It was a year to remember for former Estevan resident Joel Henderson.
Henderson, who performs under the name Poor Nameless Boy, will be at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum (EAGM) on Jan. 27 for a concert through the EAGM’s After Dark series. Doors will open at 8 p.m.
It will be a homecoming concert for Henderson, who has had a busy 12 months since the release of his second full length album, Bravery. But the folk/roots musician is excited to be back in Estevan.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been down in Estevan to perform on my own,” said Henderson.
His most recent appearance at the EAGM came last June, when he teamed up with Library Voices at a benefit concert for former Estevan resident Nolan Haukeness and Haukeness’ wife, Jenine.
The past year featured some new experiences and some accolades for Henderson. Songs from Bravery have been played on satellite radio and the CBC. The album has also been a springboard to international markets, as he toured in Germany, England, Scotland and Australia – the first time he has played internationally.
“It was new territory,” said Henderson. “I was showcasing. I was in front of a lot of industry professionals, everything from radio to publicists to publishers to booking agents to festival buyers.”
Henderson believes it’s important to find the right partners internationally who know how to navigate the music scene.
“When it comes to Europe in general, or specific countries like the U.K. and Germany, it’s walking into the place where you kind of know the gist of things, but you really would like to partner with someone who knows the ups and downs,” said Henderson.
Australia, for example, was similar to Canada in a lot of ways, but it has traits that make it unique. Music fans in Germany, meanwhile, are different in that they still love to purchase records and CDs.
“They like to own them still,” said Henderson. “They love the physical copies, whereas in Canada, we don’t necessarily. We like our Spotify and our iTunes and our YouTube.”
The connections he has built up overseas appear to be paying off, as he will announce new international tour dates soon.
The new album was produced by Regina’s Brad Posko, and was released last January. It featured a different sound, thanks to the use of a full band, and some instrumental changes with a heavy emphasis of violin that created a more mellow sound.
“The album in itself was just really an introduction to what my new sound is going to be like, and trying to take a step forward, and we’re really, really happy with the results we’ve got,” said Henderson.
Bravery finished fifth in Sask. Music’s list for the top new albums of the year, which Henderson viewed as a surprise, since it was based on public support, and he didn’t do much to promote the album.
He was one of three southeast Saskatchewan musicians in the top five. Bienfait’s Andy Shauf was third and Weyburn’s Tenille Arts was fourth.
Henderson said it’s a testament to the strength of the local music scene.
“In Estevan, with some of the ways the community has brought in more concerts and more shows, I think that will encourage people to be more enthusiastic about picking up an instrument, and learning about Canadian history in music,” said Henderson.
The more people enjoy success in the music industry, the more others will be inspired to try to enjoy success in music.
“It’s nice to see Tenille get the success that she’s had, and Andy, he’s another story all together,” said Henderson. “He’s been working hard for quite a while now.”
