Self Cynic

News

Thank You Toronto!

Self Cynic frontman Matt Antaya with contest winner Shawn Rock at Clinton's in Toronto, Feb 11, 2010

Thank you to all those who attended last night's show in Toronto. It was a great time and we appreciate your support! We hope you enjoyed yourself as much as we did, and we'll see you again soon.
-Matt

Thursday Feb 11th in Toronto!

Thurs Feb 11 9PM
Self Cynic @ Clinton's
693 Bloor St (@ Clinton), Toronto
9pm / $5

As some of you may know, we've been busy in the studio writing & recording new songs. Come see some of the first performances of these new tunes (along with some other surprises).

Also performing that night is Toronto songwriter Robin Byrd with her band. Robin is currently recording her first album, and is poised for a busy year making music.

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Saturday Feb 13th in Montreal!

Sat Feb 13 9PM
Self Cynic @ The Green Room
5386 boul St Laurent, Montreal
9pm / $8

Self Cynic returns to Montreal, with friends Sweet Mother Logic and Hypocrites, for a night of bliss. Also featuring the visual stylings of VJ Bandit.

Tickets are $6 or 4-for-$19 at http://www.indiemontreal.ca. They will be $8 at the door (if not sold out). On-sale Now!

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Nov 10, 2009

Toronto Show, Sat Dec 5th!

Sat Dec 5 10PM
Self Cynic @ The Press Club

Our first show in Toronto since this summer's performance at the NxNE Festival. We're looking forward to this one, it's going to be a great night.

We'll be performing some of the new songs we've been recording, some of our old favorites, and some other surprises. [Read More...]

May 10, 2009

Showcase at NxNE Festival in Toronto!

Feb 2, 2009

Self Cynic Ontario shows including showcase at El Mocambo in Toronto!

Jan 3, 2009

Live 88.5FM Performance in Ottawa

On Friday January 9th 2009, Live 88.5FM is mixing up their LiVE Indie Sessions at their Live Lounge (126.5 York Street, 9:20pm). The radio station, famous for their Big Money Shot contest, has invited only the lead singers from some of Montreal's and Ottawa's finest Indie rock bands to showcase their music as a solo act. The bill is Tim Smyth (Tim's Myth), Matt Antaya (Self Cynic), Corey Norris (Channel One) and Mike Mitani (Heroes Offer Her). [Read More...]

Dec 6, 2008

Friday Dec 12th in Montreal!!

Nov 10, 2009

The Press Club in Toronto!

Our first show in Toronto since this summer's performance at the NxNE Festival. We're looking forward to this one, it's going to be a great night.

We'll be performing some of the new songs we've been recording, some of our old favorites, and some other surprises.

Self Cynic will consist of...
   Matt Antaya (Guitars & Vocals)
   Ian Philp (Guitars & Vocals)
   Joel Seaman (Bass & Vocals
   Josh Trager (Drums)
   (... and perhaps various guest performers)

The Press Club is a great room, great vibe, ... and possibly Dundas' best kept secret. You really have no reason not to see for yourself. It's located 850 Dundas, just 3 minutes walk west of Bathurst.

Thanks for your support!

The Press Club
850 Dundas St W (3-min walk west of Bathurst)
Saturday December 5th - 10pm

May 10, 2009

Showcase at NxNE Festival in Toronto!

Self Cynic was selected to perform a showcase at this year's North by Northeast Festival (NxNE) in Toronto, Ontario on Thursday June 18th @ 10pm at C'est What?. Now in its 15th year, The North by Northeast Music & Film Festival and Conference (NXNE) is Canada's #1 showcase for the best new music and music-related films.

Last year, 70,000 fans, artists, and industry pros flooded Toronto's famous club district for the festival. Performers from previous years include Feist, Dinosaur Jr, My Morning Jacket, Sufjan Stevens, Matt Mays & El Torpedo, DFA 1979, Ron Sexsmith, The Stills, Blue Rodeo ... and many, many more.

