Toronto Roots Musician & Independent Alt Country Artist

For over four decades, John Borra has been an uncompromising force as an independent Toronto musician, from his early days immersed in the raw energy of punk to his later explorations in roots and alt-country. This Toronto Americana artist has built his career alongside the city’s ever-shifting live music Toronto scene, yet one constant remains: Borra has always stayed true to his musical roots, consistently delivering honest, passionate songwriting that resonates with listeners on a deep, emotional level.

Borra’s early musical journey was shaped by the rebellious energy of punk rock, where artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, and Patti Smith taught him the importance of staying authentic in a world full of compromises. As a teenager, this independent Toronto musician was drawn to Toronto’s underground scene and soon found himself playing in bands that contributed to the city’s growing alternative movement. “I’ve always believed in doing music for the sake of music, not for fame or money,” Borra reflects. “That ethos has guided me through my entire career.”

In the 1980s and early 90s, Borra was an integral part of several bands in Toronto’s burgeoning alt-rock scene (A Neon Rome, Groovy Religion, Change Of Heart), each one an opportunity to explore his musical voice. However, it wasn’t until the mid 1990s, with the rise of the roots music renaissance, that he found his true calling as a solo artist. He blended punk’s energy with the storytelling traditions of folk, country, and Americana, establishing himself as a distinctive Toronto alt country voice. From his 1997 self-titled debut through to 2020’s Blue Wine, all of his records have showcased this fusion, earning him critical acclaim for his genre-defying approach as a Toronto roots musician.

His canon also includes two records with his John Borra Band and three with Rattlesnake Choir with whom he was the singer and principal songwriter. He’s also never stopped playing bass – having played at live music Toronto venues with a plethora of artists such as Ron Sexsmith, Serena Ryder, Viletones, Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys) and many more.

Borra’s discography reflects his evolution as a Toronto Americana artist, constantly merging genres while staying true to his authentic voice. Blue Wine was hailed as a perfect balance of poetic honky-tonk and punk-infused barnburners. Cassettes In Common, a tribute to the Canadian singer-songwriters who shaped his musical journey, brought a new dimension to his artistry, featuring reimagined songs by Ron Sexsmith, Kyp Harness, Bob Snider, and Frank Nevada. His latest project, Last Dance at the E Room, is both a personal reflection and a tribute to his late mentor, Peter J. Moore, and the E Room studio that played a pivotal role in his creative development. With every record, this independent Toronto musician continues to break down musical boundaries, proving his dedication to creating songs that resonate emotionally.

As he moves forward, John Borra remains a Toronto alt country artist unafraid to embrace the unknown, yet deeply grounded in the values that have always guided him. “I’ve always done it for the love of music and stayed true to that for my entire career” he says. “And that’s never going to change.”