James Barker Band
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James Barker Band is proof that big dreams can grow from small-town roots. Fueled by friendship, grit, and a shared love for storytelling, the band has gone from local dive bars to headlining stages across North America and Europe, amassing over 295 million global streams, multiple No.1 hits, and the unwavering devotion of fans along the way.The story began in 2009 when James Barker (lead vocals/guitar) and Connor Stephen (drums)first met at band camp. Bonded by their passion for music, they teamed up with Taylor Abram(guitar/background vocals) and Bobby Martin (bass), who all grew up within an hour of each otherin rural towns surrounding Toronto. The four-piece quickly became close friends, hitting the roadin a rented Greyhound bus to play gigs wherever they could, pouring their heart into every note.The band's big break came in 2015 at the Emerging Artist Showcase at Boots and Hearts MusicFestival, where their raw talent and undeniable charm earned them the top prize. That victory wasa launchpad, leading to a record deal with Universal Music Canada, the country's leading musiccompany, and the release of their breakout single, "Lawn Chair Lazy," in 2017. The laid-backanthem quickly gained traction and earned Platinum certification, but it was just the beginning.Their subsequent singles have also earned vast achievements and acclaim. Their 2x Platinumsingle "Chills," charted at No. 1 in Canadian country music charts, peaked at #1 on the BillboardCanada Country chart, #49 on the American Billboard Country Chart, and was awarded Single ofthe Year and Top Selling Canadian Single of the Year at the 2018 Canadian Country Music Awards,just a year after their major label signing. "Chills" also made history with the SOCAN SongwriterPrize nomination, which is the first-ever country music nomination for this prestigious all-genreaward. The record-breaking track's home album, Game On, is Gold certified and took home the2018 JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year.Following up on a stellar debut, the band released several fan and industry favourites likePlatinum-certified "Keep it Simple" which notched another No. 1 song of the year at the 2020 CCMAAwards and CMAO Awards. Their bustling catalogue has seen a string of successful tracks withfour No.1 Canadian Country radio hits - "Chills," "Over All Over Again," "Meet Your Mama," and"New Old Trucks" feat. 14x GRAMMY-nominated artist Dierks Bentley. To date, they've racked up12 Gold and Platinum certifications, four No. 1 Canadian country radio hits, and three CCMA Fans'Choice Awards.But beyond their record-breaking metrics and awards, James Barker Band's magic lies in theirconnection—to each other, to their roots, and to the fans who see themselves in their songs. Everynote they play is a tribute to the small towns that raised them, the families that support them, andthe communities that keep showing up to cheer them on. With their grounded ethos, infectiousenergy, and heartfelt storytelling, James Barker Band has made it clear: they're not just chasingdreams—they're sharing them. As they continue their rise in Canada, Nashville, and beyond, theband remains the same four humble friends who started it all, proof that sometimes, the beststories come from the simplest beginnings.With this, the multi-award-winning four-piece is continuing its steadfast ascent in Canada, Nashvilleand beyond.