Draft:Phonosonics

Phonosonics is a reggae, ska and rocksteady band from Victoria BC, Canada.

Biography

Founded by lead frontman Spencer Cleave (lead vocals, alto saxophone) in 2013, alongside Ned Saric (drums), Aidan Snider (guitar, vocals), Matt Shamas (keyboards), Anna Mendham (backup vocals), Luis Meneses (bass),and Dave Bamford (trumpet). Former members of the band include Al Udell, Katie Hegan and Eric Leydon.

B.C musician and trumpet player Anthony Shackell was a full time member, and now guest performs and provides co-production assistance with recordings.

Releases and Past Performances

The band has supported stage bills with a variety of music legends within the ska and reggae world.

Phonosonics has shared the stage with artists such as Trish Campbell and Junior Marvin of The Wailers. In 2017, they performed as the backing band for Lorraine Muller-the Queen of Ska; frontwoman and baritone saxophone player, for Montreal third wave ska band The Kingpins.

During the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival in 2019, Phonosonics played as the backing groups for Sister Nancy and Leroy Sibbles from The Heptones.

Phonosonics has released songs with British Reggae legend Horseman, Roger Rivas from The Aggrolites, and released a vinyl 45 single of “Me and Mrs. Jones” with Leroy Sibbles.

The band received praise from Mr. Sibbles saying “One of the sweetest bands I’ve ever played with.”

In the Media

Phonosonics has been regularly featured on Channel Radio 1 in the UK, on David Rodigan BBCXtra (one of the most listened to reggae programs in the world), and has been booked for interviews on “Reggae in the Fields” with Junior Smith, one of the oldest Reggae radio programs in Canada.

Releases

Originally the group has remained independent, and recording in a home based studio.

In 2022 Phonosonics was signed for a one album deal with U-NTX (a division of Universal Music), based on the success of their single “Beautiful Things”, which has over 1.3 million streams.

The album “New Again” spent over seven weeks at #1 on !earshot Independent Radio Charts for International /World Music. The latest single, released June 14th, 2023 “End of the World” has received widespread international radio play and critical acclaim.