from the city...
, a Greater Toronto Area suburb. He began writing songs at a young age to escape the boredom of his suburban life, and cites Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, musician, poet, film director and painter. He has been a major and profoundly influential figure in popular music and culture for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly...
, Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson
Kristoffer "Kris" Kristofferson is an American musician, actor, and writer. He is known for hits such as "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night"...
and Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe
Nicholas Drain "Nick" Lowe , is an English singer-songwriter, musician and producer.A pivotal figure in UK pub rock, punk rock and new wave, Lowe has recorded a string of well-reviewed solo albums. Along with vocals, Lowe plays guitar, bass guitar, piano and harmonica...
as influences. Eventually, Collett moved to downtown Toronto where he worked as a woodworker and carpenter, doing renovations and custom home building, while he pursued his music. He was a part of the short-lived alternative country
Alternative country
Alternative country is a loosely defined sub-genre of country music, which includes acts that differ significantly in style from mainstream or pop country music...
group Bird, of which Andrew Cash
Andrew Cash
Andrew Cash is a Canadian singer-songwriter and a Member of Parliament for the Toronto-area Davenport electoral district. He grew up in Toronto, where he befriended future MP, Charlie Angus, and along with Angus founded the Toronto punk band L'Étranger. In the late 1990s, he also became a...
and Hawksley Workman
Hawksley Workman
Ryan Corrigan , better known by the stage name Hawksley Workman, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter who has garnered critical acclaim for his blend of cabaret pop and glam rock. Workman has released eleven full length albums throughout his career...
were also members. Bird released one album, 2000’s Chrome Reflection. Collett also took part in Toronto’s popular indie music gathering, Radio Mondays. Collett, along with others such as The Weakerthans
The Weakerthans
The Weakerthans are a four-piece Canadian indie rock band.-History:The band was formed in 1997 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by John K. Samson, after he left the punk band Propagandhi to start a publishing company. Samson joined forces with bassist John P...
and artists on the record label Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts (record label)
Arts & Crafts Productions is a Toronto-based independent artist services company, offering expertise as an independent record label, management firm, merchandiser and music publisher both in Canada and internationally...
, would perform and write songs together. Collett has mentioned how Radio Mondays were great community-building events, with five or six artists on stage at a time.
Broken Social Scene
It was his work with Broken Social SceneBroken Social Scene
Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members, formed in 1999 by Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. Most of its members currently play in various other groups and solo projects, mainly based around the city of Toronto...
that allowed Collett to give up woodworking and become a full-time musician. Collett became a member of Broken Social Scene, serving as one of their guitarists, after the band’s album You Forgot It In People
You Forgot It in People
You Forgot It In People is a 2002 album by Broken Social Scene. It followed Feel Good Lost, and was the band's commercial breakthrough...
. Collett was eventually convinced by Kevin Drew
Kevin Drew
Kevin Drew is a Canadian musician and songwriter who, together with Brendan Canning, founded the expansive Toronto baroque-pop collective Broken Social Scene...
to join the band once they moved from a strictly instrumental band into one that wrote their own songs (digphilly). Though Collett took a break from touring with Broken Social Scene in the fall of 2005 to pursue his solo career and spend time with his family, Collett has made many musical connections through the band. His 2005 album, Idols of Exile
Idols of Exile
-Track listing:#"Fire" - with Amy Millan#"Hangover Days" - with Emily Haines#"Brownie Hawkeye"#"We All Lose One Another"#"Parry Sound"#"I'll Bring the Sun"#"Tinsel and Sawdust"#"Feral Republic"#"Pavement Puddle Stars"#"Almost Summer"#"Pink Night"...
, produced by Howie Beck
Howie Beck
Howie Beck is a Canadian singer-songwriter and producer based in Toronto. His debut album, 1997's Pop and Crash, was recorded at home while Beck recovered from mononucleosis.Beck began to attract attention outside of Canada with 1999's Hollow...
, featured many prominent Canadian artists. Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew
Kevin Drew
Kevin Drew is a Canadian musician and songwriter who, together with Brendan Canning, founded the expansive Toronto baroque-pop collective Broken Social Scene...
