Walk Off the Earth
Walk Off the Earth is a genre-defying Canadian band known for their wildly creative music videos, multi-instrumental talent, and high-energy live shows that blend indie pop, rock, reggae, and folk with a DIY spirit and boundless imagination. Hailing from Burlington, Ontario, the group has risen from viral video sensations to global touring headliners, beloved for their innovation, musicality, and ability to turn almost anything into an instrument.
The band was originally formed in 2006 by multi-instrumentalist and producer Gianni “Luminati” Nicassio and vocalist/guitarist Ryan Marshall, eventually expanding to include Sarah Blackwood (vocals/guitar), Joel Cassady (drums/keys), and Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor (keyboards/bass/baritone vocals). Their lineup has since evolved, especially after the tragic passing of Beard Guy in 2018, but their spirit of joyful experimentation lives on.
Walk Off the Earth gained international fame in 2012 with their now-iconic cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” performed by all five members simultaneously on a single guitar. The video went massively viral — amassing over 100 million views in months — and launched the band into the global spotlight, leading to appearances on Ellen, Good Morning America, and international tours.
Far from a one-hit internet wonder, the band has built a robust career with a mix of covers and original songs, releasing multiple albums including:
R.E.V.O. (2013), featuring their original breakout hit “Red Hands”
Sing It All Away (2015), showcasing their knack for sunny, hook-filled anthems
Here We Go! (2019), a testament to their resilience and creativity
Romeo Eats Vol. 1 (2021), a playful children’s music project expanding their reach even further
Walk Off the Earth are also known for using a dazzling array of instruments in their performances — everything from theremins and kalimbas to didgeridoos, looping pedals, and kitchen utensils — turning every show into a multi-sensory musical playground. Their performances are equal parts music and theatre, blending virtuosity with humor and heartfelt connection.
In addition to their music, the band has cultivated a loyal global fanbase through their engaging social media presence, family-friendly content, and collaborative spirit. Sarah and Gianni are also parents and frequently involve their children in projects — proving that creativity, family, and fun can coexist beautifully in the world of professional music.
Essential Tracks:
“Red Hands”
“Rule the World”
“Gang of Rhythm”
“Somebody That I Used to Know” (cover)
“I’ll Be There”
Walk Off the Earth isn’t just a band — they’re a creative force. Blending heartfelt songwriting, technical wizardry, and a deep connection with fans, they continue to prove that music can be imaginative, inclusive, and irresistibly fun. Whether through headphones or on the festival stage, they remind us that great music knows no limits.
