There were over 100 musical albums produced by Saskatchewan’s musical artists in 2016 that qualified for a special project co-ordinated by SaskMusic.
These albums contained the talents of 42 musicians and vocalists spanning a wide range of genres from metal to country and roots to ambient electronica, said the recent release issued by SaskMusic.
From this long list, the team that represents the best of Saskatchewan’s musical talent, formed a panel that pursued public input by way of votes as to what they liked to hear from Saskatchewan’s musical artists.
The voting ended on Dec. 18 and the results were announced with over 2,000 votes cast from 25 countries.
The final tally was close, even with some ties, so the panel came up with 14 title albums that are being touted by SaskMusic as the top albums of the year.
Former Bienfait song-maker, Andy Shauf and his album entitled The Party was placed third in the final tally, just one spot ahead of Weyburn’s Tenille Arts with her self-titled album.
Shauf, who currently resides in Regina lends his unique vocal styling to songs in the pop and folk genre while Arts focuses on country music. She is currently living and working in Nashville, Tennessee.
The album gaining first place in the poll was produced by The Dead South. Their album titled Illusion and Doubts features the well-known folk and bluegrass stylings of this Regina-based band.
Second place went to DGS Samurai Champs and their Crayons album that features electronic rhythm and blues and hip hop styled music. They also hail from Regina as well as Saskatoon.
Estevan’s own Poor Nameless Boy, i.e. Joel Henderson, tied with Meghan Bowman and Scott Pettigrew for fifth place status with his album named Bravery which pays tribute to his folk and roots musical stylings. Henderson is now living in Regina.
Also included in the top album lists for Saskatchewan this year was Belle Plaine, who has appeared on stage in Estevan on a couple of occasions. Her The Unrequited Love album was listed at Number eight. She is originally from Fosston, but now lives in Regina.
SaskMusic said the project was launched to raise awareness of, and to celebrate, the fantastic music created in this province.
“We’re proud of our Saskatchewan artists. We thank the artists involved and the public for their participation,” SaskMusic’s Lorena Kelly said in conclusion.
SaskMusic is a non-profit, member-based association that represents and promotes the development of the artists and music industry of Saskatchewan. They offer one-on-one guidance, workshops, marketing and expert opinions and assistance for career development with peer sessions and a business directory.
