David James Allen

David James Allen at LIVE! on Elgin
With Chris Landry & The Seasick Mammas

July 21st, 2023
220 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor
7:30pm Doors \\ 8:00pm Show
Tickets $15.00 in Advance \\ $20 at the door.

David James Allen:
When David James Allen was in his early-twenties, he came up with the idea to name analbumThe Architect. He wrote its title track which,inspired by his struggle with impostersyndrome, questions if there’s an outside power in control of his life. But then Allen shelvedthe song and the album idea. He went on to release material with the now defunct rock bandStonetrotter and two albums under his own name: 2017’sWhen The Demons Comeand2020’sRadiations. For the latter release, awashedin psychedelic tones, Allen wrote,recorded, created the artwork for, promoted, and released one track a month for ten monthsduring a global pandemic.Nearly ten years later, Allen found his way back toThe Architect(out November via GarmentDistrict Records). Across the album, Allen tells almost a decade’s worth of stories that touchon politics, love, making music, and the journey Allen took to take control of his life. On“Please Let Me In,” Allen sings about a character who finds love and understanding in spiteof his flaws and on “Unsatisfied,” Allen grabs hold of his own joy: “I’m on the mend/I’mbuilding up my self-esteem,” he sings. Even when Allen, inspired by long days on tour, singson “Bound To The Game” about being ground down by capitalism, it serves as a reminderthat you are not struggling alone. “Putting the songs all together now,” Allen says aboutTheArchitect, “I felt acceptance and love.”

Chris Landry & The Seasick Mommas:
Chris Landry has been writing and recording original music in Ottawa since 2003. Starting with acoustic folk duo, Bad Houseguests who recorded one album (self released), and played the acoustic stage at Bluesfest in 2004 after extensive touring in Ontario and Easter Canada. Chris went on to form Chester Story and the Glory in Seoul, South Korea. In 2006 they recorded a self titled album, followed by a tour of eastern Australia, culminating with the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Upon returning to Canada, Chris formed a roots rock band called Harvey Cartel, recorded two albums S/T (2008) and - Side of the Road (2010) and then went on to form Glorious MoonRockets (garage/punk). Glorious MoonRockets self released two EPs - self titled (2011) and More Other Stuff (2013).
At the same time Chris formed Train Jumpers as an outlet for his country/folk stylings and recorded two EPs - Self titled (2007) and Hotel Dieu (2008).
Train Jumpers eventually morphed into Chris Landry and The Seasick Mommas in 2013, (the first time putting his own name on a band). Their first album - One Fifty Five was recorded In 2017. The songs on this album were written and inspired by a break up and end of a marriage. After the release of the album Chris toured Eastern Canada.
As a songwriter, Chris is a storyteller. Articulate and thoughtful lyrics spin sad stories and tragic tales. More tours and local shows were led to a second album, Two Ninety Three, in 2019.
In 2020, Chris began writing songs for his most recent release, Marylou (2022). You can hear a clear progression in songwriting and musicianship on this album. The music has progressed from straightforward country music and has expanded to include psyche, rock and even gospel.