Grand Analog

Grand Analog is a hip hop group from Winnipeg and Toronto, active since 2006. It is led by Odario Williams, who describes the group’s sound as a mix of rap, dub and soul, with a deliberately rough, dusty quality. The group is made up of record collectors, musicians and beat-oriented DJs, many of whom work in local pubs and clubs in Toronto or Winnipeg.

Background and sound

Grand Analog forms around a loose collective approach rather than a standard single-line-up act. Williams is the creator and band leader, while the wider group includes DJ Ofield, Catalist on keyboards, Warren Bray on bass and Damon Mitchell on guitar. The members bring different musical backgrounds to the project, including reggae, punk-funk and family influences linked to music-making.

The group’s sound is described through terms such as rap’n’roll, dub and soul, and it also draws on ska and old-school hip hop. Its recordings and performances combine live instrumentation with turntable culture and occasional stage jams.

Releases

The debut album, Calligraffiti, includes a range of stylistic approaches. “Touch Your Toes” features James Brown-style drums, rock guitar and a New Orleans-style horn passage, while “Around This Town” is a ska-pop-hip-hop track.

Metropolis Is Burning follows and continues the group’s established style. Its singles include “Her Daddy (Don’t Like Me)”, “I Play My Kazoo” and “Stir Crazy”. “Stir Crazy” features Martin Perna of Antibalas, who also plays saxophone on TV on the Radio’s later work.

Guest appearances on Metropolis Is Burning include Canadian rappers Shad, Cadence Weapon and Len Bowen. The album is available in Canada and online from 2009.

Live performance and recognition

Grand Analog tours extensively and is known for an energetic live show that combines soul, improvisation and unconventional stage tactics. Both Calligraffiti and the live performance receive critical praise.

The group appears at a range of major showcases and festivals, including NXNE, SXSW, JunoFest, CMW and NMW, as well as jazz and folk festivals across the country.