Judging from the dust that has accumulated on the safe here at Team GDW, it’s clearly been a while since we last punched in the combination to unlock the vault. But fear not, we have four smokin’ hot videos safely extracted and ready to share here today. Based on the number of mini-music-movies being released these days, we promise to check the contents of the vault more often in 2024. Expect the next installment to appear very soon…
Kellie Loder, “Sonny’s Dream”
Expect to see many references made to the music of the late Ron Hynes during our GDW Year-End recaps – the “Sonny Don’t Go Away” tribute album being one of our favorite releases from 2023. Following success found on the popular “Canada’s Got Talent” television show last year, Kellie Loder’s beautiful piano interpretation of this well-known Hynes tune was appropriately placed as the album’s stunning closer – and this visual version shows why – as it hits you right in the feels…
Bella White, “Rhododendron (Alt. Version)”
Another artist whose career blossomed in 2023, Calgary-raised and Nashville-based country singer Bella White first came to our attention when releasing the original studio version of this single – and is another name you should expect to see in our year-end honors. Dropping this stripped down and reimagined version of this tune earlier this month, Bella proves once again that the ‘emerging’ tag deserves to be long removed from any conversations about her music in the here and now.
Ryan Hicks, “24 Frames (Jason Isbell cover)”
Regina, SK artist (and occasional So-Cal ‘Dodgers Fan’ resident) Ryan Hicks shares this fabulous live clip captured during a performance at the All Folk’ed Up festival in Montmarte, SK during the summer. Having enjoyed live music, myself from popular US Americana artist Jason Isbell here in central PA during those same summer months, Ryan naturally earned my attention with this cover of Isbell’s smash hit, “24 Frames” – his version proving incredibly respectful to the sound and style of the original.
MOONRIIVR, “Mother To Me”
We’ve been meaning to share some retro-riffs from this talented new quartet for a while – so finding this clip here in the vault as we close out the year is as perfectly timed as it gets. Comprised of Gavin Gardener (The Wooden Sky), “Champagne” James Robertson (C&C Surf Factory), Ben Whiteley (The Weather Station), and Lyle Molzan (Kathleen Edwards), the sonic sounds offered up with each release to date is a time traveling adventure where Buddy Holly meets Krautrock. One to watch in 2024!!!
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
