With so much great music coming out of Saskatchewan these days it can be tough to stay in the loop. NSMZ is here to help. So saddle up, we're going to rustle up some of the new music happening in Saskatchewan; it's time for a new roundup!
1. "Ballad of a Trapeze Artist" by Checkout Queens
Checkout Queens are a glorious blend of pop, punk, metal, and country, presented with the drama of theatre and the camp of drag. Every angelic harmony, screaming solo, raunchy riff, and infectious beat is crafted with classical precision – and executed with reckless abandon.
Ballad of a Trapeze Artist reeks of mid 2000s pop punk nostalgia while grounded verses, zero gravity choruses, and a destabilizing bridge supports the overarching narrative of a misunderstood trapeze artist who is done with trying to please the circus crowds.
Be sure to catch Checkout Queens live August 10th at Moosefest.
2. "Redlines" by Sëdézë
Sëdézë is an Indie-Soul alternative rock band from Saskatoon, SK. Formed in the summer of 2023 the band started out as a couple friends jamming and writing songs in the forest while treeplanting. The band recently released a 6 song EP they recorded in Toronto called Redlines. There's also a bonus radio edit of the title track. You can catch them next at Moosefest August 10th and headlining Amigos on August 16th.
"Redlines" is a song that is very jazz inspired especially with the movements around the chords. Lyrically it is a song that is about the struggles one faces with themselves and trying to overcome them. Self reflection, self deprecation and not taking care of one’s mental health properly are big themes the song plays on but is about facing those feelings head on. The song itself sends a strong message of “it’s ok to not be ok”.
3. "Liquor Can't Replace" by Kieran Gardner
Kieran Gardner is a young country up and comer from Clavet. He's making waves writing traditional country with a contemporary flair. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice tell stories of love and loss, resonating with audiences far beyond his years.
"Liquor Can’t Replace" is a heartfelt breakup song written about heartbreak in a small town. Written by Kieran Gardner and produced by Mathew Facca. The song has a folk country feel with the fiddle playing throughout the entirety of the track along with the change of pace through each verse and chorus encasing the true emotion in every word sang.
4. "Outside" by The Raccoons
The Raccoons are David, Jourdy, Sandy, Don, Jared, and Scott, a feel good band from Saskatoon. For more info and to keep up with the trash, The Raccoons can be found on Instagram as theraccoons_band, as well as Facebook, and at theraccoonsband.ca.
"Outside" is the second single released from the 5 song EP expected to drop in the fall of 2024. Originally written in 2021, recorded in 2024, "Outside" is about the insecurity we all feel when we think we don't belong.
5. "Older" by Tone Shifter
Toneshifter is Christian Douglas, a Regina born musician and music producer. Though his solo releases so far have mainly been in the vein of singer-songwriter/folk songs, Christian comes from a punk/metal/alternative background (including as part of The Department Heads), and has only scratched the surface of the iceberg of eclectic material he's been crafting over the years.
'Older' is a simple, nursery rhyme-like song offering empathy to the challenges we all face as evolving human beings. This raw version of the song was recorded live with one microphone by the Sask One Mic team.
There you have it, a short and sweet selection of new music from local bands. Your support for local music is truly appreciated, so keep exploring and stay connected for more homegrown talent right at your fingertips.
If you have new music you'd like to see featured on our New Music Roundup, let us know! Send us an email with some basic information (a short bio, song description, album art, upcoming releases and shows, links, etc.) and maybe you can be a part of the next one.
Can't wait to hear from you!
Melanie Macpherson
Managing Editor, NSMZ
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