SaskMusic

Poor Nameless Boy - Rivers & Trees (Regina, SK)

Web: poornamelessboy.com

As Poor Nameless Boy, Regina-based indie folk artist Joel Henderson leaves a piece of himself on stage every night 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 Gundersen with the wispy sounds of Gregory Alan Isakov. Listen carefully and take note of the passionate range of vocals and songs with stories, sung from the soul.

Surf Dads - Yesterday's Clothes

Web: surfdads.com

SURF DADS

Surf Dads is Canada’s latest up and coming independent act. Originally separated by 2800 kilometres and a country apart, it was through iPhone demos that Surf Dads was birthed. Releasing three EP’s over the span of three months, Surf Dads has proved to be nothing short of a workhorse band.

Nick Faye & The Deputies - Wild Bones

Web: nickfayedeputies.com

Nick Faye & The Deputies are a band from the deepest depths of the Canadian Prairies (Regina, SK). They make music that sticks to your ribs, like a big plate of perogies and sour cream.

The band is unapologetic in their mission to craft honest and simple pop-rock-folk songs. They are unreserved in their quest to perform enjoyable music and deliver awkward stage banter at their live shows. Nick Faye & The Deputies know their role in the Canadian music scene, and they play it well.

Library Voices - Sunburned in LA

Web: libraryvoices.com

Library Voices is a congregation of childhood friends who grew up on a steady diet of basement shows, science fiction, and mid-west sincerity. Their self-produced third LP, LOVISH, was once again recorded in an old funeral home. The album was mixed by Dave Plowman and Alex Bonenfant (METZ, Crystal Castles, July Talk).

Government Town - Home

Web: governmenttown.com

Regina’s Government Town has been described as Celtic-tinged, country-flavoured, alt rock, folk, pop and Canadiana. They’re OK with that.

Whatever you call it, it’s obviously working. Their self-titled debut album was released in July 2013 and immediately gathered praise, award nominations and airplay. Kudos included being named #2 Best Album of 2013 in the Regina Leader Post by both Taron Cochrane, freelance writer for the Regina Leader Post, and Brad Prosko of B-Rad Studio.

John Antoniuk - Feeling Good

Web: smokekiller.wordpress.com

Think of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss or Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons and you get a good idea of where these two Saskatoon singer-songwriters are coming from. They compliment one another beautifully as they perform each other’s music. John Antoniuk comes from the indie/roots side of life and Jen Lane has a bit more country/folk in her repertoire. Together, they create straight ahead rhythms and harmonies that complete the musical package. They have performed many times on a National stage showcasing at Breakout West, Canadian Music Week, North by Northeast and Prairie Scene, and achieved International recognition at Folk Alliance in Kansas City, MO, South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, and through SaskMusic’s Export Showcase in Los Angeles, CA.

League of Wolves - You're Killin' Me

Web: leagueofwolves.com

They started as small-town boys in an unknown group playing cover songs at open mics, but Saskatoon rockers League of Wolves have evolved into a well-respected touring band, playing high energy rock with a purpose. These four young men have spent two years building their reputation the old-fashioned way: with live shows and raw recordings. Their hardworking prairie values feed into eminently listenable rock influenced by Kings of Leon and Canadian rocker Sam Roberts.

Bears in Hazenmore - For Her Love Pt. II

Web: bearsinhazenmore.ca

Bears in Hazenmore are an ambient alternative rock group based out of Regina, Treaty 4, Saskatchewan. Since their formation in 2014, the band has become known for creating atmospheric soundscapes and their ability to draw audiences in with intimate lyrics and enticing builds. Operating as a five-piece ensemble that includes extensive use of reverb-saturated guitars, dynamic percussion, and ethereal brass and woodwind textures, they draw strong influences from and comparisons to groups such as City and Colour, Aidan Knight, and Bon Iver. The five members—Brady Frank (lead vocals/guitar/keys), Dana Rempel (bass/sax), Darnell Stewart (guitar), Tanner Wilhelm Hale (drums/vocals), and Dalton Lam (trumpet)—all have their roots in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, where they met through different musical endeavours. The group released their debut Bears in Hazenmore EP to great review in March 2014 from many blogs and local music commentators shortly after launching the project. Tracks from the self-titled EP have gained national recognition through CBC Music contests Rock Your Campus (2014 National Top 10) and Searchlight (2015 Provincial Top 10). The band released their second EP Airwaves in August 2015 and have toured Western Canada extensively since then. The group will tour Eastern Canada in October 2016 alongside Saskatchewan-based singer-songwriter Megan Nash. Bears in Hazenmore are currently working towards their first full-length album set for release in Spring 2017.

