Lakes of Canada began in Montreal in the summer of 2010 when best-friends Jake Smith and Conor O’Neil began performing Jake’s songs as a duo. The duo soon added the dynamic Chris Barillaro to their group, adding his voice and piano playing to their already expanding sound, as well as guitar-expert Tim Dobby. Described as “a cross between Fleet Foxes and Simon and Garfunkel” (Ottawa Sun), Lakes employs lyrically driven songs rich with vocal harmonies.

Fresh out of Foxhole Studios, where the band recorded their debut full-length album “Toll the Bell”(for which they raised over $10,000), produced by Christopher Fox of Montreal-based Folly & the Hunter, Lakes of Canada is gearing up for their second major tour in as many years. Having added a fifth member, cellist Quinn Brander, to their ranks since their Summer 2010 tour, Lakes have changed and grown significantly since the release of their EP Broken Mirrors (Spring 2011) and are excited and encouraged by all the positive feedback.  Recently Chris Barillaro was replaced by organist Gwen Bergman, who also plays Harp and Flute.  Gwen’s addition to the group has expanded their sound even further and they are already putting together songs for their sophomore album.  Lakes of Canada recently won the Greenland music “Band of the Fringe” award at the 2012 Montreal Fringe Festival, and also played NXNE.  They are currently gearing up for their first appearance at POP Montreal in September, which will be followed by an east coast tour.