Award-winning indie-folk artist Daniel James McFadyen continues to evolve with his latest single, “Landmine,” the first release from his anticipated 2025 album. Recorded with close friends in a rented cabin on British Columbia's Shuswap Lake, the song captures a raw, Americana-inspired sound that brings new depth to McFadyen's work. Known for his interactive shows, McFadyen’s tours across Canada have sold out iconic venues, including Toronto’s Great Hall and Halifax’s Marquee Ballroom, drawing fans into his vivid storytelling and charismatic performances. In 2023, McFadyen’s award-winning EP, Songs to Show Your Friends, marked a creative leap from his “stomp and holler” folk roots to more intricate, melody-driven compositions. Produced by Montreal’s Quinn Bachand, the EP delves into themes of love, loss, adventure, and home. With “Landmine” setting the stage, McFadyen’s music continues to explore new sounds and stories, cementing his place in Canada’s folk and indie scenes. In November 2024, McFadyen won three awards at the Music NS awards—the most awards received at the event—a testament to his continued growth and connection with listeners.
•
Canadian Folk Music’s 2021 Emerging Artist of the Year and SiriusXM’s Top of the Country finalist, Noah Derksen is quickly becoming known as a songwriter’s songwriter. Hailing from the heart of the Canadian Prairies, Noah has spent years honing his craft up, down, and across North America and Europe. With a rich and soulful voice, Noah weaves poetry that sounds instantly familiar on first listen. He currently resides in the West Broadway neighbourhood of Winnipeg, Manitoba. His third full-length album Sanctity of Silence (released in 2023 via Symphonic) saw him teaming up again with JUNO-winning producer Murray Pulver. Its songs were developed with Noah's band (comedically dubbed Noah Derksen & the Overdrafts) and recorded at Signpost Studios in Winnipeg's West End. The album was shipped to multi Grammy-winning mix engineer Ryan Freeland (Bonnie Raitt, Ray LaMontagne) for the finishing touches. Plus, Noah's got long, flowing auburn hair and a twinkle in his eye. What's not to love?
•
Hamilton's Ian James Bain has always been hard to pin down. The son of an air force man, Ian called many places across Canada 'home' for a couple of years before packing up and moving down the road. Maybe that's why he was so drawn to music. Something constant, something to come back to. When he was a teenager living in a small rural Ontario town he found a bunch of like minded kids putting on DIY shows in church basements and legion halls, the rest just happened naturally. After many years working as a sideman in a range of genres Ian had come to feel most at home with the music that reflected his rural and wayfaring upbringing – country. In need of a fresh start, Ian left home in the summer of 2019 to work on a small ranch in Golden, British Columbia. His days were spent working outside, his nights were spent picking and singing in a small cabin on the property. Here, Bain developed his practice as a songwriter, recording the process to cassette. Returning home, Ian continued to develop his chops by crooning the classics alongside legendary Canadian country singer Paul Weber at the famous Maryhill Commercial Tavern. Here, he found his footing as a singer and discovered a powerful voice full of grit and sorrow. Akin to his personality, Ian's music refuses to be put in a box. A student of classic country greats like Willie, Waylon, Jones and Merle, Bain's songs allow the essence of country music to filter through a lifetime of musical experience and reference, distilling into a complex creation that is as deeply steeped in tradition and nostalgia as it is unapologetically modern. Ian's debut album Where I Wanna Be was recorded in August 2021 at Port William sound by Jonas Bonetta. Released in late 2022, the album received widespread play on college and community radio across the country and singles garnered significant playlisting such as Gems on VHS' monthly playlist. Not one to rest, only weeks after the release of his debut album Bain was back in the studio with producer and pedal steeler Aaron Goldstein (Daniel Romano, Kathleen Edwards, Julianna Riolino) recording a new EP of songs that reflect Bain’s growth as a performer and songwriter. Ian recently recorded a new collection of songs with award-winning producer and pedal steeler Aaron Goldstein to be released in 2025. You can find him somewhere down the road.
You may also like the following events from Mills Hardware:
Also check out other
Arts events in Hamilton,
Music events in Hamilton,
Entertainment events in Hamilton.
|