Jen Lane - This Life of Mine

Web: jenlane.com

Sometimes fate or destiny lets you know when you’re in the right place at the right time, doing what you’re supposed to be doing.

Over the past eight years, Saskatoon-based recording artist Jen Lane has shown that the trials and tribulations she endured during that time have led to the creation of what is thus far her most personal, compelling and powerfully evocative album.

This Life of Mine, her 5th studio album, is the culmination of a time in Lane’s personal and creative life that can truly be described as a roller coaster ride that began after she was sidelined with a foot and ankle injury that took several years and multiple surgeries to repair.

The Dead South - Boots

Web: thedeadsouth.com

They wear white shirts and black suspenders, black pants and travellers’ hats. They sing about murderous, estranged spouses and runaway lover cousins in a boot-stomping acoustic configuration that includes banjo, mandolin, cello and guitar, some whistles, hoots and hollerin’, and finger snappin’. Sometimes their fans dress up like them too and dance and sing the night away – but that’s not mandatory.

Aces Wyld - Roll Like a Banjo (Radio Edit)

Web: aceswyld.com

Aces Wyld brings together three exemplary, well-schooled musicians and songwriters who all possess a natural penchant for entertaining. Steve Andrew (lead vocals, keyboard, rhythm guitar), Brett Browatzke (lead guitar) and traditional multi-instrumentalist Sam Derbawka each bring a unique and diverse repertoire of musical influences to the table, creating an overall sound that is truly cutting-edge country, with a respectful nod to the genre’s vast traditions.

Kristan Couture - The Runaway

Web: facebook.com/kristan.couture

Kristan Couture is a singer/songwriter and freelance fiddler from Saskatoon SK, toured with Scott Richmond, Danny Olliver, and Colter Wall this past year, played with many other bands releasing her debut EP early 2017.

Ryan Boldt - Fallen Leaves

Web: ryanboldt.com

A lot of modern music is like bad plumbing; the more they overthink it, make it more complex than it needs to be, the easier it is to plug up the drain.  Good music should thrust a fist into the core of who you are and pull out handfuls of simple, messy truth.  This idea of getting to the heart of simplicity in a song, in melody and in meaning, in order to move the heart of a person, has been Ryan Boldt’s legacy thus far.

The Karpinka Brothers - Tetherball

Web: k-bros.ca

The Karpinka Brothers may very well be the truest and purest artists to ever come out of Saskatchewan. Their sound bridges a curious gap between Van Morrison, Joel Plaskett, and outsider artists like Daniel Johnston. You Can Count On Me, the band’s third album since 2008, has recently won Best Album of the year in Planet S Magazine’s Reader’s Poll.

Dumb Angel - Wanted, Needed, Loved.

Web: dumbangelmusic.com

Giving the tag "Folk Rock" a good name, Shaun Mason AKA Dumb Angel breathes life into a sound that has been nearly kicked to death by an endless parade of indie-chancers and miserablists. If Dennis Wilson jammed with 'Wish You Were Here;-era Pink Floyd, 'Broken Glass' would be the result, born into bright waves and drifting far from shore. Harmonies for days, Shaun and his group open the windows wide and step into that breeze. You'll either get it or you won't. Like John Lee Hooker, he's singing "for the people who feel the same way I (sic) do".

