Photos by Caitie Corkal – Dallas Green, the creative force behind City and Colour, was born on September 29, 1980, in St. Catharines, Ontario. He began writing music as a teenager—by age 14—and initially emerged in the post-hardcore scene as guitarist and soulfully melodic vocalist for Alexisonfire from 2001 onward . Seeking a more introspective and acoustic outlet, Green launched City and Colour in 2005—a moniker formed from his first and last names—to distinguish his tender, folk-tinged solo work from his heavier band persona . His debut under that name, Sometimes (2005), was critically acclaimed, went platinum in Canada, and earned Alternative Album of the Year at the 2007 Junos
Over two decades, City and Colour has evolved sonically and thematically. Albums like Bring Me Your Love (2008) introduced richer instrumentation—banjo, harmonica, lap steel—and collaborations, including work with The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie. By the time of his third album, Little Hell (2011), Green was bridging folk, blues, and indie rock, backed by trusted collaborators and earning consistent Juno and chart success . The 2019 album A Pill for Lonelinessdebuted at No. 1 in Canada and continued exploring vulnerability—Green referred to music as a “pill for loneliness,” a therapy he shared through his art.
Green’s most recent solo work, The Love Still Held Me Near (2023), reflects his personal journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery, shaped by the loss of close friends and the upheaval of the pandemi. Across seven studio albums, multiple platinum certifications, and numerous Junos (including Songwriter of the Year), City and Colour has established a signature blend of raw emotion and refined musicality . Dallas Green continues to connect deeply with audiences—whether on stage or in quiet reflection—providing a heartfelt soundtrack to life’s highs and lows.
JOEL PLASKETT
