The Hylozoists
| Company type | Collective |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Founder | Paul Aucoin |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Halifax, Nova Scotia; Toronto, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Instrumental rock music albums |
The Hylozoists represent a Canadian instrumental rock collective established in 2001 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Initiated by multi-instrumentalist and producer Paul Aucoin, the ensemble's name draws inspiration from the philosophical concept of hylozoism.
History
Paul Aucoin conceived The Hylozoists and launched their first record, La Nouvelle Gauche, which predominantly featured musicians from Halifax and was recorded in Aucoin's studio located in Nova Scotia. The project experienced a temporary hiatus while Aucoin concentrated on his collaborations with The Sadies.
Following his move to Toronto in 2004, Aucoin revitalized The Hylozoists by assembling a fresh roster of artists, including contributors from groups like The Weakerthans, FemBots, and Cuff the Duke. This transition shifted the band from a solo endeavor to a collaborative supergroup.
Their third release, L'île de Sept Villes, received a nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2010 Juno Awards.
In addition to his work with The Hylozoists, Aucoin has produced albums for acts such as Cuff the Duke (Sidelines of the City), The Golden Dogs (Big Eye Little Eye), and John K. Samson (Provincial).
Music
The Hylozoists' sound is characterized as Indie/Classical/Emotronic, showcasing their unique blend of instruments. Their arrangements merge classical elements—such as vibraphone, glockenspiel, organ, violin, and viola—with traditional rock instruments including drums, pedal steel guitar, electric guitar, and bass.
Rather than relying solely on instrument selection, their style is shaped by intricate arrangements. The inclusion of vibraphone and glockenspiel is uncommon within indie rock, often evoking a cinematic ambiance. Paul Aucoin’s classical background heavily influences the band’s orchestration; for example, the track "Warning Against Judging" layers glockenspiel, organ, and guitar to create a film score-like mood supported by drums, bass, violin, and trumpet.
The band's progression reflects its geographic relocations: beginning in Halifax with La Nouvelle Gauche, then moving to Toronto to produce La Fin du Monde.
Personnel
- Paul Aucoin (vibraphone, glockenspiel, drums) — founder; affiliated with The Sadies, Cuff the Duke, Hopeful Monster
- Randy Lee (violin)
- Paul Lowman (bass) — associated with Cuff the Duke
- Greg Millson (drums) — linked to Gentleman Reg, Great Lake Swimmers
- Christopher Sandes (piano, organ) — member of Cuff the Duke
- François Turenne (guitar)
- Eric Woolston (vibraphone, glockenspiel, drums)
Regular touring members
- Patrick Conan (vibraphone, glockenspiel, drums) — from Tricky Woo, Cuff the Duke
- Matthew Faris (drums) — affiliated with Cuff the Duke
Former and occasional touring members
- Rich Aucoin
- Bryden Baird (horns)
- Jason Ball (organ, vocals) — part of Hopeful Monster
- Dave Christensen (woodwinds) — associated with the Heavy Blinkers, Hopeful Monster
- Peter Conrad (cello)
- Jonina Gibson (viola)
- Rob Gordon (drums)
- Monica Guenter (viola) — from Christine Fellows' ensemble
- Taylor Knox (drums)
- Nathan Lawr (drums) — linked to Sea Snakes
- Dave MacKinnon (vocals) — connected to FemBots, Hummer
- Ruth Minnikin (vocals) — member of the Heavy Blinkers, The Guthries
- Damian Monyhan (drums) — part of Hopeful Monster
- Dale Murray (pedal steel, guitar) — involved with The Guthries, Hopeful Monster
- Michael Olsen (cello)
- Owen Pallett (violin) — also known as "Final Fantasy"
- Lukas Pearse (double bass)
- Julie Penner (violin) — affiliated with Broken Social Scene, Do Make Say Think
- Wayne Petti (piano, vocals) — from Cuff the Duke
- Brian Poirier ("weird") — associated with FemBots, Hummer
- Jeremy Strachan (guitar) — connected to Rockets Red Glare, Sea Snakes, Hopeful Monster, and Feuermusik
- Jason Tait (vibraphone, glockenspiel) — member of The Weakerthans, FemBots, Broken Social Scene, and Christine Fellows' band
- Leanne Zacharias (cello) — part of Christine Fellows' ensemble
Discography
- La Nouvelle Gauche (2002)
- La Fin du Monde (2006)
- L'île de Sept Villes (2009)
See also
- Short description with empty Wikidata description
- Musical groups established in 2001
- Musical groups disbanded in 2009
- Canadian indie rock ensembles
- Musical groups originating from Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Musical collectives
- Rock supergroups
- Canadian instrumental rock bands
- 2001 establishments in Nova Scotia
- 2009 disestablishments in Nova Scotia
- Musical groups disestablished in 2009