Tyler Gilbert - Stains

Web: tylergilbert.ca

As far as accolades go, Calgary born, Montana/Saskatchewan based singer/songwriter Tyler Gilbert has been nothing short of an indie sensation since releasing his 2008 debut EP Vos and its full length follow up The Re-Session (2009). He’s done national tours all over his native country, from Vancouver and Edmonton to Toronto and Montreal; performed at countless major festivals, including the Canadian Country Music Award Festival and Canadian Western Agribition; done national tours of the U.S from Los Angeles to Chicago and Nashville to Kansas; and performed live on Global TV and CTV while his music hit the playlists of top stations all across Canada.

Kara Golemba - Ghost Highway

Web: sonicbids.com/band/karagolemba/

Kara Golemba 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. Through music, she is dedicated to exploring new realms of emotion, thoughtfulness, and compassion with her audience.

Rosie & The Riveters - Ain't Gonna Bother

Web: rosieandtheriveters.com

Rosie & the Riveters are four fiercely talented and sassy dames from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who perform uplifting folk music with a vintage 1940s flair! Their original songs feature sophisticated harmonies, body percussion, scintillating dance moves, humour and just enough ooh-la-la to charm your socks off! Along with whoops, hollers, and mile-wide smiles, they create a sound and sight that is lighthearted and captivating for all music lovers.

Factor Eight - The Beginning

Web: factoreight.bandcamp.com

Anna Haverstock - These Years

Web: facebook.com/annahaverstockmusic

Anna has grown her roots in the local scene opening countless shows and playing open stages. Anna has been honing her craft and finding her place as one of the best young solo performers in town.

Robot Hive - V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A.

Web: facebook.com/RobotHive

Daniel Besuijen
Henry Brass
Matt Kaip
Chris Notenboom
Les Schaeffer
Elton Roscoe

Jordan Welbourne - Rattlesnake Jake

Web: jordanwelbourne.com

Already an accomplished and experience musician even before writing or recording his debut EP (filled with the first songs he ever wrote) - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jordan Welbourne has always seemed destined to make his own way. Attracting attention with every chord in a complex (yet classic blues style) his music is further heightened by his clear, concise vocals. Part of the signature style of Jordan Welbourne that has become more than just an introduction but a passion fuelled synopsis of a life driven by and through the power of music.

Val Halla - Headin' Back To Cleveland

Web: valhallaonline.com

Val Halla was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan – the heartland of the Canadian prairies, to a Hot Air Balloon pilot, fiddle playing father, and a motorcycle riding, visual artist mother. The cold harsh winters, coupled with humble prairie life, led Val to develop a wild imagination and a deep love of music. At the age of 5 she was playing the piano and wrote her first song. By the time she was 11, Val had just started learning songs of the 90’s grunge movement, playing on an old nylon string classical guitar her grandfather had given to her mother. After a few years of lessons focusing on grunge and rock n roll, Val’s guitar teacher was finally able to persuade her parents to buy her an electric guitar. “All I was playing was Nirvana and Classic Rock.” says Halla, now 27. “My guitar teacher saw how I was struggling with this thick fretboard on the nylon string with my tiny hands, trying to play Aneurysm, and just couldn’t stand to watch it anymore.”

Johnny 2 Fingers & The Deformities - King of the Underground

Web: facebook.com/johnny2fingersandthedeformities

"Right now, there’s a guitarist from Moose Jaw who might be the saviour of Saskatchewan guitar rock. And he’s missing a bunch of his fingers…. Johnny 2 Fingers & the Deformities take their cues from southern-fried boogie rock and infuse it with a boozy belt of punk rock for good measure.” - Ominocity.

The Radiation Flowers - Wall of Gold

Web: theradiationflowers.com

The sound of elevation throbbed into a vertical sky, The Radiation Flowers navigate the same sonic playground as influences Spacemen 3, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Cure, among many others. Guitar rock for northern lights and dark side mantras muttered in the drowsy light, these folks know how to get you off with minimal chords played to maximal effect. Like they say, "it's a sci-fi-hurricane kinda groove".

Desert Island Classic - Too Late

Web: desertislandclassic.com

Regina, Saskatchewan’s post-rock group Desert Island Classic takes a tried and true pop rock formula and infuses it with the intense musicianship of members whose backgrounds lie in the hardcore, metal and indie genres.

