Ontarians: 'Bands often function similarly to families'

Back in March 2021, the aptly named Ontarians dropped their debut album, The Greatest Short Story Never Told.

Almost immediately after its release, the band began was working on its sophomore album.

The world was still in the midst of COVID lockdowns, and the band hadn’t started playing live shows yet.

“So Craig Smith and I started working on songs together remotely, and eventually got together in various locations in Northern Ontario and around Collingwood to write and track new material,” says songwriter/performer Frank Deresti.

Deresti and Smith, who is based in Collingwood, are the band’s songwriters.

For the duo, many of the songs come together collaboratively, from the initial idea through to the final recording.

“Other songs will come into the Ontarians' realm in varying stages of completion from either myself or Craig, but we both contribute lyrically and musically throughout the process,” says Deresti.

“It’s a true partnership that requires a lot of trust and openness to each other’s ideas. The end product is something we’re both proud of, and it couldn’t have been realized without this collaborative approach.”

Over the course of two and a half years, the album was completed.

“Although the album was recorded in stages, and not in a live setting, I think the live energy of the band is more evident on this record than on our first album,” adds Deresti.

“We recorded everything at Craig’s home studio in Collingwood. Generally, we start tracking guitars, vocals, and bass as soon as the songs are written, then send parts to Jay Stiles in Austin, Texas to add keyboard layers. If he was up for a show, we’d get as much time as possible with him in the studio. Chris Johns was there for a few long days of drum tracking when we were in town for shows.”

Deresti says the band has become a tighter unit by living with these songs for a few years.

They've also grown closer for reasons unrelated to music.

Ontarians’ drummer, Chris Johns, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in September 2023, something he has been very open about.

“Bands often function similarly to families – and this band is no different,” says Deresti.

“We’re all in Chris’ corner, supporting him as much as we can through this. He knows he’s always welcomed and appreciated in the band whenever it makes sense for him to be here, with no pressure when he can’t.”

Deresti says when Johns is present, the band’s spirits are lifted by his enthusiasm.

“We’re also lucky to have John Hall as a drummer when Chris can’t make it for live shows. John’s been a great addition to the band, understanding the situation, and committed to helping out however he can.”

On the current tour, both Johns and Hall are part of the line-up, with Johns back on drums and Hall filling in on keyboards for Stiles.

“It’s great to have such a versatile group of people who have each other's backs, making it work in various circumstances,” says Deresti.

The band is playing shows in Collingwood, Aurora, Toronto, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Kitchener-Waterloo in support of their new album, More How It Is.

“The shows have been great so far, and it’s been rewarding to hear positive responses to the new material,” says Deresti.

“We’re constantly discovering new ways to present the songs in a live setting.”

The current Ontarians line-up includes Deresti (guitar/vocals), Craig Smith (guitar/vocals), Chris Johns (drums), John Hall (keys), and Jay Case (bass).

“The band is really gelling and bringing new life to the songs every night,” says Deresti. The new tracks feature bigger, more prominent choruses that resonate with fans.

“Craig and I set out to make the strongest record we could. One of our early goals was to focus on strong choruses,” says Deresti.

“While we pushed ourselves in different directions both musically and lyrically, emphasizing powerful choruses was something we actively pursued.”

Even though Deresti, Johns, and Case are local to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontarians as a band has never played a proper show there.

They’ll change that on Saturday, October 5th at The Loft.

[Trivia: the last time those three locals played The Loft as part of Frank Deresti and the Lake Effect, they sold out three nights in a row.]

“We’re very excited to play at The Loft this Saturday and share the Ontarians’ live show with a hometown audience,” says Deresti.

“We’re also excited to have Zachary Lucky, who is an artist who has been touring the country, opening the show for us.”

The Ontarians’ More How It Is album release show, with opening act Zachary Lucky, is happening Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 pm at THE LOFT (75 Huron Street).

The event is presented by Algoma Conservatory Concerts.

Tickets are available here.

More How It Is can be heard on all major streaming platforms.