SaskMusic

One Bad Son
www.onebadson.com

The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there's One Bad Son: An honest-to-goodness rock 'n' roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making. Their latest album was produced by Gavin Brown, with the first single, “Raging Bull” hitting #1 on Canadian radio.

The Pistolwhips
 

Hailing from Saskatoon, The Pistolwhips have worked tirelessly to bring listeners out of the daily grind and into a series of life-changing moments. Blending an incredible mix of indie rock hooks with monster rock choruses, this is a band that leaves it all on the table. In mid-2016 the band began work with legendary Canadian producer Eric Ratz (Monster Truck, Billy Talent, The Arkells). In fall 2016 they released their album's first single, “Voices”, which managed to land the band a spot in the Top 40 of Canadian Active Rock. During this successful first single push, the song received 150,000 streams, and caught the attention of Steve Nightingale of record label Cadence/Fontana North. The band’s new album was released through Fontana North in May 2017. 

Shooting Guns
www.shootingguns.ca

Shooting Guns have toured over 60,000 miles across Canada over the past seven years. Their sophomore LP, Brotherhood of the Ram (released in 2013 through RidingEasy Records) was nominated for a 2015 JUNO for Metal/Hard Album of the Year, as well as the Polaris Music Prize. Their debut LP, Born To Deal in Magic: 1952-1976, was also nominated for the Polaris Music Prize in 2012. Their latest release, Flavour Country, is the first album recorded by the band themselves at their own Pre-Rock Studios in Saskatoon.

Autopilot
www.autopilottheband.com

Autopilot is an indie alternative rock band from Saskatoon. Their 2016 fall release, Hurricane / Crooked Lines, were the first two tracks from a full-length album released in 2017. Hurricane was recorded and produced by S.J. Kardash at Full Color Studios in Saskatoon, and mastered by Sterling Sound in New York City. These new songs highlight Autopilot’s creative songwriting skills and include spacey tones and unique touches such as a bow used on the guitar, as well as dynamic drum beats and solid bass lines to keep the listener captivated. The band is continuing to build off the success of their 2015 release, Desert Dreams, which debuted on the National Top 50 Earshot charts, was well received by CMJ reporting stations across the USA, and received heavy rotation on Sirius XM’s Iceberg Radio and the Verge.

Andy Shauf
www.andyshauf.com

The Party is the Arts & Crafts full-length debut for this Canadian songwriter, who grew up in small-town Saskatchewan.

LOA

LOA’s experience with many different genres has led her to develop a unique blend of new wave, indie R&B music that will keep you in a smooth vibe for days. Likened to that of dark, electronic R&B artists such as Banks, Grimes, and Purity Ring, LOA brings her own coalescence of dark mysticism to the genre.

VBRTR (pron. Vibrator)
www.vbrtrmusic.com

Saskatoon’s future-R&B DJ/producer duo VBRTR has a combined DJ experience of over 10 years. The duo has held residency in major nightclubs and bars in the local scene, as well as gigged across Canada and internationally. The two use their dynamic, dual-style live show comprised of back-to-back DJ sets accompanied by vocally-driven live performances. Most recently, they provided tour support as DJs for fellow Sask. artist LOA at Canadian Music Week (2017) in Toronto ON, and in the UK for FOCUS Wales.

Ponteix
www.ponteixmusic.net/

Saskatoon trio Ponteix delivers electro pop gems, shaped with psychedelic surges. Born from multi-instrumentist Mario Lepage's trial and errors, Ponteix's songs exist beyond time and space. Linguistic and geographical boundaries do not exist within the band, who borrowed their name from a French village in the middle of their home province. After leaving strong impressions at heavyweight French music contests Festival de la Chanson de Granby (2014) and Les Francouvertes (2016), Ponteix released their debut EP, J'Orage. 

Grim
https://grimbandsk.bandcamp.com

Regina-based alt-rock group Grim started as a love letter between reconciliation and creation. Lead with female fire and siren-strength, Grim’s sound stitches wound into battle cry. Their debut EP, Monsters, was released in June 2017. With surges of sound that move from blues notes to flamenco swells, from waltz steps to rock pits, Monsters’ rhythms traverse the alternative genre.

Meghan Bowman
www. meghanbowman.com

Meghan was born and raised in the heart of Saskatchewan and began performing with piano and vocals at age 5; later, she expanded her instrument repertoire, adding guitar, drums and cello. She found it difficult to express what she was feeling in words, so often she would sit down at a piano and play how she was feeling. Music got Meghan through this difficult time of her life, which sparked her interest in pursuing music therapy as a career. Meghan's latest release, The Watchmen, is another work involving therapeutic elements; it reached #5 in the Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2016 fan-voted poll. Megan's been invited to tour on the "Songs and Whispers" tour in Germany and "The Amazing Creature" Tour across Canada.

