By Will McGuirk
I, the Mountain is a four piece indie-folk band based in Kitchener, ON (but with D-Rock connections of course). Known for their joyous harmonies, high energy performances, and infectious song writing, the band has built a passionate fanbase of “Mountaineers” from their hard work, never-quit attitude, and genuine love for music and community.
Fresh off their studio collaborations with Canadian music icons Simon Ward (The Strumbellas), Jonas Bonnetta (Evening Hymns), and Dan Ledwell, I, the Mountain is ready to bring their indie-folk sound to main stages across Canada.
Their debut album, Little Wild, released at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, explores themes of togetherness, loss, and the need for escape. Little Wild and its singles “The Boat” and “Winter Blues” earned the band national airtime on CBC Radio and solidified their status as true up-and-comers within the Canadian music scene.
Matt Lamers (Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar): "It is a little bit surreal because I always grew up listening to many many artists who would play Hillside and at times it seemed out of reach as a band, so the fact that we have reached this accomplishment is very validating."
Allison Dyjach (Keyboard and Vocals): "I spent four years in Guelph for university and had friends that went to Hillside every summer. I had never been, but could tell by the way they would talk about it that it was such a special place. The new artists they would discover, the workshops, the beautiful setting, and general sense of community and belonging made it sound like this magical utopia of arts, nature, and community building. I finally attended the festival after graduating and it lived up to everything I had imagined. We feel so honoured to be included in the lineup this year and can't wait for July."
Rory McLachlin (Lead Guitar and Vocals): "I spent many of my summers camping at Guelph Lake, always looking at the Hillside stage. Back then, I would have never thought that I would have been up there playing the festival."
Matt Rappolt (Percussion and Vocals): Hillside is an amazing festival, one that truly celebrates music and community. This is something that we strive to embody as a band and we are so grateful that the festival has chosen us to take part.”