A great Toronto music venue, C'est What? is located at 67 Front Street East (corner Church St). Self Cynic will play a 40-min set starting at 10pm. Please tell all your friends and be there early to catch the show (including other artists Kay Pettigrew, Kensington Prairie & Before the Flood).

Thanks for your support!

C'est What?
67 Front St E (@ Church St)
Thursday June 18th - 10pm

Feb 2, 2009

Self Cynic Ontario shows including showcase at El Mocambo in Toronto!

Self Cynic heads to Ontario for two warm-up shows, first in London (Feb 19, Norma Jean's, 9:30pm) and then Waterloo (Feb 21st, Maxwell's Music House, 9:00pm). Self Cynic handpicked these cities as stand out favorites and felt the venues, media support and receptive audiences would help them best gear up for their showcase at the El Mocambo in Toronto the following week.

Asked about these upcoming shows, Self Cynic lead singer Matt Antaya stated "the showcase is a great opportunity but as with every show, our thoughts need to be with our fans, not the industry. A performance that is dynamic and personal and really connects with the audience will give the industry a chance to see what we do best".

For details on upcoming shows, see the DATES on our Self Cynic MySpace.

Jan 3, 2009

Live 88.5FM Performance in Ottawa

Dec 6, 2008

Friday Dec 12th in Montreal!!

Self Cynic will be playing Friday December 12th at 'Les 3 Minots' in Montreal. This full-band version of Self Cynic promises some great arrangements -- including several guest performers.

Also performing will be The Darling DeMaes who's "balance of bleeding heart and backhanded humor" (T'cha Dunlevy, The Gazette) has made them Montreal's new "darlings". (www.darlingdemaes.com)

Opening the evening's events will be Halifax singer/songwriter Christina Martin -- recent Nova Scotia Award winner. (www.christinamartin.net)

Les 3 Minots
3812 St Laurent Blvd (above Ave des Pins)
Doors @ 9pm, $7

For details on upcoming shows, see the DATES on our Self Cynic MySpace.

Sticker Contest
Where do you stick it?!

Get a free Self Cynic sticker.
Stick it in a creative place.
Photograph the sticker and submit it to us.
Vote for your favorite sticker submissions.
Win one of several prizes ... including a private living room party with Self Cynic and a dozen of your closest friends sponsored by McAuslan Brewery!

For more details, see Sticker Contest Rules

Oct 2, 2008

Updates from the road...

We are out on the road, camera in hand, and will be posting updates whenever time allows. See below for any photos, videos, and blog entries we find the time to post.

Montreal, Quebec
Le Cagibi / V-Day Benefit - September 25th

Photo - Matt Antaya @ Le Cagibi

Guelph, Ontario
The Red Brick Cafe - September 29th

Photo - Matt Antaya @ The Red Brick Cafe

St Catharines, Ontario
The Mansion House - September 30th

Chatham, Ontario
The William Street Cafe - October 1st

London, Ontario
Norma Jean's - October 2nd

Waterloo, Ontario
St Jerome's University @ U.Waterloo - October 3rd

Toronto, Ontario
Tinto Coffee House (Benefit) - October 4th

For show details, see the DATES on our Self Cynic MySpace.

Sept 20, 2008

Self Cynic on Tour in Ontario

Self Cynic will be performing in Ontario the first half of October. We'll be sharing stages throughout the tour with several great artists (including The Painted Birds, Arun Pal and Matt De Zoete, just to name a few). We'll also be welcoming several special guests to play with us. Great shows ahead!

For details, see the DATES on our Self Cynic MySpace.

Sept 2, 2008

Self Cynic @ McGill Frosh O.A.P.

Self Cynic will headline the last night of McGill Frosh OAP! The McGill Engineering Society has asked the band to come out and be part of their renowned Open Air Pub (O.A.P). As a campus event that has grown to become a hotspot for returning McGill students, OAP is always chock full of great bands, cheap beer and (could we say?) lively crowds. Self Cynic will be appearing as the final set of the night at 7:30 pm. This is all happening with no cover at Three Bares Field (just north of the Main Gates at the Sherbrooke Street entrance).