Tenille Arts
www.tenillearts.com

When exceptional talent and hard work meet perfect timing, huge things can happen. Tenille signed a publishing deal with Nobile Vision Music Group Nashville, was selected for the CCMA Discovery Program (2016), and released her self-titled debut EP (19th & Grand Records), produced by Matt Rovey, to the delight of a rapidly growing fan base. "I grew up listening to real music played by real musicians, and I wanted to stay true to that when I started to record. I wanted it to have a timeless sound and feel organic, but fresh and new." Tenille's EP is a perfect mixture of sweetness and angst. Her songs are written with the youthful honesty of a confident, mature 20-something. Her vocals shine as a beautiful blend of power, soul, and vulnerability. Her EP debuted at #1 on the Top Country Albums chart on iTunes Canada, and cracked the top 100 on the U.S. Country Albums chart, with Pandora naming her a “2017 Country Artist to Watch.”

Alex Runions
www.alexrunions.com

As the 2016 Saskatchewan Country Music Association “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year”and “Male Vocalist of the Year”, Saskatoon's Alex Runions continues to grow his successful career with a list of accomplishments, which include opening for major artists, main stage festival performances and acclaimed success in prestigious songwriting competitions. 

Amy Nelson
www.amynelson.ca

This high school music teacher-turned-country singer has performed at events across Canada such as the Calgary Stampede, Craven Country Jamboree, and opened for country stars such as Terri Clark and George Canyon. She has also performed on stages internationally in the United States, UK, Mexico, Thailand, and Australia, recently signing with Social Family Records (Universal Australia) for her upcoming latest release. Amy combines her love of traveling with her love of performing and is always planning her next adventure.

Chris Henderson
www.chrishendersonmusic.com

Chris' blend of modern country sound with strong traditional roots has helped him become among Canada’s busiest country recording artists. Since his debut album release in 2008, he has been touring the prairies and Canada relentlessly, and has released 11 singles nationally. He has been nominated for 20 Saskatchewan Country Music Awards, appeared on stages such as the Craven Country Jamboree, Big Valley Jamboree, Boots & Hearts, Gateway Festival, and showcased at the CCMAs, the WCMAs, and represented Saskatchewan in national 2015 CCMA Fanfest Competition. The veteran singer-songwriter released his third studio album in March 2017.

Brock Andrews
www.brockandrews.com

Brock received 6 nominations at the 2017 Sask. Country Music Awards, and was honoured as a CBC Future 40 award winner for the province. Brock was also chosen by Olé Publishing as one of the top ten best new songwriters in Canada and performed during the "On the Spot" showcase at the CCMA 2016 awards weekend. His new album Eight debuted on the Canadian Country iTunes charts at #15, with first single "Collide" spending seven weeks in the BDS Top 100. After several summer festival stops, he toured Western Canada in support of his newest single to hit the Canadian Top 100, "Beer In Heaven." Brock will be hitting the studio winter 2017/2018 with new music hitting the airwaves in 2018.

Val Halla

Born and raised in Regina, Val has followed her passion for music to Vancouver and Nashville in the last 16 years, which has led to playing hundreds of shows across the U.S. and Canada. Sharing the stage with legendary artists like Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Burton Cummings, Streetheart, and Eric Burdon of the Animals, she has been recognized by her elders as “carrying the torch” and has worked hard to develop a unique guitar style all her own with a hard focus on songwriting. She has been featured in both Guitar Player and Guitar World Magazines, and has released five studio albums and one live album.  

Karpinka Brothers
www.k-bros.ca

The Karpinka Brothers' nostalgic and pastiche songwriting lands the Saskatchewan folk group in a genre all their own. Joel Plaskett once described their sound as “Buddy Holly boogie meets Crowded House.” Their fourth album, Talk Is Cheap, was released in fall 2017. Produced and recorded by Grammy nominee Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Leonard Cohen, Vic Chestnutt) at his legendary Hotel2Tango in Montréal, Talk Is Cheap is the most realized and expansive Karpinka Brothers album to date.

