The Franklin Electric is a Montreal-based indie folk project led by singer-songwriter and producer Jon Matte. Evolving from a collective of friends and musicians, Jon remains true to the essence and heart that inspired him from the very beginning. The project now captivates audiences worldwide with its raw intimate and emotive sound. Over the years, The Franklin Electric has become a bridge, connecting hearts in corners of the world Jon never dreamed he’d reach.
Ten years ago, Jon started something he couldn’t fully understand at the time. What began as a way to make sense of his thoughts and emotions has grown into something far bigger than he ever imagined. For Jon, music was always an outlet—a way to face life’s mirrors, express himself, and let go of the things he’d been holding onto. At first, it was selfish, but these songs aren’t just his anymore; they’ve found their way into the lives of people of all ages, echoing their struggles, joys, and humanity.
Jon’s lyrics explore themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the intricacies of the human experience. With a Juno nomination for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2019 and an ADISQ nomination for Anglophone Performance of the Year in 2024, the impact of The Franklin Electric continues to grow. In 2023, the project released Oh Brother, a deeply personal collection of songs delving into Jon’s relationship with his brother while raising awareness about mental health issues.
The past year has been incredible, with Jon tapping even more into the flow of his music. In the summer of 2024, he embarked on a solo European run of shows, playing in the most magical, unexpected venues—from an underground lake in a boat to the peaks of the Swiss Alps and inside castles. Along the way, he opened for Amistat in Austria and followed up with 15 sold-out shows supporting Salt Tree. After years of pouring his heart into the music, Jon feels like everything is finally aligning, connecting the dots and nurturing the relationships in places he hasn’t visited nearly enough.
In August 2024, The Franklin Electric unveiled Victory Songs (Vol. 1), an EP exploring the themes of choices and the realities of winning and losing. The full album, Victory Songs, is set for release in May 2025, promising to further enrich their narrative-driven sound.
The upcoming year is looking promising, with a Europe & UK headline tour in the spring already on sale, along with some festivals in the summer of 2025, a string of Canadian shows, and the release of Victory Songs LP. With over 10 million streams in 2024 on Spotify alone, the heart of The Franklin Electric and the emotion behind it all are making waves overseas and back home.