Every successful band has a different story, complete with its own setbacks and challenges. July Talk’s harkens back to the early days of rock and roll - put the show on the road and build an audience. Making something out of nothing through a strong work ethic, guts and perseverance have always been July Talk’s mantra. Shortly after forming three years ago, the band released its self-titled debut record on Sleepless Records/Universal. Initially, the album drew praise from the few who were paying attention but it was by no means an instant hit. Undeterred, the quintet hit local and regional stages playing to anyone willing to listen. This DIY mentality of hard work and trial-by-fire hasn’t changed since the early days of playing for a handful of people, to the present day - performing sold out shows at large clubs and at major festivals. Countless videos, interviews, award nominations and hundreds of gigs later, the band continues to pay dues and reap the benefits, rising rapidly from local rock band to a nationally celebrated and internationally recognized act.

This past year saw the band nominated for the FACTOR/Radio Starmaker Breakthrough Group of the Year at the Junos, Best Live Show by the CBC Bucky Awards, as well as winning Alternative Artist/Group or Duo of the Year at the SiriusXM Indie Awards. Their first single “Guns + Ammunition” made a major impact at radio, cracking the Top 10 on the national alternative charts. The video for the song was nominated for a Much Music Video Award and currently has over 800,000 views on YouTube. As this momentum continues to build, July Talk owes an immense debt to the generous support of the Radio Starmaker Fund.

A major catalyst to the band’s growth has been their live show, which has garnered tremendous acclaim from critics and fans alike. Starmaker has been integral in allowing the band to further this reputation by supporting their tours, ultimately placing their music in front of new audiences they would not otherwise have had access to – both across the country and around the globe. In addition to a packed Canadian tour schedule (47 dates this year), the past year saw the band embark on its first extensive tour of the United States, including multiple performances at SxSW, as well as their first tours of the United Kingdom and Europe (over 90 international dates). This Fall, they made their first visit to Australia and will subsequently return to Europe and the US for a stretch of over 50 shows abroad. With international exposure has come international licensing agreements in the United States (with Island Records), UK (with Polydor), France (with Maison Barclay), Germany/Austria/Switzerland (with Vertigo) and Australia (with EMI). None of this activity would be possible without the generous support of Starmaker.

We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to sharing the next chapter of our story with you as it unfolds.

Alex Bonenfant
Sleepless Records
July Talk Manager