Rosie & The Riveters
www.rosieandtheriveters.com

Rosie & the Riveters are fiercely talented and sassy dames from Saskatoon who perform uplifting folk music with a vintage 1940s flair! Their original songs feature sophisticated harmonies, body percussion, humour and just enough ooh-la la to keep your toes tapping long after the show is over. The band’s take on vintage folk garnered much national attention for their debut album, Good Clean Fun! Released in 2015, it peaked at #9 on Earshot Magazine’s National Folk/Roots chart and their single, “Ain’t Gonna Bother,” reached #5 on the CBC Radio 2 Top 20. In 2016, they won a Saskatchewan Arts Award (Emerging Artist Category) and also picked up nominations for a Canadian Folk Music Award (Vocal Group of the Year) and a Western Canadian Music Award (Roots Duo/Group of the Year).

Kara Golemba
https://www.karagolemba.com/

Kara digs deep to draw strength from her roots. Having grown up and lived in cities across Western Canada, it took moving to small town Saskatchewan to find her voice and be able to succinctly portray her unique perspective on life and love.
Her debut EP, Every Little Light, was produced by Jason Plumb (The Waltons). Every Little Light is a down-to-earth mix of country, folk, and roots music. Golemba spins her songs from the threads of her daily experiences, relationships, natural environment, and ancestral heritage. Her voice can be a sweet mixture of warm honey with a little grit, or she can raise it up to rattle the teacups.

The Johner Boys
www.thejohnerboys.com

The Johner Boys began their music career in 2011 and have since performed over 400 concerts on their own as well as with their father, JUNO nominee and multiple Canadian Country Music Award winner, Brad Johner. In Janurary 2014, they released their first EP of cover songs and have recently released their debut album, Stories, which features 11 original tracks. Continuing to tour Western Canada, The Johner Boys are beginning to write and record for future projects and aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

Vinze feat. Poor Nameless Boy
www.poornamelessboy.com

As Poor Nameless Boy, Regina-based indie folk artist Joel Henderson leaves a piece of himself on stage every time he performs. His mellow sound is personal, speaking honestly about love, life, and our changing hearts in a busy world. He has been described as a lighter version of Noah Gunderson with the wispy sounds of Gregory Alan Isakov. Following the release of his acclaimed sophomore album, Bravery (2016) he has showcased at Reeperbahn, Australian Music Week, Folk Alliance International, Canadian Country Music Week, BreakOut West, and the Sask Sampler. Large stage appearances include Gateway Festival, Ness Cress Music Festival, and the Cathedral Arts Festival.

DGS Samurai Champs
www.samuraichamps.com

Hailing from two Canadian prairie cities - the “Bridge City”, Saskatoon, and the “Queen City”, Regina, Samurai Champs is a recording and performing R&B/hip-hop duo. They draw influence from their Southeast Asian heritage, while taking pride in their urban-Canadian identity. In the twelve months since the release of their debut, Crayons EP, Samurai Champs have risen as one of their province’s most prominent hip-hop/R&B artists. They have toured across Canada, as well as internationally, sharing the stage with international hip-hop heavyweights such as T.I., Flatbush Zombies, and k-os. They have also showcased in international music festivals such as Canadian Music Week, Reeperbahn Festival, The Great Escape Festival, New Skool Rules, and Liverpool Sound City. In 2017 Samurai Champs were nominated for Urban Artist of the Year in the Western Canadian Music Awards (WCMAs).

Def3
www.def3.ca

Danny Fernandez, better known by his stage name ​Def3, ​is a Canadian hip-hop artist, DJ, and visual artist from Regina. Def3 has gained international notoriety through his highly active touring schedule, performing official showcases at major festivals such as MIDEM, Project Pabst, SXSW, Shambhala, JUNOFest, POP Montreal, NXNE, CMW, BreakOut west, Prairie Scene, and headlining the Saskatchewan pavilion for the opening ceremonies at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. In his career thus far, he has shared the same stage and toured with some of hip hop's biggest names including Nas, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, Masta Ace, Blackalicious, and many more.

Close Talker
www.closetalker.ca

Formed in 2012, Close Talker has made great strides in a short period of time: Three releases, numerous tours throughout North America, Europe, and the UK, and international attention from revered and critically acclaimed blogs and publications. Close Talker released Lens in April 2017. The 10-song LP showcases the band’s maturity and poise, while entering new realms of pop sensibility. Produced by Matt Peters (Royal Canoe, Waking Eyes) and mixed by Marcus Paquin (The National, Arcade Fire, Local Natives), Lens unleashes musical talent and precision without sacrificing the raw energy, homegrown feel, and vulnerability of the band’s acclaimed live show. (photo: Rachel Pick)

Megan Nash  
https://www.megannash.ca/

Calling her upcoming album Seeker was a natural choice for Megan, as she admits to being on a quest for spiritual meaning for some time now. Finding it on her own terms seems to have only intensified in the past few years and she channeled those thoughts into Seeker’s 10 songs, particularly the title track. On it, the native of rural Saskatchewan lyrically draws from several recent life-changing experiences while venturing into new, anthemic sonic territory. (photo: Ali Lauren Creative Services)

Friends of Foes

Hailing from the heart of the Saskatchewan prairies, Friends of Foes hits listeners with a roaring wall of sonic talent. From soft, gentle melodies to full on audio assaults, the heavy drum lines and harmony-laden choruses are anything but subtle. Having already shared the stage with Canadian heavy-weights We Are The City, Royal Canoe, Rah Rah, and Zerbin, Friends of Foes has the stage presence to back up their boisterous sound. Their last studio EP, Faults was released in February 2016. The band is currently working hard on finishing the writing process for a new full-length album.

