The Standstills
The Music Industry Arts (MIA) program at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, has played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s music landscape, nurturing a wealth of talented musicians, producers, and industry professionals across genres. Among the standout acts to come out of this program is The Standstills, a hard rock duo with a bluesy, Western sound that’s captured the attention of audiences nationwide.
Formed in 2010, Jonny Fox (vocals/guitar) and Renée Couture (drums) quickly became known for their high-energy performances and raw, gritty sound. Over the years, they’ve released several well-received works, including Pushing Electric (2012), From the Devil's Porch (EP, 2015), Badlands (2018), and Shockwave (2022). Their performances in Kitchener, Ontario, highlight their active touring schedule, including standout shows like their appearance at Centre in the Square during the OLPxIME Tour on October 31, 2016, and opening for Three Days Grace on November 24, 2022, as part of the EXPLOSIONS Tour.
But The Standstills are just one of many success stories from the MIA program. The school has produced a wide range of notable artists, including:
Three Days Grace – A rock powerhouse with multiple #1 hits on the charts.
Finger Eleven – A Juno-winning band famous for hits like One Thing and Paralyzer.
The Tea Party – Known for their unique “Moroccan Roll” style, blending rock with Middle Eastern influences.
Deadmau5 – A global leader in electronic music and one of the most recognized producers worldwide.
Shad – A Polaris Prize-winning rapper known for his socially conscious lyrics.
MIA graduates have also excelled as songwriters and producers, with notable alumni like Emm Gryner (David Bowie collaborator) and Meghan Patrick, a Juno-winning country artist. The program has been crucial to the careers of influential producers like Jack Richardson (famous for his work with The Guess Who) and Dan Brodbeck (Grammy-winning producer for The Cranberries).
Beyond producing musicians, MIA has cultivated a network of industry leaders who have made significant contributions to global music. The program’s blend of technical expertise, creative mentorship, and industry connections continues to shape the future of music, preparing graduates to make their mark on the world stage.
As a proud Fanshawe College MIA grad, I’ve had the pleasure of watching artists from the program perform live and seeing their incredible impact on the music scene.
