When University of Winnipeg student, Danika Semchyshyn buckled down for some study time at the university library, she didn’t expect to become a member of the James Struthers fan club. She was intrigued to find a CD next to the computer she sat down at with a note attached to it from the artist.
The note read, “Hey Stranger, guess what! You and a guest are invited to the Nadia CD release party @ The Pyramid Cabaret on Fort Street at 8 p.m., Thursday March 25th 2010. Just show the CD and this letter at the door and you’ll be ushered into a world of wonderful music, great crowd vibes and a beautiful venue.”
Immediately curious, Semchyshyn popped the CD into the computer drive and liked what she heard. She shared the find with her friends and now they all plan to attend the party. She sent Struthers an e-mail saying, “I just happened to ‘find’ this CD today, lucky that I did. Looking forward to hearing the live version.”
In an effort to build his fan base, Struthers has taken measures beyond the usual MySpace page by planting approximately 50 copies of his debut CD, NADIA, in various places around the city including bus shelters and coffee shops.
“I just thought it would be a neat way to get people who haven’t yet been exposed to my music to hear it. The hope is that they’ll be intrigued enough to actually listen to it,” says Struthers.
Apart from the unsuspecting Winnipeggers who found his CD, the twenty-year old singer/songwriter has also caught the attention of some influential figures in the music industry. Radio icon Howard Mandshein and record producer Chris Burke-Gaffney are singing his praises:
“[A] very soulful voice... this is what you hope for when an artist combines pop, jazz and blues.” - Chris Burke-Gaffney
“A strong voice with lyrics that have smarts; a hook that puts a smile on my face." – Howard Mandshein
About James Struthers
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Struthers began his music career five years ago in a high school band called The Sewing Club. After graduating, he left for university in Kelowna and began playing solo in local pubs. When he decided to seriously pursue a musical career, it quickly became apparent that Winnipeg was the place to do it. “There’s something about Winnipeg that Kelowna didn’t have,” he says, “the scenery was nice but it wasn’t a creative environment.” Struthers is glad to now be part of the diverse, bustling music scene in his hometown.
RELEASE PARTY DETAILS
March 25, 2010 at The Pyramid Cabaret (176 Fort Street) w/ THIEFS, Ernie Booms
Doors 8 p.m., Music 8:30 - Tickets: $10 (includes digital download) $13 (includes CD)
Available: Music Traders, Answers at U of M, Winnipeg Folk Festival Music Store
For more info, hi-res photos, logos and album art, visit: pipeandhat.com/press/jamesstruthers/
For interview/review requests contact: Tim Jones, Pipe & Hat 204.955.5996 tim@pipeandhat.com
Check out http://jamesstruthers.com