by Scott Roos
photo by Bree Fish
Mark your calendars, Saskatoon. On Friday, November 1, the Capitol Music Club will light up with the raw energy of Juno Award winning JJ Wilde, a rising star in the Canadian music scene. With her powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged performances, Wilde is set to deliver a night that promises to be truly electrifying.
A Tour to Remember
Wilde is currently traversing the country on a tour that will showcase many tracks off her latest album, Vices, which dropped on September 20. “It’s going great,” she said in a recent interview, brimming with excitement. “We’ve started out in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, and now back out to the prairies. The response has been great.... it’s been really fun to see people dig the songs off the new album.”
This cross-country trek has her connecting with fans from coast to coast, building a community around her music. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in the States, Canada, or Europe,” she mused. “I think that's like the one constant is the music and the type of people that gravitate towards it.” This sense of shared experience is something you can expect to feel during the performance in Saskatoon.
Vices: An Intimate Exploration of Life and Love
With Vices, Wilde dives deep into her emotional landscape, resulting in a collection of songs that resonate on multiple levels. The album opens with “Arizona,” a track born from reflection after a tough breakup. “It was my first sense of freedom after that experience,” she recalled. “I took a road trip to Nashville and LA, and it was a chance to really think and heal.” The song serves as a powerful introduction to the themes of vulnerability and growth that permeate the album.
The track “Best of Me” explores the complexity of personal struggles, touching on the concept of vices. The word "vices" plays a prominent role in the lyrics of the tune. “I think that each song on this album kind of dives in a little bit to the album title, in a way. Vices aren't just staying out late and doing that. I find also things like comfort can be a vice... staying too comfortable and not pushing yourself to try new things or grow from uncomfortable situations. So I feel like, you know, it's more than just what's in 'Best of Me'. But that was definitely a part of where the album title came from for sure.
This introspective approach invites listeners to connect their own experiences to her music, making it deeply relatable reflecting on self-acceptance and resilience. The raw honesty in her lyrics essentially captures the essence of what it means to be human, and it’s this emotional depth that draws fans in.
A Live Experience Like No Other
When it comes to live performances, Wilde brings the same intensity and authenticity found in her recordings. “We just have fun with it,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to creating an engaging experience for her audience. Each show becomes a celebration of connection, energy, and, of course, rock and roll spirit. Rock n' roll sometimes can find beauty in the imperfections. “ I think when that when you hear a voice crack or that, you know, whatever it may be (with imperfections), there's real emotion behind that. And often, you know, if there's a tiny imperfection, I'd rather get the emotion out and leave it in there (than do another studio take),” she remarked.
Wilde’s sound is a blend of classic rock roots and pop flair. While she acknowledges influences her influences to the point of namedropping Springsteen's iconic Born To Run in her song "Take Me Back", she’s carved out her own unique style. “The storytelling on that record is amazing,” she reflected. “It’s a great example of pure rock and roll at its finest.” Taking a page from Springsteen's book, she shows a dedication to storytelling that shines through in her work, making her music not just enjoyable, but impactful.
In the studio, collaboration is key. Wilde works closely with her band to ensure that each song translates seamlessly to the stage. “We’re always thinking about how it will sound live,” she explained. “It’s about capturing that energy on record.” This attention to detail enhances her performances, making them all the more memorable.
Emotional Depth That Resonates
What truly sets Wilde apart is her ability to convey profound emotional depth. “When I write music, I want to make people feel something,” she stated. “Whether it’s happiness, sadness, or nostalgia, my purpose is to evoke emotion.” This commitment to authenticity permeates her music, inviting listeners into her world.
It’s this mix of personal experience and universal themes that makes her songs resonate so deeply with audiences. As she prepares for the Saskatoon show, expect a setlist packed with powerful anthems, soulful ballads and medium tempo stompers, that encourage both audience participation and introspection.
Don’t Miss Out!
Don’t miss your chance to experience Wilde live at the Capitol Music Club on November 1. With her captivating sound, genuine connection to her audience, and a wealth of powerful songs, this show is sure to be one of the highlights of the concert season. Grab your tickets and be part of an electrifying night that you won’t forget. Local favourites Seven Mile Sun will open up the show.
Date: Friday, November 1
Venue: Capitol Music Club, Saskatoon
Tickets: Available Now
NSMZ will be at the Capitol to cover this event. Join us for an unforgettable evening with Wilde—where rock meets raw emotion, and every note resonates with authenticity. Feel the power of her music, share in the emotional journey, and experience the magic of live performance. See you there!