About
Chris Blades is a Canadian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the guitarist, keyboard and banjo player for Toronto-based alternative rock outfit, Birds of Bellwoods, and has performed with and recorded for other musical projects such as Midnight Vesta and Folk Off! Blades was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he was classically trained in piano and singing from an early age until he started teaching himself the guitar at age 15. He completed his bachelor’s degree in music and drama at Bishop’s University before moving to Toronto, Ontario. Thereafter he was invited to join the just-formed Birds of Bellwoods (then called The Bayonets) by lead singer Stevie Joffe, and has continued to write, record, and perform under that title ever since. Originally brought on as a banjo player and backup singer, the band’s evolving sound has seen Blades’ musical contributions expand to include electric and acoustic guitar, keyboards, trumpet, and occasional lead vocals. In 2018 the band was signed to Monarch Music Group (previously eOne music Canada) releasing their highly anticipated debut LP Victoria. 2021 will bring their newest offering, a five song EP entitled Album B and in 2022, they will release their sophomore LP, produced by rock mainstay Dave Schiffman (PUP, The Strumbellas, Red Hot Chilli Peppers).