The Steves - FaceOff

Web: thestevesss.bandcamp.com

4 under-employed post-secondary dropouts who play simple pop songs at the tempo of a panic attack. We are composed from members of Library Voices, The Florals, Oiseaux, Wolf Willow, and a number of other incestuous Regina acts, and draw influence from artists like Jay Reatard, Jonathan Richman, and Randy Newman.

Soul Mates - Bad Blood

Web: soulmatesnoise.com

An ill-mannered rock ‘n’ roll outfit with tweaked-out riffs for miles and swagger to burn. They have the elusive severity of classic hardcore, but with an evolved and bizarre approach to tapping into that sound.” - Skot Hamilton (KEN mode/Adolyne/Grey Light District)

Johnny McCuaig Band - Hashtag Fool

Web: thejohnnymccuaigband.com

The Johnny McCuaig Band is a Canadian band. Now, you’re probably wondering, “What the hell does that mean?” Well, for starters, they don’t say ‘about’ as ‘aboot’ and they definitely don’t sound like Nickelback, Justin Bieber, Arcade Fire or Drake. Instead, they draw on Canada’s rich, cultural mosaic to create an original mix of musical genres that stands out in the crowd. We’re talking a super fun blend of hard rock, pop, new wave, folk, and blues combined with their not-so-secret weapon: bagpipes!

DGS Samurai Champs - Crayons

Web: samuraichamps.com

Hailing from two Saskatchewan cities – the “Bridge City”, Saskatoon, and the “Queen City”, Regina, DGS Samurai Champs is an emerging Canadian recording and performing R&B/hip-hop duo. Consisting of new-wave rapper Jeah and future-R&B singer Merv xx Gotti, the duo draw influence from their Southeast Asian heritage while taking pride in their urban-Canadian identity. Their sound has been likened to that of current Canadian hip-hop/R&B contemporaries such as Drake, The Weeknd, and Tory Lanez.

K-Anthony - Heading To The Top (feat. Wiya)

Web: kanthonymusic.com

Born, Kevin Anthony Fowler in the picturesque, breezy and vibrant city of Montego Bay, Jamaica. K-Anthony has a personality that embodies many of the beauties of the island; his infectious smile quickly enraptures you and put you at ease. He grew up in a closely knitted family with dad, mom and younger brother. His early experimentation at re-arranging old hymns and singing them in church unknowingly provided the catalyst for his future growth. But his high school years provoked a spiritual struggle, as he tried to make the decision between music and athletics, a sport in which he had gained early successes. The champion sprinter was destined for track stardom but was stopped in his tracks by what he has now come to acknowledge as divine intervention. When his mother opted to send him to a conservative high school that did not participate in competitions, he patiently waited for time he would be able to pursue track. But K-Anthony now knows that God either takes something from us to provide something better or gives us the strength to deal with the loss. In many ways music brought renewed purpose to his adolescent life, as he began to sing at various churches and outreach activities. This was topped with a spectacular performance at his high school graduation with a heart-felt rendition dedicated to his graduating class. With affirmation from his mom and close friends K-Anthony confirmed his musical direction.

Eric Taylor - Dreams in Colour

Web: erictaylormusic.ca

Eric Taylor is one of Canada’s newest up and coming alternative rock projects. Eric’s strength in songwriting has found him an audience with Grammy Award winning producer Garth Richardson (RATM, RHCP, Rise Against) and a project at his personal studio resulting in the first single from his debut album “Dreams in Colour” titled “Caught Me”. This track was selected alongside the best music in Saskatchewan for SaskMusic’s 2015 InTune compilation CD. Eric then won $10,000 through the province-wide Rawlco Radio 10K20 contest to produce the rest of his debut EP released officially on May 23rd 2016. Eric was selected to play alongside Canada’s best at the 2016 Regina Folk Festival and has been featured on multiple local news outlets including CTV Regina and Saskatoon Morning Live and Global Regina. Eric has been featured on CBC Radio 1 Saskatchewan Weekend twice as well as Rock 102FM, CFCR and CJTR. Eric has made it to the regional top ten of the CBC Searchlight Contest twice. Eric draws from a strong music community in Saskatchewan and attends every workshop seminar and conference that is available to him. He continues to work hard at his craft and strives to be Canada’s newest success story.

