The Resurrection of John Paul Young

By John Paul Young

 The Resurrection of John Paul Young & Cardboard Brains: The Lost Punk Classic Returns


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


For decades, John Paul Young & Cardboard Brains have remained an enigma—one of Toronto’s most influential yet under-documented punk and post-punk acts, a band whose cult status has only grown in the shadows. Known for their raw energy, theatrical performances, and genre-defying sound, they shared the stage with the likes of The Screamers, Bauhaus, and The Stranglers, leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s underground music scene.


Despite their international reach, their music has been nearly impossible to find—until now. In a long-overdue move, John Paul Young is officially reissuing a definitive compilation CD that collects his most significant recordings, including lost tracks that have never been heard before. More than a simple re-release, this marks a reclamation of his legacy, a statement that the music—and the artist behind it—deserves its rightful place in punk history.


This carefully curated compilation brings together some of the most sought-after recordings from Cardboard Brains and John Paul Young’s solo career, featuring:

• The 1977 White EP – Bootlegged in Eastern Europe, rated 9/10 by collectors on the Killed by Death compilation.

• The 1979 Black EP – All four songs, a defining moment in Canadian post-punk.

• Rare Live Recordings – Captured at Toronto’s legendary Edge Club.

• Most of The Life of Ermie Scub – The 1980 solo LP that cemented Young’s reputation.

• Previously Unreleased Demo – World Within a Dream – Once uploaded to YouTube and mysteriously removed, this lost track will finally return.


With original pressings of Cardboard Brains records selling for high prices on Discogs, and European bootlegs emerging over the years, this is the first official release in decades—giving fans, collectors, and newcomers a chance to experience these songs as they were meant to be heard.


John Paul Young is no stranger to reinvention. From punk provocateur to voice actor and film contributor, his name has remained embedded in underground circles, even as his music became increasingly hard to find. Now, he is taking full control of his narrative—not only with the CD reissue but through an upcoming website (johnpaulyoung.ca), a renewed public presence, and a push to make his work globally accessible.


The plan is clear: first, the official website launch—serving as the definitive hub for Young’s music, history, and legal battle. Then, the CD release—available worldwide, with expanded digital distribution for Europe, Japan, and beyond. Finally, a strategic media push, ensuring that John Paul Young’s impact on music history is properly documented. This is not just about selling a record—it’s about correcting the erasure of a Canadian punk pioneer.


Unlike past reissues that faded into obscurity, this project is designed for maximum visibility and impact. Targeted press campaigns will feature outlets such as Louder Than War, Punknews.org, Dangerous Minds, Exclaim!, and CBC Music. Vinyl & collector outreach will include connections with Discogs, The Quietus, Vinyl Factory, and YouTube vinyl archivists. International distribution will tap into European and Japanese post-punk collectors and underground scenes. The CD will be available via Bandcamp, Discogs, Amazon, and limited edition signed copies through Young’s official website. A strong social media & digital engagement push will engage both longtime fans and new listeners, leveraging social media, music podcasts, and nostalgic underground music forums.


While the music world thrives on hype, John Paul Young has never been one to over-promote himself. Despite being a marketing expert in his past life—running monthly direct mail campaigns to 40,000 chiropractors worldwide through his company, Micromanipulation Research—he personally handled all advertising, marketing, and design. Yet when it comes to his own music, self-promotion has been a challenge.


Social media strategist Scott Patterson, an industry insider and longtime friend, has said:


“You have imposter syndrome. You’re embarrassed to promote yourself because deep down, you don’t think you’re good enough.”


But the evidence contradicts that. The music has been bootlegged internationally. The original records are highly rated and sought-after. There is demand—people just need to know where to find it. This is not about self-promotion—it’s about reclaiming history.


For fans of underground music, lost records, and punk history, now is the time to support the revival of John Paul Young & Cardboard Brains. Sign up for updates at johnpaulyoung.ca. Spread the word. Watch for upcoming interviews, features, and exclusive content. Pre-order the CD when available. Tell your favorite journalists and music historians about this release. This is the beginning of a long-overdue return.


For press inquiries, interviews, or pre-release access, contact ermiescub@gmail.com. Stay tuned.

https://gofund.me/8a6dd7bd
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, CANADA Halifax, NS, Canada
This blog provides me with a forum to share my music, films, writing, photographs and musings. Currently in absence of any product or project to promote it’s a great platform to connect with fans and friends after a too long twenty year hiatus. Flow of consciousness postings, seemingly disconnected sometimes, eventually make sense when viewed as a whole.

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