Members of The Shiners came together naturally after years of contributing to folk, Celtic and alt-rock bands from in and around the Cornwall-Ottawa area.  With similar musical influences, the band quickly recognized their common desire to entertain.  It was this appeal to perform that saw Eric Willison, Jay Collis and Joel Labrosse play their first live show on October 31st, 2003.  Starting out as a bar band, they quickly developed a loyal and continually growing fan base.  The trio found themselves being invited to numerous private functions and venues in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.  As their reputation as a party band grew, the band began to settle into their own style and sound.

 

Prior to writing their own music, the acoutic-based trio became known for winding up audiences with their danceable, energetic and non-stop-fun cross genre retro mix of songs touching on everything from old-tyme country and Celtic reels to folk-rock and 80's pop.  They settled into a more folk/roots-based direction when writing original songs for their debut release.  The influence of Americana alt-country is obvious in lead singer Eric Willison's vocal delivery.  Solid back beats give their music an undeniable foot-stomping appeal and having played together for years, bassist Joel Labrosse and drummer Jay Collis provide a powerful foundation for their music.  Completing this tight rhythm section is Willison's country and East-Coast style acoustic guitar playing. To the delight of audiences everywhere, their minimal instrument and vocal arrangement delivers a surprisingly full sound.

 

Playing over 200 shows since their formation just over two years ago, The Shiners are a hard-working and devoted musical entity.  When asked, the band speaks modestly of the  appeal of seeing their audience having a good time.  However, at the heart of their fun-loving delivery, crowd chemistry and musical diversity is an honest and serious effort to produce meaningful and dynamic songs for their listeners.