Other bands who have played out in Saskatoon
| On Project Opus since: | September 11, 2005 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | 'Soulful. Unique. Amazing.' This is how listeners describe Heidi McCurdy’s voice. 'Sultry jazz-pop with groove and an attitude.' This is how they describe her songs. With hip rhythms, thick harmonies, clever lyrics and an eclectic array of influences (soul, jazz, world) Heidi’s music enchants listeners, and compels them to sing along. Her song Fickle Mind won first place in the Write On ’97 songwriting contest. In May 2004, her song Placebo earned Honorable Mention with international Song of the Year. She has won numerous awards on Garageband.com including Best Female Vocals and Track of the Day. In the early ‘90’s, Heidi co-founded the world/funk band Yellow Belly, which released an independent CD, completed two cross-Canada tours, and had several songs top the charts on MP3.com and college radio. Yellow Belly shared stages with The Bare Naked Ladies, Papa Wemba, Steele Pulse, and 54-40. Following that project, Heidi created her own ensemble of top musicians, and has been performing funky originals, jazz standards and neo-soul favourites ever since. She has also been a featured vocalist with the Alexander Browne Orchestra and Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine, and a guest with Brickhouse, Soul Stream, Jason Mitchell and Kia Kadiri. She has performed in Europe, the U.S.A., and Canada, including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in 2005. Audiences love Heidi for her unpretentious persona and soulful performance, her winning blend of natural talent and professional skill. Listeners everywhere are instantly transformed into long-term and loyal fans. |
| Albums: | Fickle Mind |
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| On Project Opus since: | June 5, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Ryan McMahon grew up in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where he began playing in local bars on Vancouver Island at the age of 17, under the moniker “Citizen Strange.” There, he befriended several promoters that allowed him opening support slots for bands coming through town such as Nickelback and Wide Mouth Mason, allowing him the opportunity to hone his craft alongside those already established. In 2003, Ryan moved to Vancouver and began playing with two musicians who would become his best friends, Mike Rogerson (who produces all of Ryan’s material) and Dustin Young, both of whom still play guitars for him to this day. Together they formed the band, “Ryan McMahon & the Dirty Five,” along with drummer Jesse Smith and bassist Thomas Dowding, and the band toured throughout British Columbia and Alberta, but was never really afforded the opportunity to take it further. Wanting change, and a more diversified sound, Ryan, Mike, and Dustin stuck together and headed to Baker Street Studios in North Vancouver, to begin work on what would become Ryan’s first solo album, “Better Days Gone By.” They recruited several friends throughout the music industry, including Hamish Thomson (the Hermit), Jon Frederiksen (the Hermit), Doug Elliott (the Odds), Pat Steward (Bryan Adams, Matthew Good, the Odds), Jesse Smith (Jeff Johnson, the Dirty Five), Thomas Dowding (the Dirty Five), and Craig Northey (the Odds). The result? A 12-song rock n’roll roots album that showcases Ryan’s love for playing rough, honest music, which people of all walks can easily relate to. With themes ranging from infidelities (“Liar”) to the music industry itself (“Song Says So”), “Better Days Gone By” is a well-rounded honest album that will surely communicate well in both the rock and acoustic formats. Rye’s dynamic, genuine personality, combined with his unique emotional style will definitely offer fans of roots rock a true kindred spirit. For a better tomorrow, vote Ryan McMahon. Contact Information: |
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| On Project Opus since: | March 28, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Bella are a trio whose music gets you all tangled up in a West coast indie pop synth dream, replete with soaring guitars and unique vocals. Bella are known for their energetic and unpredictable live shows that feature multiple instrument swaps and hip-shaking dance moves to entice the audience. They have been critically acclaimed by local music magazines across the country, and Britain's NME called their song "Didn't Mean to Break Our Love" a "standout tune"... Currently working on their second full-length album, Bella are sure to deliver another pop gem for the kids to dance to! -Exclaim! Bella has performed with bands such as Pretty Girls Make Graves, The New Pornographers, Imperial Teen, and Phoenix. Please visit the official bella site or myspace for more info www.bellamusic.org |
| Albums: | Pretty Mess |
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| On Project Opus since: | April 15, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | “I know we have followed, the road so few take Too scared to awake the angels inside And if their darkness surrounds us We’ll cast demons aside, open our minds when our worlds collide” -Discourse Poetic, (La Di Da) dis·course n. Serious speech or piece of writing. Serious conversation. A discussion of a subject, either written or spoken. Sensitive or insightful: characteristic of a poet, especially in possessing unusual sensitivity or insight, or in being able to express things in a beautiful or romantic way. With Discourse Poetic, you can never be sure what you’re going to hear. The Calgary based band has a vast collection of original material covering an eclectic range of emotion, sound and thought. Band members Amy Thiessen and Jarred Nicklen each draw from unique life experiences when writing, and yet somehow combine their diverse styles into a truly original sound. Depending on what song the band decides to open with, an audience member on a Tuesday can make a different first impression of Discourse Poetic than someone listening on a Thursday. Yet each song adds another brushstroke to the sound that is their exclusive musical canvas. Whether writing individually or together, they complement each other while never repeating themselves musically. The diversity of each song is also reflected in the different musical influences