Two nights ago, I went to see Jonah Matranga at the Gershwin Hotel. It was a neat venue and as usual, Jonah was great.

He has a new 7 inch coming out. read the press bulletin below.

jonah matrnga (photo by Magali Boyer)

kevin seconds (photo by Nate Hunt)

KEVIN SECONDS AND JONAH MATRANGA DO IT ON THE CANADIAN BLACKTOP!

October 8th 2009 (Welland, Ontario, Canada)

Jonah Matranga and Kevin Seconds will be releasing a split 7 inch vinyl through Canada’s Blacktop Records on
Tuesday, December 22 2009. The vinyl will feature four brand new previously unreleased songs including “I’ve always wanted to write a song commanding people to (dance!)” and “Daylight” by Matranga and “Grip Yr Own” and “Life> Unknown” by Seconds. Aside from the recordings Kevin Seconds also designed the artwork with additional layout by Welland, Ontario based graphic designer Jillian Grenier. The limited pressing of 1000 hand-numbered copies will be available to purchase in Canada at all records shops through F>A>B>
Distribution. It will also be available online at various online outlets including the official Blacktop Records webstore at blacktoprecords.ca and interpunk.com.

After 15 releases on Blacktop Records this is the first to be pressed on vinyl. This split also marks Kevin Seconds first project with the label and Jonah Matranga’s second. In September 2007 the Canadian based record label released Jonah Matranga’s full length debut titled And. Ben Andress, owner of Blacktop Records, approached Kevin Seconds in late 2008 about the idea of doing a split with Jonah Matranga. “I knew it wasn’t going to be difficult getting them involved in this project knowing how well they have worked together in the past.” Matranga released a cassette tape under the name Onelinedrawing on Kevin Seconds’ Pop Rockit Records.

Kevin Seconds, known for his role as the front man of the highly influential hardcore punk band 7seconds, has released various splits in the past and has plans to release more with such artists as Mike Hall, Mike Scott and Kepi from the Groovie Ghoulies. When he’s not making music he’s hosting a weekly hour-long show called “Pay To Strum with Kevin Seconds” on the Canadian based punkradiocast.com.

Jonah Matranga, known for his role as the front man of the band Far, is also no stranger to releasing split vinyl. In 2006 Matranga released a split with the UK’s Frank Turner as well under the name Onelinedrawing, Jonah has also recorded splits with Rival Schools and Sense Field. Aside from his solo material Matranga has recently reformed the band Far and just finished an album for Vagrant Records.

Both Kevin Seconds and Jonah Matranga plan on playing shows together to support
this release.