James Priestner is the bandleader of Rare Americans. He first started writing songs while playing in the Western Hockey League from 2008-2012. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a burning passion. Fast forward ten years and his songs have racked up over 300M+ streams, a Juno, film placements, a Billboard charting album, and a sold out North American tour.

With a focus on story driven songs, his characters often embody the voice of the underdog. Songs of the lost or disenfranchised, trying to overcome their personal woes. His subject matter often tackles mental health, personal struggles, and interpersonal relationships.

He’s written for over 25 music videos, a TV series and a film.

Outside of work he loves business, traveling, sports, cooking, and his dog Alfie.

Lou Solis is an animation director and studio owner of the Toronto based animation house Solis Animation. He graduated from Sheridan College in Classical Animation, where he went on to work for MTV Animation and Augenblick Studios in New York, before setting up shop with his siblings Les Solis and Leah Solis in Toronto.

Animation credits include the Comedy Central series Ugly Americans, and Moonbeam City, along with Pup's Juno nominated Video of the Year Dark Days, and Gord Downie's CSA award winning Secret Path.

Les Solis specializes in producing 2D animation for television, has over 10 years of experience in animation directing and storyboarding, and is co-founder of Solis Animation Inc., a boutique studio with clients such as Comedy Central, Titmouse Animation Studios, CBC, and Augenblick Studios.

Jared Priestner is an entrepreneur, a car industry veteran, and the Principal of Go Auto: an Edmonton-based auto & finance business with 3500+ employees.

In addition to his business career, Jared is a songwriter in Rare Americans. Since the bands' launch in 2018, they have garnered 300M+ streams globally, a billboard charting album, and a sold-out North American tour.

He’s a dad, a husband, a punk rocker, a hip-hop aficionado, a cook, and a sports enthusiast.