Dilly Dally

Lore & Background

Dilly Dally was formed in 2009 by high school friends Enda Monks and Liz Ball in Newmarket, Ontario. The two self-taught guitarists developed their sound through years of playing shows in Toronto's alternative and punk scenes. The band self-released their first single, 'Next Gold', in 2013 with an alternate rhythm section. In 2013, Benjamin Reinhartz (drums) and Annie Jane Marie (bass) joined, solidifying the band's sound. Their first 7-inch, 'Candy Mountain', was released in 2014 by Buzz Records and Fat Possum Records, but generated limited public interest. A positive Pitchfork review of 'Next Gold' increased their international notoriety.

The band's debut full-length album, Sore, was released on October 9, 2015, on Buzz Records in Canada and Partisan Records in the United States and United Kingdom. It was longlisted for the 2016 Polaris Music Prize and nominated for Alternative Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2017. The single 'Desire' was a SOCAN Songwriting Prize finalist in 2016. The band toured extensively during the Sore album cycle, a pace that almost caused them to break up. After a mental health break, they regrouped in 2017 to write their second album, Heaven, released on September 14, 2018, by Dine Alone Records and Partisan Records. Heaven was longlisted for the 2019 Polaris Music Prize, and the song 'Bad Biology' was a finalist for the SOCAN Songwriting Prize in 2019.

Dilly Dally had shows announced for 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations. They opened for My Chemical Romance for several dates in 2022. On March 2, 2023, the band announced their breakup, releasing final singles 'Colour of Joy' and 'Morning Light', and playing their final concert on May 27 at Lee's Palace in Toronto, with a second show added for May 28.

Reader's Guide

Dilly Dally's significance lies in their raw, guitar-driven alternative rock sound and their candid exploration of personal and social themes. Their debut album Sore earned critical recognition, including a Polaris Music Prize longlist nomination and a Juno Award nomination, and was featured on Exclaim!'s list of the 50 Best Canadian Albums of the 2010s. The band's second album Heaven continued this trajectory, addressing topics such as marijuana use, queerness, depression, and substance abuse, and was also longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Their outspoken support of queer issues, with Monks identifying as queer, added to their cultural resonance. The band's legacy is marked by their intense touring schedule, which nearly led to a breakup, and their eventual dissolution in 2023 after a final series of shows. Their music remains a touchstone for fans of Canadian alternative rock and for those who appreciate honest, emotionally charged songwriting.

Did You Know?

• The band's first single 'Next Gold' was self-released in 2013 with an alternate rhythm section before Reinhartz and Marie joined.
• The song 'Sober Motel' was written by Monks in relation to Annie's journey into sobriety.
• Dilly Dally opened for My Chemical Romance for several dates in 2022.
• Their final concert was held on May 27, 2023, at Lee's Palace in Toronto, with a second show added for May 28.