Medium Bio

Green Needle is a Vancouver Island three-piece performing original music from songwriter and producer John Greenberg's catalogue. Drawing from three EP releases and ongoing recording projects, the band combines atmospheric guitar textures, melodic bass lines, dynamic percussion and immersive visuals to create a cinematic live experience. The band touches on dream-pop, new wave, acid jazz, and 70's radio, and the live set paints a wide palette of moods, ranging from intimate moments to thunderous groove.  The three members, also featuring Angus Barter on Bass and vocals and Sean Keough on drums and percussion, are an emerging band preparing for the clubs, lounges and festivals. The trio’s performances move between intimate moments and expansive cinematic soundscapes, making them equally suited to listening rooms, lounges, theatres and festival stages.

Full Bio

Green Needle is the result of years of writing and recording combined with the joy of playing music with friends. The scene is Eastside Westside Recording Studios in Port Alberni, BC. In what used to be a community hall, the building is now stuffed with recording gear, a P.A. and a plethora of instruments. This is where the creative minds of John Greenberg (vocals, guiar) Angus Barter (vocals, bass) and Sean Keough (drums, percussion) converge to  form Green Needle.  Wanting to bring material from his three previous releases to the stage, solo artist John Greenberg was primed to start a new project, but didn't want a traditional “rock band” approach. Greenberg originally imagined the project would require a synth player and extensive programming, but the chemistry between the three musicians quickly changed that assumption. “I felt that without a synth programmer,  it wouldn't be possible” says John.  “Sean was always on my radar as a drummer because he understands electronic music. He knows how to build, drop out, and has a wider palette of dynamics than a typical rock or pop drummer”. As for a bassist, John had previously worked with Angus in the studio and knew Angus from the Barter Brothers sessions. "Those are great records and I have a lot of respect for Angus as an artist”, says John.  After a chance run-in while hiking one day, and a quick discussion - the deal was sealed.

 The focus shifted to refining the material and building their live show. “We want to create an experience for the audience, not just run through standards”. Green Needle performances combine original music with visual projections and immersive staging, creating a show that moves between intimate moments and expansive cinematic soundscapes. Future plans for the band will include writing and releasing new material and connecting with fans when and wherever they can.