, Leslie Feist
Leslie Feist
Leslie Feist , known professionally as simply Feist, is a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, both as a solo artist and as a member of the indie rock group Broken Social Scene....
and Brendan Canning
Brendan Canning
Brendan Canning is a founding member of Broken Social Scene and a veteran indie rock performer who has been a member of various notable bands including By Divine Right, Blurtonia, Valley of the Giants, Len, and hHead....
all contributed, as did members of Stars and Metric
Metric (band)
Metric is a Canadian indie rock and New Wave band founded in 1998 in Toronto. The band has also at various times been based in Montreal, London, New York City and Los Angeles...
.
Solo work
Collett has released four solo albums. In 2001 he released Bitter BeautyBitter Beauty
Bitter Beauty is a 2001 album released by Canadian singer/songwriter Jason Collett. Some of the songs, including the title track, were later re-released on Collett's 2003 album Motor Motel Love Songs.- Track listing :#"Bitter Beauty" - 3:40...
; in 2002 it was Motor Motel Love Songs
Motor Motel Love Songs
Motor Motel Love Songs is a 2002 album by Jason Collett. The album is essentially a compilation of songs from his earlier releases Chrome Reflection and Bitter Beauty.-Track listing:#"Bitter Beauty"#"Little Clown"#"Tiny Ocean of Tears"...
. In 2005, he released Idols of Exile
Idols of Exile
-Track listing:#"Fire" - with Amy Millan#"Hangover Days" - with Emily Haines#"Brownie Hawkeye"#"We All Lose One Another"#"Parry Sound"#"I'll Bring the Sun"#"Tinsel and Sawdust"#"Feral Republic"#"Pavement Puddle Stars"#"Almost Summer"#"Pink Night"...
, his first on his current record label, Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts (record label)
Arts & Crafts Productions is a Toronto-based independent artist services company, offering expertise as an independent record label, management firm, merchandiser and music publisher both in Canada and internationally...
; it was the same label to sign Broken Social Scene. Jason's Here's to Being Here
Here's to Being Here
Here's to Being Here is the fourth solo album by Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The album was released on February 5, 2008 on Arts & Crafts....
was released in February 2008 and is different from Idols of Exile. Instead of a group effort, with many collaborating artists, Collett decided to focus on making an album that was meant to be played live. Collett tours under his own name with backing band The Dark Horse. In February 2008, Collett added Gregory McDonald, who plays keyboards with Sloan
Sloan (band)
Sloan is a Toronto-based alternative rock quartet from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Throughout their 20-year tenure Sloan has released 10 LPs , two EPs, a live album, a "best of" collection and no less than thirty singles...
, and Jeremy Little, a bass player, to his touring band. Formerly touring with backing band Paso Mino, made up of members Robbie Drake, Afie Jurvanen, Mike O'Brien and Michael P. Clive, Collett’s band has undergone many changes in recent years. For Collett's Wood Wires and Whiskey tour in Autumn 2008, the band consisted of Robbie Drake and Mike O'Brien, as well as newcomers Carlin Nicholson (also a member of Toronto acts Zeus
Zeus (band)
Zeus is a Toronto-based Canadian indie rock band signed to the Arts & Crafts record label. Its members include Rob Drake, Carlin Nicholson, Mike O'Brien, and Neil Quin...
and the 68's) and Neil Quin (also a member of Toronto acts Zeus, Major Grange and The Sexy Moving Parts).
In 2009, Jason Collett took part in an interactive documentary series called City Sonic
City Sonic
City Sonic is a documentary series about Toronto-based musicians and the places that influenced their music. The first five City Sonic films were previewed at Toronto's 2009 North by North East Music and Film Festival.-Films:...
. The series, which featured 20 Toronto artists, had him reflecting on his long time relationship with Kensington Market
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighbourhood in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Market is an older neighbourhood and one of the city's most well-known. In November 2006, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Robert Fulford wrote in 1999 that "Kensington...
.
