Infidels (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Funk rock music |
Infidels was a Canadian funk rock ensemble active throughout the 1990s, honored with the Juno Award for Most Promising Group in 1992.
History
The band originated in 1990 when Molly Johnson reunited with Norman Orenstein, her collaborator from the 1980s project Alta Moda. Initially, they composed tracks intended for Candi and the Backbeat. Paul Orescan, president of IRS Records and acquainted with their earlier work, signed them to produce a new album. Taking the name Infidels—inspired by a Bob Dylan album—they expanded their lineup by adding Washington Savage, Jeff Jones, and Owen Tennyson, culminating in the release of their self-titled debut in 1991.
Their singles "100 Watt Bulb" and "Celebrate" achieved positions #25 and #12 respectively on the RPM charts, with "Without Love" and "Shaking" also making appearances. Despite these charting singles, the album itself reached only #74 on the RPM albums chart.
Securing the 1992 Juno Award for Most Promising Group elevated their visibility. In that same year, Johnson and Orenstein collaborated with Meryn Cadell on an environmentally themed single titled "Courage," which was released alongside The Razorbacks' "Land for Dreams." The project was supported by a music video shot at the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Although a second album was recorded in 1995, it was never released due to conflicts with their record label. These included demands to alter their band name because of another group in Ohio sharing it, as well as IRS Records' financial difficulties. Rather than accept changes to their identity, Johnson opted to disband Infidels.
Following the group's dissolution, Johnson pursued a career in jazz vocals. Meanwhile, Savage went on to establish Blaxäm with Tuku and Saidah Talibah Matthews.