The Barrel Boys

Established in 2012, The Barrel Boys are a 5-piece string band based in Toronto, Ontario. The band’s sound is built around rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumentals, and their repertoire finely balances standard tunes with their own original writing. Their instrumentation lends itself to classic bluegrass, but they are also fluent in old time, classic country, and Americana, and their original material is informed by all of these styles. Each of the 5 members writes and sings their own tunes, making for a wide stylistic range within the band’s sound.

In 2020, The Barrel Boys released Mainline, their third full-length album of original songs and tunes. The album showcases the band's five unique singers and songwriters, complete with the rich vocal harmonies and virtuosic instrumental playing that Barrel Boys fans have come to love. Their songs capture experiences from their own lives, as well as stories the Boys have collected from their journeys touring across Canada. The album earned them a nomination for "Vocal Group of the Year" at the 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards. 

The Barrel Boys are: Tim O'Reilly (bass), Ben Wright (guitar), Rob McLaren (banjo), Kyle Kirkpatrick (Dobro) and Nathan Smith (fiddle)

“There's a certain "band next door" feel to the Barrel Boys. They may be accomplished musicians with tight harmonies and great arrangements, but their music is also brimming with the kind of personality that makes you want to buy them a beer and hear their life stories. ” — Kristin Cavoukian - Exclaim!