Biography
The Hermit's story is one of musical evolution and creative growth. Three albums and multiple
tours stretching across almost a decade for founder Hamish Thomson have seen The Hermit's
sound change and evolve, whilst bonds with trusted band-mates Jon Frederiksen (bass), Robert
Mitchell (keyboards), and Duane Murrin (guitars) have been strengthened and new vocalist Red
welcomed into the fold.
Founded in the year 2000 by Vancouver drummer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Thomson,
The Hermit began life as a solo electronic project, so called because of the reclusive life
Thomson led during the creation of his debut album "Flying out of Solitude". A successful
independent release led to multiple West Coast Music Award nominations and a label deal with
Nettwerk Records.
On the 2005 follow-up Wonderment, Thomson once again acted as Producer, but this time
captured the essence of a diverse pool of musicians and vocalists including Frazey Ford (The Be
Good Tanyas), Martina Sorbrara (now of Dragonette), beat-boxing spoken word maverick C.R.
Avery and Allison Shevernoha of Winnipeg's Paper Moon. Wonderment was a success in
Canada, garnering The Hermit an Indie Award for "Favourite Electronica Artist" at Canadian
Music Week 2006 and a #1 chart placing on Bravo TV's Video Countdown with "Sir Real"
featuring Shevernoha's ethereal vocal. The release of Wonderment also saw The Hermit hit the
road as a band for the first time, crossing Canada for shows in Toronto and Montreal, as well as
heading south of the border for its debut US date.
Building on the collaborative group dynamic that had grown out of touring Wonderment, Thomson
invited Shevernoha back to Vancouver to begin the writing process for The Hermit's third album,
yielding a collection of songs which would become the basis for "Turn Up (The Stereo)". The
energy of The Hermit's live shows exerted an increasing influence on the group's sound and
style, leading to co-writing credits for band members Mitchell, Frederiksen and new arrival (but
old friend) Duane Murrin who also plays with Thomson and Frederiksen in local heroes Big Tall
Garden. For the recording at Vancouver's Baker Street Studios, Thomson invited LA-based Krish
Sharma (Perry Farrell, Rolling Stones) to share production duties and together they set about
capturing the band's fresh, energized sound fusing elements of indie, pop and electronica. The
addition of live strings and horns completed Thomson's vision for the album, along with backing
vocals and flute by Ashleigh Ball of fellow Vancouverites Hey Ocean!
Building on the collaborative group dynamic that had grown out of touring Wonderment, Thomson
invited Shevernoha back to Vancouver to begin the writing process for The Hermit's third album,
yielding a collection of songs which would become the basis for "Turn Up (The Stereo)". The
energy of The Hermit's live shows exerted an increasing influence on the group's sound and
style, leading to co-writing credits for band members Mitchell, Frederiksen and new arrival (but
old friend) Duane Murrin who also plays with Thomson and Frederiksen in local heroes Big Tall
Garden. For the recording at Vancouver's Baker Street Studios, Thomson invited LA-based Krish
Sharma (Perry Farrell, Rolling Stones) to share production duties and together they set about
capturing the band's fresh, energized sound fusing elements of indie, pop and electronica. The
addition of live strings and horns completed Thomson's vision for the album, along with backing
vocals and flute by Ashleigh Ball of fellow Vancouverites Hey Ocean!
The five members of The Hermit now stand together stronger than ever, fortified by the creative
journey with all of its unexpected twists and turns. The Hermit stands proud as a solo studio
project that grew into an award-winning band. With the release of Turn Up (The Stereo) - a new
album featuring vocalists from the past and present - The Hermit simultaneously marks the end
of one journey and embraces a new beginning.
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