Friday Sept 5th - 7:30pm
(Early show ... leaving lots of time for your regular Friday night outings!)

August 18, 2008

Flying Solo In The Maritimes

Last week I loaded the car and drove twelve hours to play a couple of shows out east. As a musician I have heard countless ravings about the East Coast; about the talented local musicians and great live music, about the friendliness of the people, and about the beautiful scenery. As much as I like to be devil's advocate... this time I have to agree. The shows, played in Halifax and Sackville, were more than just warmly received and resulted in some invites back. I had the luck to run into another talented band, Damanta from Belfast, Ireland, who invited me to come sit in with them after my set (Thanks guys!). I had a blast and can't wait to get back out there in the fall.

-Matt

July 3, 2008

Self Cynic - Live @ Centre St Ambroise

Thursday July 10th
Centre St Ambroise
Griffon Room
Be there no later than 9 pm!

This will be an intimate and acoustic performance by the whole band. Many of you have had the CD in-hand now for several weeks... we expect some singing along! (haha)

The Griffon Room is quickly gaining a reputation for it's great audiences and personal tone. If you have not yet been to see a show in this room (or have not yet heard of it!?) ... you need to get with the program. Information and directions are available on their MySpace.
http://www.myspace.com/centrestambroise

This will be our first show back in Montreal following our very successful Quebec/Ontario tour. We had a great time, met some crazy people, sold a ton of CDs... we even had some radio support, weird!? Unconfirmed reports claim our new CD has found it's way into car stereos, iPods, coffee shops, and dentist office waiting rooms all over the country -- 4 out of 5 prefer our music over their regular stick of chewing gum.

The night will begin with a solo performance by Arun Pal -- on tour from Ontario with his new CD.
http://www.arunpal.ca

See you there!

June 2, 2008

Official CD Release & Tour

This only happens once every album or so...

The official release of Self Cynic's debut album -- Friday June 13th at Club Lambi in Montreal. With special guest musicians, new arrangements and lots of other surprises, this show is not to be missed. The show also kicks off a week long tour in support of the album.

Opening the night will be a great band from New York City, "The Dig". Very cool guys.

The first 100 people through the door receive a free copy of the new album.

Club Lambi is located at 4465 St Laurent (corner Mont Royal). Doors 9pm.

Please come be a part of this special evening. See you there!

May 21, 2008

Download the CHOM 97.7 FM Interview

MP3 Download
Self Cynic was featured on last week's Made In Canada on Montreal's CHOM 97.7 FM. Download the MP3 clips below to hear the interview. Radio host "Too Tall" discusses the upcoming release with lead singer Matt Antaya and preview new music from the album. The band performs in Montreal on Friday June 13th at Club Lambi (4465 St Laurent), kicking off a week-long tour in support of the album (available June 10th).

Download - Made In Canada (Part 1) (MP3 / 8.0 MB)
Download - Made In Canada (Part 2) (MP3 / 7.8 MB)
Download - Made In Canada (Part 3) (MP3 / 8.1 MB)
Download - Made In Canada (Part 4) (MP3 / 7.8 MB)
Download - Made In Canada (Part 5) (MP3 / 7.5 MB)

More Info - CHOM 97.7 FM Website

May 14, 2008

Listen to Self Cynic on CHOM 97.7 FM!!

Tune your radio to Montreal's CHOM 97.7 FM this Sunday at 9pm to hear Self Cynic featured on this week's Made in Canada. Radio host "Too Tall" will discuss the upcoming release with lead singer Matt Antaya and preview new music from the album. The band performs in Montreal on Friday June 13th at Club Lambi (4465 St Laurent), kicking off a week-long tour in support of the album (available June 10th).

May 7, 2008

Welcome Sudden Envy Records!

