Kalle Mattson as a band started roughly two and a half years ago now, and maybe reflection only comes with change but in this time of reflection I am pretty convinced that these past few years have been the best of my life so far. Not many people fully understand what it’s like to be in a band I don’t think. There is a true brotherhood and friendship that goes much deeper than just “four dudes in a van” or “playing music with your friends”. It becomes a bond.

Over these next few months though, a number of things within Kalle Mattson will change. This upcoming fall the band will be making it’s full-time move to Ottawa, though we’re certainly not severing our ties with Sault Ste. Marie, just making the distinction between our “hometown” and our “home”.

The other major change comes with our drummer, Jimmie Chiverelli, leaving the band after this summer. This past May, Jimmie and his girlfriend Julie got engaged and bought their first home in Sault Ste. Marie. Julie has become a really good friend and part of Kalle Mattson in her own right and we wish them only the best! But the reality is that our lives are beginning to move in far different directions, and we simply both came to this realization.

Jimmie’s influence over my music and the progression of the band has been immense. He booked our first tour, effectively created our Sault Ste. Marie fan base, introduced me to Bruce Springsteen and over the past few years has become one of my best friends. When talking to Jimmie about his leaving the band I think we’re both able to take some solace in knowing that he was able to accomplish everything he wanted to with us. We toured Canada, played festivals, played a hockey arena, made a record, and for me I can’t really picture these past few years without Jimmie, and I know for a fact that we would not be where we are now without him.

With Jimmie departing though we now welcome Kyle Woods to the band. Kyle is a good friend of ours and also plays in a great Ottawa area band called Life In 2D, and we really couldn’t be happier that such a great drummer and solid guy will be joining us. Moving forward we have lots of exciting stuff happening this fall as we continue to promote Anchors and I have already written a good chunk of our next record! We’ll also have some big news regarding a new release in the new year!

So! Jimmie’s last few shows with us will be spread out over the summer starting with our two NXNE showcases and then Ottawa Bluesfest on July 10th and an early August tour.

For Sault Ste. Marie folks there will be two final shows with Jimmie. Sunday August 7th at Loplops (info on that to come) and Rotaryfest Second Stage which takes place on July 15th and 16th! We really hope to see you out and to make these shows a joyous occasion!

We will be saying goodbye to one aspect of our friendship together but BROS FOR LIFE. Thanks for everything Jimmie!

- Kalle.