Collett's fifth solo album, Rat a Tat Tat
Rat a Tat Tat
Rat a Tat Tat is the fifth solo album by Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The album was released on March 9, 2010 from record label Arts & Crafts....
(produced by O'Brien and Nicholson), was released in March 2010.
Personal life
Collett has lived in many neighbourhoods in Toronto, from Kensington to the Ossington and Bloor areas. Collett has been eating organic food since the mid-1990s and makes an effort to ensure that all the food on his tour bus is organic. Jason is also very politically involved. He is a member of Canada’s New Democratic PartyNew Democratic Party
The New Democratic Party , commonly referred to as the NDP, is a federal social-democratic political party in Canada. The interim leader of the NDP is Nycole Turmel who was appointed to the position due to the illness of Jack Layton, who died on August 22, 2011. The provincial wings of the NDP in...
and performed at an NDP kick-off rally in Toronto during the fall 2008 election. At a recent show at Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, Collett expressed his displeasure for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
. He also brought a petition to get Canadian citizen Omar Khadr
Omar Khadr
Omar Ahmed Khadr is a Canadian child soldier and one of the juveniles held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He was convicted of five charges under the United States Military Commissions Act of 2009 including murder in violation of the law of war and providing material support for terrorism,...
released from the Guantanamo Bay detention centre where he has been kept for some time.
Discography
- 2000: Chrome ReflectionChrome ReflectionChrome Reflection is an album released in 2000 by Bird, a one-off band consisting of Jason Collett, Andrew Cash and Hawksley Workman. The album also featured contributions from Lenni Jabour, Josh Finlayson, Gavin Brown, Kevin Fox, Derek Brady, Peter Kesper, and Mark Kesper.Several of the songs also...
- 2001: Bitter BeautyBitter BeautyBitter Beauty is a 2001 album released by Canadian singer/songwriter Jason Collett. Some of the songs, including the title track, were later re-released on Collett's 2003 album Motor Motel Love Songs.- Track listing :#"Bitter Beauty" - 3:40...
- 2002: Motor Motel Love SongsMotor Motel Love SongsMotor Motel Love Songs is a 2002 album by Jason Collett. The album is essentially a compilation of songs from his earlier releases Chrome Reflection and Bitter Beauty.-Track listing:#"Bitter Beauty"#"Little Clown"#"Tiny Ocean of Tears"...
- 2005: Idols of ExileIdols of Exile-Track listing:#"Fire" - with Amy Millan#"Hangover Days" - with Emily Haines#"Brownie Hawkeye"#"We All Lose One Another"#"Parry Sound"#"I'll Bring the Sun"#"Tinsel and Sawdust"#"Feral Republic"#"Pavement Puddle Stars"#"Almost Summer"#"Pink Night"...
- 2008: Here's to Being HereHere's to Being HereHere's to Being Here is the fourth solo album by Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The album was released on February 5, 2008 on Arts & Crafts....
- 2010: Rat a Tat TatRat a Tat TatRat a Tat Tat is the fifth solo album by Jason Collett of Broken Social Scene. The album was released on March 9, 2010 from record label Arts & Crafts....
- 2010: Pony Tricks
External links
- Jason Collett's official site on Arts & CraftsArts & Crafts (record label)Arts & Crafts Productions is a Toronto-based independent artist services company, offering expertise as an independent record label, management firm, merchandiser and music publisher both in Canada and internationally...
- CBC Radio 3 Page on Jason Collett
- Sloppy fun: An interview with Jason Collett (Nov 3, 2008) R4NT Magazine
- Set of live videos and mp3 bootleg at scheduletwo.com
- Jason Collett at Last.fmLast.fmLast.fm is a music website, founded in the United Kingdom in 2002. It has claimed 30 million active users in March 2009. On 30 May 2007, CBS Interactive acquired Last.fm for UK£140m ....
- Interview with Jason Collett at Bar Hop Sessions
- Strangers Almanac Column on Jason Collett from Glide Magazine
- Jason Collett performs at a New Democratic Party event
- City Sonic: Jason Collett Film