About
F&M
Label: Shameless Records Canada
since circa 2007
F&M is a gently sardonic, dark and hopelessly clever art-folk / library-rock band with a sound that is delicate, heady and glacial. F&M's roots began as Ryan Anderson’s experiment in self-recording. Ryan prefers to think of himself as “experience-trained.” He believes in the cocktail-napkin method of song-writing: a brilliant idea could hit at any moment and he has never written two songs the same way. He draws his musical inspiration from some of his favourite artists — Leonard Cohen, Smog, Will Oldham, and The National, to name a few — from famous playwrights like Bernard Shaw — and from human experience. He was once approached after a gig and told “You sing the saddest songs, but with the biggest smile!” After a hiatus to travel and study, F&M grew into a collaboration between Ryan and Becky Anderson, with new music, an updated image, two additional musicians (Bryan Reichert and Chad Andriowski) stolen from a defunct electronic-pop band , and a long lost brother (Kevin Anderson) to play the bass.
Becky acquired formal music training on the pipe organ, but is mainly self-taught in piano, accordion, and guitar and cymbeline. She is rooted in deep academic longings and completed a Masters in Soviet Russian Rock Music Culture. When performing, she has a dramatic playing style and will often leave her microphone to just walk out into the audience to sing and play the accordion. Becky draws her inspiration for her music not only from her background in literature and music, or some of her favourite artists — like Dean and Britta, Beth Gibbons of Portishead, and PJ Harvey — but also from the imagery of the circus and even the violence of birds.
Recent accomplishments for F&M are: receiving a Rawlco 10k20 recording grant (new album "Sincerely, F&M" is geared up Fall 2010 release), performing in Germany (Fall 2009), writing music for and syncing music to various projects, showcasing at the Western Canada Music Awards, participating on CBC National Radio program GO!, charting nationally on the college charts, and live radio opportunities. F&M is versatile - playing as a trio or a full five-piece band. F&M is never afraid to go quiet.
Currently F&M tours as a trio:Ryan and Becky Anderson and the talented Bryan "Miot" Reichert.
"At times the band doesn’t raise their voices above whispers. At times the subdued lead guitar sears. Their songs are always intelligent reflections of life."
Banff Crag and Canyon, April 14, 2009
"Each show brings more and more of a crowd; each performance solidifies F&M as one of Western Canada’s top artists, set to take on the world."
Brent Oliver, Talent Buyer Keystone Music
"... wowing audiences ... sounds that draw comparison to The National.” Rocky Mountain Outlook, January 15, 2009
"[Every Light Must Fade] is an overwhelming aesthetic beautiful gift.... F&M's art/style is something that needs to be guarded like a treasure - for one's entire life." Main Echo, GERMANY, December 2008
“... a rare band that has both defined their sound and obviously shapes themselves each performance. From upbeat and a matter of force and emotion, to soft spoken and ethereal. The musicianship is a pleasure to watch and i go away from each performance feeling lucky and happy to expose new groups of patrons to their sound.... Reminding me why it is i love live music. The experience of taking a chance, subsequently being awarded for your bravery with great music and beautiful art . Which this band marries with ease."
Daniel Huber, Entertainment Manager, O'Byrne's Group
"great expressive range!" CBC Radio
Unknown
Past Events
28
Oct
2010
20:00 11:30
The Fort Cafe
25
Jun
2010
17:00 19:00
24
Jun
2010
20:45 00:00
23
Jun
2010
19:30 11:00
22
Jun
2010
20:00 11:00