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. This edition really does run the gamut - from rock to country to adult contemporary to hardcore - there's something for everyone!
1. "The Boy and The Queen" by Seven Mile Sun
Seven Mile Sun is a high-voltage alt rock trio originating from small town Harris, SK. The band consists of brother and sister Kevin (guitar/vocals) and Kimberley Stevens (drums/vocals) and Joanne Genest (bass/vocals). 7MS offers a performance with hard-hitting melodies, grounded lyrics, and intense on-stage chemistry.
"Boy & The Queen" delves into the emotional conflict of a toxic relationship, exploring deep-seated anger, hurt, and confusion. Amidst the lies and turmoil, the song captures the paradox of still feeling love and the uncertainty of leaving. It portrays this profound emotional struggle while celebrating the courage to recognize one's own strength, value, and power, and to reclaim their crown.
With frontman Kevin being a farmer, 7MS is soon to be in harvest mode & will back in venues October 19 for Elrose Ladies Night & November 22/23 for a weekend headline at Buds on Broadway. Stay tuned for the music video for "The Boy & The Queen"! From the behind the scenes shots available now, its going to be amazing!
2. "Nickelback" by Brayden King
Brayden King, the 6'9" dynamo whose larger-than-life stage presence is turning heads across North America. Hailing from Weyburn, SK, and now proudly reppin' Alberta, Brayden rocked his way to stardom after snagging the legendary "Golden Ticket" on Season 21 of American Idol. In 2023, he unleashed three singles that cracked the Top 100 on Canadian Country Radio.
"Nickelback" is a feel good call out to the band Nickelback. Filled with song references and dripping with nostalgia, this song will be stuck in your head. Check it out live at Moosefest, Saturday August 10th!
3. "Lonely" by Nick Faye
Nick Faye is a songwriter from Regina. Faye crafts timeless songs that honour his past, embracing hopes, dreams and frustrations of life lived in the Canadian Prairies. Fusing this with a clear love of mid-90s Pop Rock, he creates songs that stick in the mind like a prairie snowdrift - taking their sweet time to melt away, slowly revealing the hope of new beginnings to come.
“Lonely,” explores themes around healthy and good love: approaching a relationship with intentions of trying to be a good partner, encouraging healthy communication, and trying to make your partner feel safe and loved.
4. "Hypocrite" by Nyle Segovia
Nyle is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumental artist from the Saskatchewan prairies and Rocky Mountains of Treaty 6 and 7 territory. Nyle's roots are in flamenco guitar with significant influences from soul, rock, R&B, blues, alt, pop, and hip-hop. He plays and writes by ear and feel; always searching for genuine expression in his music.
Hypocrite was written on bass guitar, and transposed to the rhythm/lead guitar. Slowly arranged with various local Saskatoon artists and the Good Homies band (Adam Swalm, Joel Bird, Cale Hretsina), this song has seen numerous versions and iterations, all delivering the same feel good, sing-along energy. The song was recorded at Rainy Day Recording Co. in Saskatoon and mastered by Trevor Case at Case Mastering.
A metaphorical approach to telling a story of making mistakes, this song is a cathartic release. It is also the inspiration for the title of the soon to be released five song EP titled “Catharsis”.
5. "Alice" by Pop Pop Vernac
Pop Pop Vernac recently released their first full length album into the world. They took a lot of liberties with this one and approached it with open minds and open hearts; trying to embrace creative freedom as much as possible and placing importance on variety (their favourite spice!). The songs were recorded through multiple recording sessions in different locations, different methods, with varying instruments, as a group and individually. Mixed by by the band and mastered by Jason Ziegler.
For now you can stream it on Bandcamp (link in bio) or purchase it on coaster w/ download codes included. The coasters are made out of eco-friendly pulp board and as a result they smell neat!
6. "Exit Essential Dread" by River Sleem
Riversleem is a hardcore band from Saskatoon who recently released a video for their song, "Exit Essential Dread" from their 2023 EP A Second Release by Riversleem, released on Zegema Beach Records. Riversleem is currently on a short tour through Western Canada and is performing tonight in Vancouver at the Red Gate Arts Society.
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
Comments