With blazing leads, soulful harmonies, indelible melodies, and driving, powerful rhythms, the Commoners are anything but your typical Toronto rock quartet, and they’re setting out to prove it.

Their journey began in 2009 when singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Medhurst met up with lead guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo at Ross’s Toronto based studio. Solidified by Chris’s folk-inspired songwriting and the edge of Ross’s commanding, heavy leads, the two quickly bonded, finding unity in their individual styles and meeting at the junction of roots rock and alternative pop. The two joined forces with bassist and keyboardist Ben Spiller and Geoff Bruce, a Humber College Jazz percussionist, and the newly formed four-piece changed their name from the Chris Medhurst band to the Commoners. It was then that their sound truly began to come into itself.

Drawing inspiration from the soft blues of artists like John Mayer and riff-rich classic rockers like Led Zeppelin and the Black Crowes, the Commoners distinguish themselves with tight instrumentation, mesmerizing energy, and undeniably infectious songwriting. All of these elements combine in the Commoners’ first EP Streetlights and their single “Out Tonight,” which have brought them recognition in Toronto’s indie rock circles and has changed their shows from opening gigs to headlining shows across Ontario.

The Commoners are a rock and roll workhorse, and even with the release of Streetlights in 2015, they haven’t slowed down. They are currently working on their upcoming record, writing and perfecting new songs with a humble confidence, true to their name and true to the origins of their influences. Keep your eyes on the Commoners and experience one of the most exciting up-and-coming rock bands for yourself.