The Commoners

The Commoners released their debut studio album, Find A Better Way, in 2022, introducing audiences to their signature blend of soulful roots rock, blues, and southern-inspired rock and roll. Recorded in their hometown of Toronto, Canada, the nine-track album showcased both the band's driving rock anthems-including "Fill My Cup," "Too Much," and the title track-and their more reflective side on songs like "Naturally," "I Won't," and "Hangin' On Again."

Following the album's release, the band toured extensively throughout Canada, the UK, and Europe, quickly establishing themselves as one of the rising names in the international roots rock scene. The singles "Fill My Cup," "Too Much," and "Find A Better Way" received significant airplay on UK radio, helping expand the band's growing fanbase overseas.

Powerplay Magazine praised the album as "Country rock, a dollop of blues and soul, roots, and rock. Find A Better Way takes you up and down, and the ride is fabulous," awarding it 9/10. Blues in Britain called it "an album that gets better with each repeated listen," highlighting its balance of melodic rockers, country-tinged ballads, and passionate performances.

Building on that momentum, The Commoners released their sophomore album, Restless, in 2024. Recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, the album marked a natural progression in both songwriting and sound. Blending soaring rock anthems with introspective, slower-burning tracks, Restless explores the realities of life on the road and the emotional highs and lows behind a band finding success while staying true to its roots.

Supporting the release, the band embarked on an extensive run of international touring, including headline shows across Europe and the UK, as well as support tours with Samantha Fish, Jesse Dayton, The Sheepdogs, and DeWolff.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, The Commoners continued to build their reputation as a formidable live act. Festival highlights included headline appearances at Call of the Wild Festival and Steelhouse Rock Festival in Wales, along with performances at Sweden Rock Festival. During this period, the band began recording select live performances, culminating in Live in the UK, captured during the final shows of their UK tour with The Sheepdogs.

The live album further showcased the band's high-energy performances and musicianship. Planet Mosh described "The Way I Am (Live)" as "blues rock of the highest order," while Ramzine praised the track's infectious energy and audience connection.

This fall, The Commoners return to the UK for their newly announced Runnin' Blind Tour, bringing their electrifying live show to audiences across 12 cities. Alongside fan favourites from Find A Better Way and Restless, the band will debut new material as they prepare to record their highly anticipated third studio album.

The Commoners are a band in the midst of another banner year with the release of their highly anticipated album, Restless (Gypsy Soul Records, 2024). Returning with ten tracks that grip and groove, the quintet continue to provide listeners with a hearty dose of Southern-style swagger with every guitar slide, organ swell, and vocal stamp.

Riding high off the strength of their previous release, Find A Better Way, the last two years have been a whirlwind for the band. From a UK tour with Grammy-nominated duo Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton in the fall of 2023, to numerous headline dates across Europe and Britain this year, The Commoners have earned their status as a must-see act and are “definitely a band to watch out for in the future” (CGCM Radio Glasgow).

Possessing a sound tapped from the oaken belly of a whiskey barrel, The Commoners are a five-piece Roots/Rock outfit from Toronto, Canada. Offering their own blend of a tried and true musical mixture, the group pepper their sound with high-energy riffs, soulful vocals, and rich harmonies that combine to take the listener on a journey through a Southern-style rock experience.

The band is a culmination of like-minded musicians who have bonded over their love of the classics. All being seasoned performers in the Canadian music scene, Chris Medhurst (lead vocals/guitar), Ben Spiller (bass/vocals), Ross Hayes Citrullo (lead guitar), Adam Cannon (drums/vocals), and Miles Evans-Branagh (keys/vocals) have united under a shared dream: to write, perform, and share music that is an authentic nod to the greats who paved the way before them.

“The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin are big influences for us. Derek Trucks, Marcus King, and the Allman Brothers, of course, as well. These are the bands that we wear on our sleeves as we continue to evolve our sound and create our own music.”

Channeling their deep respect and admiration for Roots/Rock trailblazers, The Commoners also incorporate rhythmic stylings inspired by Motown and Soul’s groove masters. The keystone of their unique blend is lead singer, Chris Medhurst’s emotive vocal style, akin to Burton Cummings and Paul Rodgers with a dash of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.

A natural evolution from their 2022 album Find A Better Way, Restless offers a peek behind the curtain of success, revealing the grueling routines and ragged emotions that hide behind the glamorous aesthetic of a rock band on the rise. With introspective, slower-tempo numbers pocketed amongst rip-roaring anthems, the new album, recorded at RHC Music in Toronto, is a portrait of a hardworking group revitalizing a classic genre.

In support of Restless, The Commoners will hit the road for a major tour in November through December ‘24 across Europe and the UK opening for Canadian heavyweights The Sheepdogs, rounding out their year with a coveted slot at Planet Rockstock. With lead singles “Devil Teasin’ Me”, “The Way I Am” and “Shake You Off” all earning spots on Planet Rock’s main playlist, the band continue to turn heads with their crisp tones, lush productions, and spirited melodies. From the speakers to the stage, one thing is certain: The Commoners are ushering in a party rock renaissance, and we’re all invited.