Can Joann

The members of Chapel-Hill based Can Joann spent their childhood days in places ranging from Cincinnati, Ft Lauderdale, and Caracas, Venezuela. The four members of Can Joann were drawn to the musical mecca of Chapel Hill for both college and music... and a healthy portion of political asylum thrown on top. Their sound has been described as being "caught somewhere between math rock, jangly indie rock, and post punk." After releasing their 1st sampling - a 4-song demo CD recorded by Jerry Kee (Superchunk, Archers of Loaf) released in late 2004, they landed a spot in Miami at the finals of Little Steven's Garage Band Contest and got their 1st taste of playing outside of the confines of the Chapel Hill region. The Aiden Grace EP garnered favorable press in the NC Triangle where Grayson Currin (Pitchfork, The Indepent) proclaimed "The Aiden Grace EP pops open-and-shut as one of the most enjoyable 17 minutes in recent local pop memory." Impressive when you consider the band made only 100 handmade copies.

Can Joann reached a wider audience with the release of their debut full length, "Hurt People Hurt People," recorded both at Pox World Studios (The Rosebuds, Portastatic) and in an 19th century rented farm home. The album also caught the attention of dozens of blogs and was serviced to college radio throughout the country . The self-released, self-promoted album was welcomed by radio program directors and it charted on the RIYL national college radio charts 8 straight weeks in November/December 2006. This abundance of press & airplay was not exclusive to the United States. The band has been favorably reviewed in the Toronto Star Anti-Hit List, UK's Dirty Bronson, and Ireland-based MP3 Hugger just to name a few. They have been featured on podcasts in Canada, Australia, South Africa, & South America. And back in the US, this relatively little known band also captured the attention of national critics Idolator who announced: "Today's elbo.ws Top 10 list includes three Can Joann tracks, with "Indecision's Way" on the No. 1 spot. Considering that Sufjan and the Hold Steady round out the top three, that's a big accomplishment, even in our tiny, tiny music-nerd world."

After almost four years since their noise -generating LP put them on the map, North Carolina’s Can Joann have returned to the forum once again with the release of 2010’s “Second Language.”

Hook wizard and guitarist Ryan Benjamin, bassist Andrew Bernish, drummer Michel Inserny and vocalist Joel Peck crafted their latest masterpiece over the course of a year spent fine-tuning, exacting, and perfecting the essential ingredients that would combine to form the sonic spirit heard in the album’s six tracks.

As it became apparent that the band was redefining its sound and scope, the members decided to hold off on a rushed release, as requested by a number of interested parties and industries. Refusing to blindly compromise the quality of their music, or jeopardize the synergy they cherish as collaborators, the band continued collecting and crafting moments of inspiration as they occurred. The result is "Second Language"-their greatest work to date.

True inspiration can’t be sold, just as wisdom can’t be told. Both require experience and reflection-the hallmark of Can Joann’s latest collection of rock songs.





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