Montreal-based indie label Sudden Envy Records has confirmed it will release the new Self Cynic album. The band's self-titled debut is available June 10th and mixes upbeat, hook-laden tunes with powerful introspective ballads. The recording includes generous contributions from over a dozen musicians, including Josh Trager (Sam Roberts Band), Matt Leblanc (The Dress Whites), Maia Davies (LOTC), Alec McElcheran (Anik Jean), Arun Pal (Snack!), Jared Lozon (Social Slander) and NYC-based drummer Rob Murphrey. The official launch will take place on Friday June 13th at Club Lambi in Montreal -- kicking off a week-long tour in support of the new release.

More Info: www.suddenenvy.com

April 26, 2008

Live @ The Pound - Saturday May 3rd!!

The Pound is one of those mysterious, what-the-fuck!? sort of places... never heard of it? Yeah, that's the point... and rumour has it that Saturday May 3rd will likely see one of Montreal's best nights for independent music. A mix of high energy folk, rock and blues -- these three great acts promise to first battle it out and then get sloppy drunk together. Not for the weak of heart ... your spotless reputation may be tarnished, ... but you better attend anyway.

Paisley
The Jimmyriggers
Self Cynic

More Info / Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=15132704383&ref=share

The Pound is located on Richmond, one block south of Notre Dame. (Metro George Vanier).
Look for the yellow door ... See you there.

$5 Admission
Doors @ 9:30pm

See you there!

March 26, 2008

Showcase @ The Pound - This Thursday!

Self Cynic was asked to showcase this Thursday at The Pound. The lack of warning makes it very exciting ... and apparently life is all about the last minute -- or so we've learned.

The Pound is an underground, out-of-way place ... not fit for the weak of heart. Tell your friends, but only the close ones. If you can find it, get there early ... cause it's all happening at 9:00pm. Self Cynic plays a 45-min showcase then opens the stage to some of the local crowds' best musicians, poets and performers of various genres.

Get to the corner of Guy & Notre Dame. Then go 1 block West along Notre Dame ... turn South (Left) on Richmond and look for the yellow door (on your Left). Knock 3 times ... then walk in. (377 Richmond St).

See you there!

March 22, 2008

New Self Cynic Facebook Page!

Facebook recently created pages designed specifically for musicians / bands with tons of cool options, calendar, discussion board, music player, discography ... and all the familar Facebook features (The Wall, Mini-Feed, etc).

Self Cynic finally got its ass in gear ... and now we have one!

We're going to be posting regular updates ... and with the new album launch and a summer tour in the works, there'll be lots to talk about.

Please join our fan list and help support our musical efforts.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Self-Cynic/8160639454?ref=mf

Thanks!

March 4, 2008

Supporting Canadian Music

Self Cynic members Matt Antaya and Lewis Handford were recently caught supporting Vancouver-based singer/songwriter Joel Battle as he passed through Montreal on his way to perform at Canadian Music Week in Toronto. Stealthy photographers successfully documented the collaboration and have posted the evidence for all to inspect.

Confirming the rumours, the three musicians stated they were excited with the last minute musical grouping, enjoyed themselves and were not shaken by the lack of time to rehearse.

"Great songs are easy to play -- even when you don't know them.", laughs guitarist Matt Antaya, "Joel has written some great songs. That made it easy to follow his intent, and compliment that message".

Flickr Photos: Joel Battle with Self Cynic
www.flickr.com/photos/selfcynic/sets/72157604093569086/

For more info, have a listen.
Joel Battle - Vancouver, BC
www.myspace.com/lionbattle

January 10, 2008

Which Show Is For You?

In the next two weeks, Self Cynic has three upcoming shows, one of which is bound to suit your taste. January 12th will provide an energetic and upbeat show for those who like it to rock it out. The band's three piece will be at Brutopia that night ready to get everyone on their feet. For those who like it a tad slower, an unplugged show is happening on January 19th in the cozy Griffon Room at the new Centre St-Ambroise venue in St. Henri. Bringing it down a notch, lead singer Matt Antaya will perform a duo with drummer Lewis Handford. Finally, for something in between, Self Cynic's three piece will be back out again on January 25th opening for Laurel Jackson & The Attractives at the Cock and Bull. A new room for the band, this show is bound to be fun. Whether you want to live it up or chill out, Self Cynic will definitely have a show for you.

