Mr. Something Something

A little something for the body, a little something for the mind: your soundtrack to a joyful revolution.

With their fourth album, Toronto’s Mr. Something Something continue to gain international recognition for their unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz and pop. Their irresistible rhythms and interactive live shows have long served as a vehicle for social justice & environmental activism, and in 2009, the band is taking audience participation to new levels with its SoundCycle - Canada’s first bicycle powered sound system. Power to the people, by the people!


Mr. Something Something represents six years of composing, performing, risk-taking, improving and ultimately mobilizing the original vision of founding members Larry Graves [drums/percussion] and John MacLean [saxophone/voice]. 20 years of playing, studying and traveling passed before these two childhood friends settled on the unbeatable dance rhythms of Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ghana as the most natural gathering place for the elements that would ultimately make up the Mr. Something Something sound.

Western instruments and concepts of improvisation are explored and layered over what used to be called Afrobeat; but the term strains to contain the innovations happening in the rhythm section at every show. It also fails to express in fiery-enough terms the imaginative solo work of respected jazz guitarist Paul MacDougall. Liam Smith dependably delivers basslines designed to induce and sustain a state of ecstatic dancing. And there is always inspiration to be drawn from mesmerizing on-stage dancer/choreographer Jennifer Dallas. The horn section strikes with power and uplifts with melody. And above it all, acting as a lightning rod, is the lyric statement of the case for change and consciousness, passionately delivered by electrifying frontman Johan Hultqvist.


Over the last five years the band has toured relentlessly in Canada, playing more than 500 shows, including appearances at many folk festivals and most major jazz festivals from coast to coast. Aside from wildly energized and unpredictable live shows, the band is becoming increasingly well-known for its green politics and environmental activism. The group did a number of “eco-dates” in 2007, playing a wind-powered show and performing in such unconventional venues as organic farms and food co-ops to highlight communities that are trying to minimize their ecological footprints. And in September 2008, Mr. Something Something made headlines by organizing Canada’s first bicycle-powered concert. “It is our intent to educate ourselves to a better and more sustainable lifestyle”, says lead singer Johan Hultqvist. “Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.”


The fresh sound and powerful message of the band’s second album ‘The Edge’ led to a nomination for a 2007 JUNO Award for World Music Album of the Year. Mr. Something Something’s third album ‘Deep Sleep’, a collaboration with Nigerian spoken word artist Ikwunga the Afrobeat Poet, was the most played world music album on Canadian college radio in 2007. Deep Sleep was recently re-released in Japan and a track from the same album was included on the prestigious British compilation The Rough Guide to Afrobeat Revival, released in more than fifty countries in March 2009. The band has also been receiving more media attention abroad, most recently with features on Polish National Radio and in French music magazine Vibrations.