The Reason :: Smallman Records

The Reason

Things Couldn’t Be Better

“We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart.”—Pascal

Perhaps no one could exemplify this sentiment more than Hamilton-bred quintet The Reason. Drawn together in early 2003 by their love of music and the impetus to forge their own musical path, Adam White (vocals), James Nelan (guitar), Jeremy Widerman (guitar), Ronson (bass) and Cam Bordignon (drums), hit the ground running, securing a loyal fanbase by rocking as many sweaty venues as possible across Ontario with their aggressive, killer live-show.

In 2004, the band released debut album “Ravenna” (Smallman Records) establishing themselves as a pop/punk leaning hardcore troupe, catching the attention of audiences and music critics across Canada. Coming off the release of “Ravenna”, the band managed to steer clear of being pigeon-holed into the screamo genre flavour of the day, staying focused on the goal of crafting memorable songs with incredible feeling and diversity, while maintaining the aggressive charisma of their live performance. Leaving power-scream vocals behind, White’s lyrical stylings and the band’s undeniable growing songwriting prowess led them down a seemingly new musical path brimming with a more multi-dimensional sound.

In 2006, the band began recording their sophomore album “Things Couldn’t Be Better” (Warner) with Juno-award winning producer Gavin Brown (Billy Talent, Three Days Grace), who jumped on the project after hearing early demos and seeing the band perform at the Molson Amphitheatre with Billy Talent and Alexisonfire. Discouragingly however, in the midst of the recording session drummer Bordignon, who’s driving rhythms were integral to the band’s sound, broke his hand putting off recording the 2nd half of the album by three months. Despite feeling defeated, in true Reason-like spirit the band continued to do acoustic shows in their hometown. Working out acoustic versions of their material, the band tapped into a well of creativity resulting in many songs planned for the recording being scrapped and replaced by a prolific set of new songs. With a renewed sense of conviction, the band returned to the studio where Brown helped them hone their focus and explore a more simplified approach to integrating counterpoint guitar lines, catchy keyboard musings, driving backbeats with heaps of vocal pop melody.

Heralded as “an album of undeniably captivating songs” upon its release in March 2007, the resulting body of work truly reflected the diverse musical influences each member brought to the table, and the uncompromising dedication to create enduring, heartfelt music.

With videos for “This Is Just The Beginning”, “We’re So Beyond This” and “All I Ever Wanted” reaching the multitude with extensive airplay support from MuchMusic, tours with MuteMath, Anberlin, The Spill Canvas and Ten Second Epic amassing a dedicated legion of fans, television appearances and performances at popular festivals such as V-Fest, and the release of a seductive duet with long-time friend Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara sure to heat up on national radio, things really couldn’t be better.

Fall 2008 saw the band enter the studio with producer Steven Haigler (Pixies, Brand New) with the result set to be released in 2009. In the meantime, a digital only release of acoustic versions of songs from “Things Couldn’t Be Better” was released in late 2008. The band is presently doing one-off shows throughout Ontario and Quebec for the summer of 2009.

Band Members

Adam White - Vocals
James Nelan - Guitar, Vocals
Jeremy Widerman - Guitar, Vocals
Ronson Armstrong - Bass
Steve Kiely - Drums

The Brillant Disguise
SMR042 | Digital, Released 12/16/2008
Buy Digital | Buy on iTunes

Things Couldn’t Be Better
SMR030 | CD, Released 3/06/2007
Buy CD | Buy on iTunes
Ravenna
SMR024 | CD, Released 9/14/2004
Buy CD | Buy on iTunes
Problems Associated With Running
Lonely Tree Records | CD, Released 2/01/2003