First Play Live: Jon Bryant, Cult Classic

2016 was a transformative year for Jon Bryant. Following his 30th birthday, the dream-folk artist found himself associated with the infamous cult now known as NXIVM. Bryant never got in too deep with the group and was quick to distance himself when news broke of its illegal activities.

But if we look back on history, whether it be the Beatles travelling to northern India to take part in transcendental meditation or Leonard Cohen studying the art of Zen Buddhism, spiritual exploration has always been the way of the artist. And for Bryant, this is where his curiosity led him.

The songs off his new album, Cult Classic, are influenced by his experience with NXIVM. He stopped by our CBC Music studio to perform the entire album for our First Play Live audience. Watch below.

Jon Bryant | Paradise | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:50

Jon Bryant performs "Paradise" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | 5 Years | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:06

Jon Bryant performs '5 Years' for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Cultivated | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:02

Jon Bryant performs "Cultivated" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Superstition | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:03

Jon Bryant performs "Superstition" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | The Fall | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:44

Jon Bryant performs "The Fall" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Ya Ya Ya Ya | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:23

Jon Bryant performs 'Ya Ya Ya Ya' for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Did What I Did | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:18

Jon Bryant performs 'Did What I Did' for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Party | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 4:01

Jon Bryant performs 'Party' for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | At Home | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 3:49

Jon Bryant performs "At Home" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Don't Cover Up | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 3:29

Jon Bryant performs 'Don't Cover Up' for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | Out of the Blue | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 3:26

Jon Bryant performs "Out of the Blue" for CBC Music's First Play Live.

Jon Bryant | I Saw You | First Play Live

6 years ago

Duration 5:18

Jon Bryant performs "I Saw You" for CBC Music's First Play Live.