Ava Wild
www.avawildmusic.com

Ava draws influence primarily in the genres of folk roots and acoustic pop; her writing style is spiced up with embellishments of jazz and classic country. Within her lyrics are original ideas about land, love and life. With a honey sweet voice laced in a red shoe attitude, Wild dances with crowns and grasps her audience's attention with her authentic storytelling. In 2016, Ava released her debut EP Bare. Recording it live-off-floor, the listener is introduced to her reckless perfection and truths that speak to where she has comes from, where she is, and where she plans on going.

Gunner & Smith
www.gunnerandsmith.com

Hope and redemption. Philosophy and folklore. The music of Gunner & Smith has always been a collection of fiery elements, blending searing guitars, brawny rhythms and distinct folk-family vocals to produce tightly-knit rock anthems. But on Byzantium (2017), the group’s second full-length album, the songs simmer and seethe with a newfound brooding energy that looks at the darker sides of love, loss and humanity. Anchored by the stolid songwriting of frontman Geoff Smith, the ever-shifting nature of the band has once again undergone another evolution, with a talented cadre of musicians joining the frontman at the helm. Featuring an ever-expanding sound that combines indie rock, alt-country and sizzling psych-Americana, Byzantium is borne from a deeper, darker place than the group’s previous material.

The Steves
https://thestevesss.bandcamp.com

Regina garage-punk band The Steves play simple pop songs with uncomfortable urgency. With straight forward pounding rhythms and loud guitars, they take their cues from bands such as The Modern Lovers and Jay Reatard. Since their formation, the band has released two double videos and an EP. Their debut album, Weak Man was recorded with Chris Dimas (Surf Dads) and released on Sweety Pie Records/Grind Central Records in September 2017. It's their most visceral and accurate portrayal to date. The Steves have been steadily growing a following across the prairie provinces and are excited to begin touring elsewhere across the country in the coming year.

The Johnny McCuaig Band (Now known as Arcana Kings)

https://www.arcanakings.com/about

The Johnny McCuaig Band draws on Canada’s rich cultural mosaic to create an original mix of musical genres. A blend of hard rock, pop, new wave, folk, and blues combined with their not-so-secret weapon: bagpipes. TJMB released their 2015 album Hold Fast, produced by JUNO Award winner Jason Plumb (The Waltons) at Studio One Recording in their home base of Regina SK. Their new album, Lions As Ravens is to be released in early 2018.

The Wolfe

Formed in 2012, it’s hard to believe that this all-girl trio from Saskatchewan are all aged 18. Canada's Top 4 Finalist for CBC Searchlight in 2017, The Wolfe touches on relatable subjects that are expressed through their risk-taking, sometimes cheeky, yet stuck-in-your-head catchy tunes. Soft yet powerful vocals are contrasted with an underlay of delayed guitar, gritty bass lines and engaging beats. The Wolfe’s music is something that should not only be heard, but seen. Their high-energy show has graced the stages and captivated the crowds of the Regina Folk Fest, Gateway, Ness Creek, Electric Love, Borealis, and the Waskesiu Lakeside Music Festivals.

Anna Klein
https://www.reverbnation.com/annaklein

Anna is a 19-year-old artist from Saskatoon. She has been writing music since the age of nine, and released her first self-produced EP in December 2016. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Arcade Fire, Bon Iver and Mac DeMarco, Anna's music features a unique ambient, indie-pop feel.

The Garrys
https://www.thegarrysband.com/

The Garrys are a trio of sisters from Saskatoon who play garage surf pop doowop. Their harmonies are dreamy and precise, and their instrumentation stays true to the likes of Dick Dale and early Beatles. Formed in the spring of 2015, they pull a strong influence from early reverb rock'n'roll and 1950s-era vocal harmonies. The Garrys released their sophomore album, Surf Manitou, in May 2017 with Saskatoon label Grey Records. Notable performances include M for Montreal, Sled Island, SaskTel Jazz Festival, Ness Creek Music Festival, Gateway Music Festival, and Regina Folk Festival. 

