James Gray - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
James Gray is a founding member of Soft Set and serves as the band's primary songwriter. His passion for music ignited at an early age, but truly took root during his high school years. It was in the basement of his family home, with a guitar in hand or at the family piano, that James first began crafting songs and discovering his voice as a writer.
After moving to Toronto in the early 2000s, James immersed himself in the city's vibrant music scene, joining various bands and refining his craft both on stage and in the studio. These experiences paved the way for his journey with Soft Set, where his lyrics draw inspiration from beauty, love and nostalgia.
James's melodic sensibilities and heartfelt songwriting are at the core of Soft Set's dream-pop sound, weaving a tapestry of emotion that resonates deeply with their listeners.
Nathan Athay - Lead Vocals
Nathan Athay has been involved in the Toronto music scene for over two decades, with his primary instrument being drums and percussion. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Nathan played in several local bands and a variety of projects.
While drumming was his primary role, Nathan always had a love for singing. Frequently providing backup vocals for the bands he played with, his passion for vocal performance eventually took precedence. Today, Nathan is a vocalist first and foremost, crafting a unique style both in the studio and on stage.
Nathan's vocal approach is inspired by iconic singers such as Morrissey, Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music), Marc Bolan (T. Rex) and Brett Anderson (Suede).
Ian Jackson - Lead Guitar
Ian Jackson is the sonic architect behind the lush, textural landscapes of Soft Set. As the band's lead guitarist, Ian creates intricate and beautiful textures that are a critical piece of the Soft Set live sound, captivating audiences with his artistry and attention to detail.
Ian has a storied history in Toronto's music scene, having previously played with celebrated local acts such as The Diableros, The Airfields, Persian Rugs and Sarah, Plain and Tall among many others. His experiences and versatility bring a depth to Soft Set's sound that resonates on stage, making him an indispensable part of the band's dream-pop essence.
James Callan - Keys
James was born in Kenora, Ontario on the shores of Lake of the Woods. Primarily trained on piano and self-taught on guitar, he has always been surrounded by music and instruments, fostering a deep connection to creativity and sound.
Involved in various musical projects, James has contributed to bands such as The Slowing and Watercolour, while remaining an avid fan of Soft Set. After years of appreciating Soft Set's music, he became an integral part of their live shows, performing on keyboards for the past two years.
Outside of these collaborations, James explores solo artistry under the pseudonym Prepare My Glider, an experimental project that embraces his shoegaze and dream-pop sensibilities.
Jason "South Pawl Jones" Eagan - Bass
Jason has been causing a low-end rumble on stages in the Toronto music scene since the early 90s, cutting his teeth and gaining road chops touring Canada and internationally with the likes of The Ryan Luchuck Band, Clockwise, The Mark Kleiner Power Trio, Charge of the Light Brigade and many more. Most of the last 13 years was spent with the rock and roll touring armada know as White Cowbell Oklahoma, with over 400 shows in Europe alone.
Taking the bass reigns in Soft Set has been a major changes in style for Jason, but one that harkens back to the songs and artists of his youth. Leaning on rock and roll sensibilities, tinged with a love of shoegaze and power pop, his basslines have fit into the live sound of Soft Set in a masterful and symbiotic way.
Matthew Rubba - Percussion
Matthew Rubba is the rhythmic heartbeat of Soft Set, driving the band's sound with his dynamic percussion and innate sense of timing. With over 20 years in Toronto's music scene, Matt has honed his craft playing with renowned acts such as The Diableros, The Airfields and Persian Rugs.
Beyond drums, Matt is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays guitar and keys, showcasing his versatility and deep musicality. When he's not performing, Matt enjoys collecting records and travelling, passions that inspire his creativity and fuel his connection to music.
Matt's energy and precision form the backbone of Soft Set, grounding their dream-pop sound while adding a pulse that keeps audiences engaged and entranced. His contributions are vital to the band's live performances and overall essence.