With a sound that blends high energy Latin, West African, reggae and folk rock rhythms the John Welsh Band gets crowds moving wherever they perform. A world traveller by nature, John Welsh lived and studied in Mexico and Guatemala where he was heavily influenced by the music, language and culture. After 5 years of playing and recording with various bands he and brother Chris(bass) met Nigerian born Courage Eigbike who brought his reggae and West African influenced sound. Together they began creating songs that would get crowds dancing and singing along with the vision of bringing their world music sound to a mainstream audience.

The band began performing locally and recorded with producer Tyler Johnson(Joshua Hyslop/Bestie/Austin Basham). With the release of their album and music video “On the Road”  their popularity quickly grew across British Columbia and soon they were on the road playing venues and festivals all over western Canada (including Vancouver’s iconic Commodore ballroom). To fill out their sound for larger performances the band added drummer Nathan Larsen and lead guitarist Devin Modugno. With strong support from CBC and college radio across Canada “On the Road” soon landed in the top 50 on the national Earshot! Charts.

To follow the success of “On The Road”  the band flew to the small surf town of Sayulita, Mexico  in the summer of 2015 to film the video for their single “Sayulita”. The catchy reggae vibe and video featuring locals further expanded their fan base to include Mexico and the United States. Performing in both English and Spanish the John Welsh Band wins over audiences with a high energy show that emphasises crowd participation, upbeat rhythms and singalong choruses. Wherever the band travels they gain new fans of all ages and cultures with their positive message and infectious melodies.

In 2015 influential Vancouver DJ Todd Hancock (99.3 Fox) hailed the band as “one of Vancouver’s premium up and coming indie artists” and CBC producer Michael Juk says “With infectious toe tapping songs that puts one in mind of sunny beaches and happy times, we could all use more music from the John Welsh Band in our lives” The band will release their next album in the summer of 2016 with touring to follow.

"John Welsh and his band are a delightful musical experience. The music grooves with energy. I keep a copy of the "On The Road" EP in my car and having the band on my show was a delight."

Pooner Clark, 92.9 KISM Bellingham, WA

"From the first strum of his guitar, John Welsh and his band poured a feel–good, positive vibe over the audience at the CBC Musical Nooners on July 7, 2015. He’s got a natural command of the stage combined with infectious toe tapping songs that puts one in mind of sunny beaches and happy times. I think we could all use more music from the John Welsh Band in our lives."

-Michael Juk, Senior Producer CBC Vancouver

"John Welsh  is one of Vancouver’s premiere up and coming indie artists."

Todd Hancock, former 99.3 CFOX host and indie music director

“John Welsh’s band is instantly likeable with great stage presence and warmth. We are thrilled to be working with him.”

Jeff Turner - The Jeff Turner Entertainment Group

"His music is upbeat, catchy, and easy to sing along to while cruising down the highway on your next adventure."

Cassy Oberndorf, SFU The Peak Campus Newspaper