User:Themagneticnorth/The Magnetic North

The Magnetic North is a 4 piece band started late in 2009 by frontman Paul van Kampen, best known for his contribution to Calgary based AltCountry/Indie Rock outfit "Beija Flor", and features Mark Mendoza(Bass player for The Consonant C), Andrew Hamill (Drums) and Dan Wilson (Also of Beija Flor, on Percussion). They are based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Magnetic North's notable debut self titled release (April 2010) is a creative and diverse ensemble of 5 meloncholy songs, all performed only by Paul van Kampen, and all using just one instrument, van Kampen's beloved upright piano. Layers of percussion, strings, plucking and ambient resonance that are all created only with the piano, make this recording a remarkable achievement while maintaining the relevance of a solo performance.

Although The Magnetic North is fresh on the Canadian music front, they are well seasoned musicians. In previous incarnations, members of The Magnetic North and The Consonant C have been joined by Blue Rodeo, The Weakerthans, The Acorn, The Sadies, The Handsome Furs, Ohbijou, as well as long time friends from their home town Woodpigeon, The Dudes and Key to the City.