Zachary Lucky - Make It On Time

Web: zacharylucky.com

"That's the confusing temporal and geographical realm that Lucky occupies. He sings of Canadian places and people as knowingly as he might Townes Van Zandt or the Rio Grande. It's a relatable show on many levels, and conjures universal feelings that have passed through our collective timelines. Lucky is the forlorn embodiment of the Information Age, compelling and reassuring on one hand and coolly unsettling and of no place on the other."
- Exclaim!

Snake River - Hours III: Jeanie Says

Web: snakeriver.bandcamp.com

Music inspired by the residents of Snake River Mountain & Mr. McKruski.

Factor Chandelier - The Magic City

Web: factorchandelier.com

The ruins of the failed city of Factoria lie under the residential subdivision of Silverwood Heights in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the hometown of producer extraordinaire Graham Murawsky (aka Factor Chandelier). Just prior to World War I, Chicago entrepreneur Robert E. Glass ventured north with dreams of building an elaborate industrial city in a formerly typhoid-riddled area that would house a brick plant, flour mill, brewery, school, post office, restaurant, hotel, and whatever else progress would afford. But before his development plans could come into fruition, war, the cessation of banks issuing credit, and the inability to secure electrical power turned Factoria into a ghost town. Inspired by the obscure story of the Magic City that never was, Factor Chandelier has crafted a 13-track album that pays homage to Factoria and wonders what could have been.

The Garrys - In This Dream

Web: thegarrys.bandcamp.com

Garry gave birth to us. And now we have given birth to him.

Firing At The Sky - The Purpose

Web: www.firingatthesky.com

Firing at the Sky is a harder edged rock band with groove/metal leanings and pop melodies.

Our songs range from straight driving rock to soul stirring grooves and emotional, melodic songs that come from the heart. Acoustic sections, followed by full on driven attack can be found on many tracks.

Slow Down Molasses - Moon Queen

Web: slowdownmolasses.com

Formed in 2006 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Slow Down Molasses rank among Western Canada’s finest musical exports. Their third album, 100% Sunshine, will be released on September 2, 2016 on Noyes Records, and forges new sonic territory for the band while retaining their unique hybrid of ’90s Anglophilia and contemporary Canadian rock. 2015’s Burnt Black Cars was hailed as “drug-drenched psych-pop” by Q magazine and “immediately memorable and timeless” by The Line of Best Fit, with the band going on to share the stage with the New Pornographers, Swervedriver, Built to Spill, Preoccupations (fka Viet Cong) and the Besnard Lakes. Veterans of festivals across North America (SXSW, CMJ, NXNE, Sled Island) as well as European (Incubate, End of the Road, Liverpool Sound City, Great Escape, Reeperbahn, Nouvelle Prague), the band are renowned as a euphoric live experience, with Exclaim praising their “huge, stadium-ready sound and colourful presence”. Slow Down Molasses are singer/guitarist Tyson McShane, drummer Jordan Kurtz, bassist Chris Morin, guitarist/keyboardist Aaron Scholz, guitarist Levi Soulodre and keyboardist/singer Jeanette Stewart.

Rehashed - Rinse/Repeat

Web: facebook.com/rehashed

Punk as fuck.

Shooting Guns - Flavour Country

Web: shootingguns.ca

Hailing from Saskatoon, SK, in the heart of the Canadian prairies, JUNO and Polaris Prize award nominees Shooting Guns are hard at work fortifying the heavy end of the psychedelic spectrum, haunting the foggy moor between Sabbath-styled doom riffery and heavy pulse-riding kraut-rock. Shooting Guns scored the soundtrack to Canadian horror-comedy WolfCop and released the Official Soundtrack in 2014 which won the 2015 WCMA Award for Metal/Heavy Recording of the Year. Their sophomore LP, Brotherhood of the Ram, released in 2013 through RidingEasy Records was nominated for the 2015 JUNO 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.