Jeffery Straker
www.jeffstraker.com

This singer-songwriter-pianist performs over 100 shows a year across Canada. He has recorded for CBC Radio’s ‘Canada Live’, had a music video chart in the Top 10 on MuchMusic, and has toured internationally as far as Peru, Chile and Mexico. His tour stops range from intimate house concerts to club & theatre shows, folk & jazz festivals & recent sold-out concerts (capacity 2000) with several Canadian symphony orchestras. He has been invited to showcase at major events including Canadian Music Week, NXNE, Western Canadian Music Awards, and JUNOFest as well as countless folk and jazz festivals. He’s licensed songs for TV, film and theatrical use and has appeared on television several times. Jeffery’s latest collection of songs, Dirt Road Confessional, released in May 2017 (Acronym/ Universal Canada) puts a folk-roots stamp on his singer-songwriter-piano sound with dobro, banjo, and steel guitar entering the mix. National tour dates and European dates have been booked to support the new work, which debuted at #5 on the iTunes Canada Singer-Songwriter charts.

Eliza Doyle
www.elizamarydoyle.com/

Eliza has had a 15-year career in groups, as a solo artist, and as a professional session musician, playing banjo, singing, and performing with instruments like dobro or mandolin. Whether creating a driving rhythm to hold a track together or shucking and plucking some leads to jump to the front of a song, Doyle has the versatility to go from beautiful and melodious songs to a full blast bootstompin’ hoedown. Her strong, but wonderfully frayed voice belts out captivating tunes and harmonies. Everything about Doyle’s music rings of an authenticity that takes you straight to the beating heart of folk and bluegrass music.

The Dead South
www.thedeadsouth.com

The Dead South have been described as outlaws, modern hillbillies and 'Mumford and Sons’ evil twins,' but the best way to describe the Regina-based band is fearless. They’re a rare musical commodity - a band that’s equally compelling on record as they are on stage. While The Dead South’s signature blend of bluegrass and classic folk is familiar, it’s also eminently fresh; fueled by the kind of energy and ethic you’d associate with a punk band. Since the release of their second acclaimed record, Illusion & Doubt (Curve Music/Entertainment One) in late 2016, The Dead South have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with on international stages.

West of Mabou
www.westofmabou.ca

West of Mabou performs lively dance music steeped in the rich traditions of Scottish and Cape Breton fiddle and pipe tunes. Their debut 2016 release has received international airplay on four continents, and rave reviews in media around the world. Each of the band members is an experienced performer in their own right, having performed at venues around the world, including the World Pipe Band Championships, Western Canadian Music Awards, BreakOut West Festival, JUNOFest, Canada Cup of Curling, and Ford World Men’s Curling Championships. With Canadian and American tour dates in 2017, West of Mabou continue to charm audiences with their impossible-to-sit-still tempos and their ability to fold Celtic sounds with modern inflections into a recipe for dance.

Eli Barsi
www.elibarsi.com/

Eli is an original farm girl from the prairies of southeastern Saskatchewan. This traditional-minded artist has spent many years in the entertainment business as a diverse entertainer, musician, songwriter, producer, yodeler, TV host, landscape artist, master craftswomen, and award winner. Her accolades are many, and span over three decades. In that time she has written and recorded a large body of work, performed full time internationally, celebrated independent success on USA, Canadian and European radio as well been honoured with the coveted Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Her ‘Carter Scratch ‘ style of lead acoustic guitar playing and crystal clear voice are well displayed at her live shows, which includes a mix of well-crafted originals and standards in the styles of western, bluegrass, gospel, country & Canadiana folk.

Jen Lane
www.jenlane.com

Jen has found a harmonious place in the world of country, roots, folk and Americana music. Her fifth studio album, the Western Canadian Music Award-nominated This Life of Mine is a strong statement by an artist who is now comfortable in her own creative skin and able to honestly, and with great passion and depth, sing about the ups and downs of life – and in the process attract music lovers who appreciate heartfelt emotion, beautiful songs and words that inspire and affirm.  

Minor Matter
www.minormatter.ca

When it comes to musical experiences, Minor Matter prefers to take the listener down the path less traveled. With influences as diverse as the instruments they bring along for the ride, this orchestral folk quintet charts a course brimming with scenic detours and unsuspecting surprises. Drawing on a well-stocked musical toolbox that includes everything from the bassoon and clarinet to glockenspiel and ukulele, the group fuses classical, folk, country, jazz and psychedelic rock. As they continue to promote their 2016 debut release, they’re also hard at work writing new material for their forthcoming album.