Mitchmatic live at CKUA

This week on TransCanada Music West, we feature some brand-new music from emcee, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Mitch Holtby, AKA  Mitchmatic. Mitch has made a name in the Edmonton scene for his distinct blend of jazz and hip hop. The former influence he credits to his dad, who would play jazz records at breakfast on mornings before Mitch would head off to elementary school. With that daily dose of Chet Baker, came a little De La Soul on the side. Mitch names The Jungle Brothers, Jurassic 5, and Slick Rick among some of his early hip hop influences.

Mitch’s mom was an elementary school music teacher, so the pianos, guitars, and drums were always at the ready.After picking up the saxophone in grade 6 band class, Mitch would eventually teach himself to become a one-man band, learning several instruments including drums, bass, and guitar.

It’s been nearly two years since the release of Mitch’s last full length release, A Night Lost. He plans to release a new record later this year, but on this week’s episode of TransCanada Music West, we’ll have a live preview of a few of those songs captured during a set at CKUA’s performance space. During that performance, Mitch was backed by Ross Nichol on synth, Cameron O’Neill on bass, and Connor Ellinger on drums.