Story
Jonah Kanter has been writing, recording, and performing music for more than a decade. He is a multi-instrumentalist, dynamic composer, and experienced producer. His signature sound—a fusion of intricate rock guitars, powerful pianos, soaring vocals, and lyrics that challenge the listener to dig deep—developed through many experiences, bandmates, and influences.
At just age 16, Jonah recorded and produced his first full-length album, including powerful rock anthem “It’s All the Same” and piano ballad “The Final Stand.” Shortly after, Jonah started his first band with friends Chris Whipp and Chris Murray. The band was short-lived, but during that time, Jonah and Whipp began working extensively together in the studio. In June 2001, they collaborated to produce and record the EP “In A Moment,” which featured the epic “Leave A Light On.” Their partnership continues to this day as Whipp continues to contribute to the production, engineering, mixing and mastering of Jonah’s work.
Jonah also began performing acoustically around the Ottawa area, including an appearance on the New RO’s morning show in April 2002. With more experience, his music became more focused and inspired. At age 18, he wrote and recorded his second full-length album, entitled “End Calamity,” completed in June 2003. The album showcased a lyrical style blending the personal, social, and political, which he continues to adopt to this day. Littered with songs of protest, “End Calamity” represented a clear snapshot of time as the United States prepared for its second war with Iraq. The album featured the piano-rocker “Mission Statement”, the loud but pretty “Real Politik”, and introspective ballad “So, Goodnight.”
The next fall, Jonah relocated to Toronto and continued to perform acoustically with the hopes of attracting a new following. In the winter of 2006, he recorded an acoustic EP entitled “To Those Who Easily Burn,” a collection of new songs intended to give fans a peak at what the future held before the next full release. The album featured the first glimpse of the multi-faceted, politically-charged rocker “Saving Face.” This song was later re-recorded in its regular full-band format as part of the 2009 EP “Mission Statement,” which also features the metal-infused “Degenerate”—a song about the destructive impact of conservative news entities.
Jonah is also a political and human rights activist with a masters in international relations from the University of Toronto. Much of his music is devoted towards raising awareness about issues he cares deeply for, including global human rights, US foreign policy, genocide, and Middle East affairs.
Born February 10, 1984, Jonah resides in Toronto, Canada.
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