Jarred and Amy draw from. Amy Thiessen cites Ani DiFranco, Lisa Loeb, Janis Joplin and Fiona Apple as major influences, while Jarred has drawn inspiration from artists such as Tori Amos, Tom Waits, the Indigo Girls, U2, Sarah Slean and ColdPlay. From keys to guitar, pop to alternative, the music of Discourse Poetic is getting positive reviews and feedback. In one moment listeners can be haunted by the melodic seduction of the piano intro to ‘Drown You’, then be whisked to a dark highway in the captivating guitar tune “Follow the Moon”. Other songs such as ‘La Di Da’ mix up the atmosphere with a refreshing, upbeat attitude that makes one think of summer and a carefree existence. Lyrically dynamic, acoustically adept, and altogether compelling… Discourse Poetic delivers. Amy Thiessen (Lead Singer)… Amy believes that triumph and tribulation form the underscore to anyone’s being. Through her music, Amy has found the ability to overcome life’s obstacles. Writing and singing have been a staple in her life and she has come to realize that her passion can become her reality. Amy’s spirit is her driving force, her power, her energy. Involved in yoga and meditating, Amy is able to not only find drive but beauty and love; assets that propel her in music and creativity. A 3 month journey throughout India confirmed that for her. As her spirituality strengthens and as she grows as a person, her music follows suit... guiding her and lifting her to her own equilibrium. “It’s not what we accumulate in this lifetime... it’s who we are and what we can give to the world.” Jarred Nicklen (Piano, Guitar, Vocals)… Sometimes music is the only way out. Sometimes music is the only remedy. Sometimes music is the only thing left. Music has been Jarred Nicklen’s greatest saviour growing up. While most of his friends were consoling a bottle of Baby Duck on a Friday night, Jarred would be soliciting his piano for spiritual guidance. The Piano has been his best friend since he was 8 and has stuck with him through every change in his life. Jarred decided to add another friend to the mix when he picked up the guitar a few years ago, adding a new element to his musical prowess. Jarred hopes Discourse Poetic’s intriguing melodies and lyrics will fix any craving for some good soul-healing music. “It’s ok to feel good about feeling sad. “ … Experience Discourse Poetic and get ready for something big. |
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| On Project Opus since: | February 26, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
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| Albums: | Hit it & Quit |
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| On Project Opus since: | March 29, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | If you have been waiting for a sound that is innovative and eclectic (it’s soulful… it's jazzy...it's bluesy...it’s funky…), yet savvy enough to ride the waves of popular radio, look no further. This is a dynamic artist in touch with modern culture and carrying a message that is impacting those who encounter it. The soulful sound of singer/songwriter/musician Greg Sczebel (“suh-bell”) is steadily capturing the attention of a wide range of music enthusiasts. From the moment you first hear the rhythms of his piano you will be intrigued. His talent is obvious...but then the vocals glide onto the scene and you see that there is more to this artist than just a good beat. His lyrics are intelligent, showing a mature depth, and he doesn’t sacrifice the musicality for catchy hooks. Greg is passionately committed to making good music. And it's obvious others are catching on. He has been recognized for his outstanding talent as an artist, having been honored with many remarkable opportunities and awards. He has shared the stage with a variety of the entertainment industries’ top performers, including Grammy Award-Winning Producer, David Foster, jazz crooner, Michael Bublé, 6–time Juno Award Winner, Colin James - as well as Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None the Richer), Bebo Norman, Carolyn Arends, Out of Eden, Shawn McDonald and more. The end of 2004 brought Sczebel a Canadian Urban Music Award nomination, four CGMA (Covenant Award) nominations, and ultimately two CGMA awards (‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ and ‘Rap/Hip-Hop/Dance Song of the Year’), as well as an Okanagan Musician Award for ‘Gospel Artist of the Year’ for the second year in a row. In 2005 Sczebel continued to gain momentum by picking up a JUNO AWARD (Canada’s Grammy©) for his debut album “Here to Stay” in the category of ‘Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.’ Shortly after, Sczebel was nominated for a grand total of five Shai (“shay”) Awards (Canada’s Gospel Music People’s Choice Awards) – ultimately taking home 3 of these - ‘Pop/Contemporary Album,’ ‘Urban/Soul Album’ and ‘Song of the Year’ for his single “In the Pocket”. In addition, Sczebel was a grand prize–winner in the international 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Competition, for his title track, “Here to Stay” and more recently was a finalist in the R & B category for the 2005 John Lennon Songwriting Competition for his song “You’ve Got It”. At the close of 2005 Greg was also privileged to sign exclusive endorsement deals with both Audix Microphones and Yamaha USA Pianos & Keyboards. And this is just the beginning of what is quickly becoming a well-established music career. But in spite of the acclaim, Sczebel still finds the most value in the personal connection between music fans and his songs. "To be validated by the awards and opportunities is always encouraging. The most exciting thing though, is hearing that my music is connecting with people. If I can continue creating music that impacts those who listen to it, I'd love to still be doing this 40 years from now." If the present is any indication to the future, Greg Sczebel is well on his way to reaching his goal. Career Highlights: QUOTES: PAUL BRANDT, AWARD WINNING COUNTRY RECORDING ARTIST KEVIN EDELMAN, MUSIC SUPERVISOR - METALMAN MEDIA INC. CAROLYN ARENDS, DOVE AND SHAI AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER DIONNE SMITH, PRESIDENT, VIBE GOSPEL MUSIC HEATHER CLARK, HEATHERCLARKBAND JAYLENE JOHNSON, SINGER / SONGWRITER |
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