Jan 12 @ Brutopia
  1215 Crescent St.
  9pm / Free

Jan 19 @ Griffon Room
  Griffon Room, Centre St Ambroise
  5080 St. Ambroise
  With Billy Brown
  www.myspace.com/billybrowntunes
  9pm / 5$ Cover

Jan 25 @ Cock & Bull
  1944, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
  With Laurel Jackson & The Attractives
  www.myspace.com/laureljacksonproject
  9:30pm / Free

January 7, 2007

Musicians Against Drunk Driving

Despite the unfortunate events that necessitated this event, it resulted in a wonderful affair that demonstrated the true meaning of community and generosity. On Sunday January 6th, several local musicians, including Ben Griffin, Fernando Gelso, Billy Brown, Pete Vassilakos, Jason Howell and Self Cynic members Matt Antaya and Lewis Handford, participated in a benefit show at Ye Olde Orchard pub. The event was held as a means to raise support for a special individual whose life has been altered as a consequence of drunk driving. On November 24th a drunk driver hit Maggie Scott while she was driving home from the airport to visit her dad in Nova Scotia. The money raised at this event went directly to aid Maggie in her recovery and help her fiancé, Doran, who has left his job in San Diego to be with her. While raising both money and awareness against drunk driving, this event also turned out to be a night full of great music. It was a clear display of the kinship between these local artists as they jammed into the late hours.

You can view photos of the event by Pete Vassilakos at Photographical Life Art

December 7, 2007

Self Cynic @ Shaika Cafe

Saturday, December 15th, will witness Self Cynic perform music from their soon-to-released album. These songs will be broken down and turned inside out for a three-member rock effort; not-to-be-missed.

No cover charge when you bring a friend.
Drop whatever you're doing and attend... 9pm sharp.

The Shaika Cafe is located at 5526 Sherbrooke Ouest
(across from Notre-Dame-de-Grace Park in NDG).
More Info: www.shaikacafe.com

November 1, 2007

Benefit Concert

Self Cynic is scheduled to perform Tuesday November 6th at Brutopia in Montreal. Aimed at raising funds for Le Refuge Juan Moreno, this event will also feature performances by The Shane Murphy Trio and Dylan Kirkland.

Refuge Juan Moreno is an emergency shelter for women, some with children, and unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum in Canada. Refuge Juan Moreno is dedicated to the empowerment of its residents throughout the refugee determination process. The refuge provides assistance to refugee claimants through accompaniment, advocacy and support.
http://www.refugejuanmoreno.ca

Performances begin at 9:00pm.
Brutopia is located at 1219 rue Crescent.
For more info or directions 514-393-9277.

October 22, 2007

Interview on 105.1 FM

Montreal radio station MIKE FM (105.1 FM) has asked to feature Self Cynic on their weekly Emerging Artists segment. The interview will air Friday October 26th @ 10:00 am.

In addition to the interview, Self Cynic song "Goodbye" will be featured in the segment and will play several times throughout the week.

We hope to post an audio clip for download once the segment has aired. Check back for more.

August 26, 2007

Unplugged Performances

Self Cynic frontman Matt Antaya will participate in a singer-songwriter evening aimed at highlighting some of Montreal's best independent music makers. Starting this Wednesday (August 29), this weekly event will feature songwriters from all independent genres -- including some spoken word contributions.

Performances begin at 9pm at 'Ye Olde Orchard' located downtown at 1189 rue de la Montagne near Rene Levesque.
Call for more info 514-874-1569.

Free MP3 Download

These two Self Cynic live tracks 'In My Head' and 'Goodbye' were recorded in April 2007 at Montreal's Main Hall. This performance features musicians Mike Hand (drums), Jordan Lezare (guitar), Andrew Sudlow (bass) and founding member Matt Antaya (vocals/guitar).

>> Goodbye (MP3)
>> In My Head (MP3)

Self Cynic hopes to soon offer their entire Main Hall set online. Check for updates and new MP3s in the next few weeks.