by Scott Roos
photo by Deanna Roos
award graphic by Brian Snell
2024 has proven to be a breakthrough year for Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys, culminating in their win of the 2024 NSMZ country, folk, and roots music artist of the year and underscores their rapidly growing popularity both at home and abroad.
Jake Vaadeland, a singer-songwriter from Cut Knife, has enjoyed a series of remarkable achievements this year, with his Road Gold Certification being one of the standout milestones. This prestigious award is granted by the Canadian Independent Music Association to artists who sell 25,000 tickets or more in a 12-month period, and Vaadeland made history by becoming the youngest recipient of the honor. This recognition reflects his tireless work ethic and his ability to connect with audiences, having played numerous shows across the country. Despite the success, Vaadeland remains focused on continually pushing his boundaries, always striving for the next challenge and higher goals.
In addition to the Road Gold Certification, Vaadeland had a stellar year internationally. He toured across six countries and released the expanded version of his album Retro Man … More and More. The album quickly climbed to #3 on iTunes Canada, earning extensive radio play in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. His music also found its way onto multiple editorial playlists, increasing his global reach. Further solidifying his position in the music industry, Vaadeland signed a publishing deal with Arts & Crafts Publishing, a Toronto-based label known for representing prominent artists like Feist and Broken Social Scene.
The Retro Man release marked a more polished and refined version of Vaadeland’s earlier work. Early on, when the original material was released, he and his team were under pressure to release music quickly, but this time, with more time and strategic planning, they were able to create a fully realized collection of songs. The expanded album includes six new songs, showcasing Vaadeland’s continued growth and his more refined approach to songwriting and production.
Throughout his career, some have questioned the authenticity of Vaadeland's image, particularly his vintage-inspired clothing and old-school stage persona. However, for Vaadeland, this is no act. His love for classic style and old-fashioned living is genuine, and he embraces it both on and off the stage. Whether he’s driving a 1947 Dodge around town or wearing retro clothes during performances, it’s a true reflection of his personal style, not a manufactured image. For Vaadeland, his authenticity is key to his success, and he remains committed to staying true to who he is, no matter the expectations of others.
Equally essential to his success is his band, the Sturgeon River Boys. With Joel Rohs on guitar and vocals, Jaxon Lalonde on banjo and vocals, and the recent addition of bass player Jake Smithies, Vaadeland has surrounded himself with a group of talented musicians who play a crucial role in his performances. The band’s strong chemistry and professionalism have made them irreplaceable in the eyes of Vaadeland, who has high standards for the musicians who accompany him on stage. This dedication to assembling the right team has been instrumental in maintaining the high quality of his live shows.
Along with their win at the NSMZ Country/Folk/Roots Awards, Vaadeland and the band have received numerous other accolades in 2024. These include four Sask Country Music Awards, the Western Canadian Music Association’s Roots Artist of the Year, and the Fans Choice Emerging Artist of the Year at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Vaadeland’s international appeal was also highlighted by his successful performances at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, U.K., where he sold out three showcases.
With his blend of country, folk, and roots music, Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys are establishing themselves as one of Canada’s most exciting acts. 2024 has been a defining year for Vaadeland, and as he continues to build on his successes, the future appears even brighter. His growing global fanbase, recent achievements, and unwavering commitment to his craft suggest that he is poised to become one of Canada’s most important musical exports in the years to come.
For Vaadeland, the journey is far from over. While the 2024 NSMZ Country/Folk/Roots Award represents a significant accomplishment, it’s clear that he remains focused on the road ahead, constantly striving to reach new heights. As his career continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that Jake Vaadeland’s impact on the Canadian music scene—and beyond—will only continue to grow.