Hunter BrothERS’ first single “El Dorado” was created with the stellar production skills of Brad Rempel (High Valley), Grammy award-winning producer Seth Mosley and Michael “X” O’Connor. Their follow up single, “Long Way to Love You,” an upbeat track about long distance love, was a Top 40 radio hit late last year. Since their explosive launch, the Shaunavon-based brothers have been performing live acoustic sets on radio stations and television spots, sharing their versatile harmonies and soulful sound across the country. They’ve also become known for their unparalleled ability to create song parody videos – with their most recent attempt, “The Tractor Got Stuck” gaining more than 1.5 million organic views on Facebook. Their brand new single and video “Getaway” goes to country radio and digital outlets on February 17. Their highly-anticipated debut album (also titled “Getaway”) drops March 3 digitally with CDs available March 17 (www.hunterbrothers.com).
Natural Sympathies debuted first electro-pop single, “All Wrong,” followed by “Space Invaders.” Natural Sympathies is the first solo effort of Amber Goodwyn (Cobra & Vulture, Nightwood). Trading her former guitar music for low-fi pared-down pop ditties, it’s is an eclectic mix of playful vocal harmonies, urgent lyrics, old school drum machines, elemental percussion, organ and synth. An EP is forthcoming (https://naturalsympathies.bandcamp.com).
Singer/songwriter Lisa Moen from Outlook SK released a new single and video, “All I Ask Of You,” in November. Lisa wrote this song hoping to inspire others to never give up on their dreams, no matter the challenges life throws at you. “All I Ask Of You” follows up Lisa’s last three self-penned radio singles - “Silly Boys, Trucks Are For Girls”(#1 released song on DMDS the day of release), “Testdrive” (#3 on DMDS the day after release) and “Before Sundown,” as well as 6 singles released with her previous band BULLRUSH. Tracks were recorded and produced by CCMA and SCMA Award Winner Bart McKay (www.lisamoen.com).
The Pistolwhips released latest track “Voices,” set to the title track of an album due early this year. The album was recorded by acclaimed producer Eric Ratz at Vespa Studios, Toronto. The first single is an example of what’s to come on the new album and has been doing great at radio (see charts in this section). The Pistolwhips headlined New Year’s Eve at Amigos Cantina, Saskatoon, and are hitting the road with friends Royal Tusk in February/March (www.thepistolwhips.com):
THE STEVES released FaceOff; the track is inspired by ‘90s action movie of the same name. Composed of members of Library Voices, The Florals, Oiseaux, Wolf Willow, and a number of other incestuous Regina acts, they draw influence from artists like Jay Reatard, Jonathan Richman, and Randy Newman. Playing simple pop songs at the tempo of a panic attack. The track is also included on SaskMusic’s 2016 In Tune compilation (https://thestevesss.bandcamp.com).
Shortly after releasing her first single “Sweet Millie” to radio,Elly Thorn followed up with a charming Christmas original titled “How Christmas Used to Feel,” nostalgically written from a view of growing up in small town Saltcoats SK and recorded with producer Bart McKay (www.ellythorn.ca).
Saskatoon’s Heidi Munro and Regina’s Jack Semple released a collaboration for the holiday season: the cover of the 1967 William Bell/Booker T Jones classic “ Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday .“ The track was recorded, engineered and mixed at Audio Art Recording Studios by Glenn Ens with additional recording at Jack Semple Studio in Regina, produced by Glenn Ens and Sheldon Corbett mastered at Mosaic Music, Prince Albert by Rich McFarlane (www.
heidimunro.com).
Davy Sage is a Regina pop artist and songwriter, with a blend of dance-pop and R’n’B with catchy hooks heard in his recent single “Celebrate.” Recorded at Blue Door Recording in Regina and Produced by Prince Banks, it captures his vocal soulfulness and good vibes (www.davysage.com).
Chris Henderson released new single “My Regret” to Canadian country radio on January 17. The song was co-written by Henderson and Troy Kokol, and produced by Brad Prosko Productions. It’s the second radio single that was penned by Henderson and Kokol; “Don’t Miss Your Kiss Goodbye” (also with Willie Mack) peaked at #47 on the BDS charts, and won the 2014 SCMA Award for Song of the Year. Chris has been busy as usual, joining a chilly Rogers Hometown Hockey show in January, opening for Jess Moskaluke on New Years’ Eve at Casino Regina, and will be part of the national cast once again for Telemiracle 41. Henderson’s third studio album “The Charm” is set to be released in February (www.chrishendersonmusic.com).
Battleford singer-songwriter Kjelti Katherine released a single dedicated to the life and legacy of Saskatchewan Cree painter Allen Sapp, inspired by his life, his paintings, and the stories they tell. The song is titled “He Perceives It,” the English translation of his Cree name, Kiskayetum. The lyrics tell the story along with a steady “heartbeat” drum, traditional singing, flute, and guitar. The song was recorded at Workhorse Recording Company in Saskatoon and produced by Troy S.G. Denet. It features Cordell Anderson on guitar and Joseph Naytowhow on vocals, drum, and flute. You can listen online at http://kjeltikatherine.bandcamp.com.
