Behind Sapphire

For Grant Cassell (vocals) and Matthew Mazankowski (guitar) music is a personal journey, and after nearly a decade of exploration – with forays into rock, folk, jazz, rap and even screamo – Behind Sapphire’s newest EP release is yet another expression of personal growth. “We’re super grateful” Matthew declares “to have fans who are patient with us, and who are excited for something new and fresh every time they listen to our music.” Band member Joseph Ward adds. “You’re going to get something creative and shocking around every corner, and it has branded us as a group that is going to keep you on the edge of your seats.” A playful sense of humour is evident in their music, as well as in their always energetic and unique live performances. The music draws you in by being relatable and universal, and pushing the envelope in their live performances has audiences on their feet to cheer or sing along. Though Matthew and Grant have been friends and collaborators for a little over eight years it has been a world class adventure to put together a cohesive unit with a unique sound and a bright future. With Grant, Matthew, Steven, Lindsay and Joseph all working together it’s “very different minds all working on the same thing. It’s a combination of a lot of spontaneity and it really brings out the best in the music.” Matthew says. Faith, friendship and fearlessness combine to make Behind Sapphire the band to watch. With charity projects such as the Yellow Rubber Boots Campaign for the Children’s Wish Foundation, Behind Sapphire has seen a steady rise in popularity: from participating in the Peak Performance Project, touring across Canada and twice through China, to the release of their new EP: JAILBIRDS - Behind Sapphire’s music promises a world of imagination and storied contrast. “The new EP is about relationships; the good and the bad of it all.” Jailbirds teases you with the idea of being trapped by love. It delicately plays on your senses and mimics the highs and lows of a relationship. As Matthew put it, “We wanted to accomplish a relatable thing. People are at different points in their relationships and we want to showcase both the rapture and the reversals.” For Grant “Each song and album holds a record of my thoughts and life experiences. The music, more importantly the performance, helps me reveal my true colours.” And the true colours of Behind Sapphire are bright and invigorating. From kinetic live performances to sincere melodies that play on your heartstrings like a concert violinist, Behind Sapphire’s kaleidoscopic sound pulls you into a bright, playful world you may never want to leave. Each song has a story, and in each story you are the main character. As Lindsay says, “The music has taught me how to tell stories, and it is this that connects you to people, and their emotions, in a timeless way. Viewing life with the heart and eyes of a child is the greatest gift I have received with my friends in Behind Sapphire.” Jailbirds EP on iTunes now: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/jailbirds-ep/id681355897