Victory Pool x Transmit Presents
Evan Redsky
https://evanjamesredsky.bandcamp.com/
On LP2, punk-rocker / folk storyteller Evan Redsky embodies and relays an array of Indigenous stories and perspectives in order to better understand his own. This steady-footed and thoughtful record sees Redsky reclaiming the music of his childhood—the country heroes playing on his grandma’s car radio, like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Blue Rodeo—to tell vulnerable stories of longing and resilience.
Growing up in the First Nations Reserve of Mississaugi First Nation in Blind River, Ontario, Redksy was often compelled to hitchhike to Toronto to immerse himself in the city’s burgeoning punk and hardcore music scene. Redsky recalls sleeping under bridges and on construction sites, dedicated to making music happen. At 19 years old, Redsky started performing with punk outfit Single Mothers, going on to perform with the Juno-nominated group everywhere from local clubs to Primavera Sound to the Pitchfork Music Festival. However, as the group saw increasing success, Redsky felt more and more empowered to explore other musical paths and tell his own stories.
These days, it’s tough to keep up with all of Redsky’s eclectic projects. He’s a member of “Turtle Island Hardcore” band Indian Giver; he performs with folk-rock duo Altemeda and singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Lewis; he plays bass with groups like country ensemble Nicolette and the Nobodies. A stalwart of the Toronto scene, Redsky’s commitment to collaboration is evident in his impressive musicianship and impassioned songwriting, as he showcased on his debut solo album, 2022’s Oblivion.
with
Shane Ghostkeeper
https://shaneghostkeeper.bandcamp.com/
Fans of independent Canadian music will likely recognize the name Shane Ghostkeeper from his namesake project GHOSTKEEPER, a band that has been responsible for some of the more thrilling music to emerge from Alberta during the last 15 years. But while his parent band trades in a highly unique, left-of-centre approach to indie rock, this new project is a deeply reverential tribute to the music he absorbed while growing up in the Northern Alberta Métis communities of Paddle Prairie, High Level, and Rocky Lane.
“The concept of this record,” Ghostkeeper says, “is to present, as a gift to my people, an exploration of the country and western and roots records they surrounded me with since childhood.” Songs For My People is a truly a family affair.
From the opening notes of the album, this notion rings true wholeheartedly; shades of classic boot stompin' anthems shine through, offering glimmers of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Horton, and Conway Twitty; and the singer took a particular shred of influence from the ‘Bakersfield sound’ scene, a strain of '60s-era artists that infused traditional country and western songwriting with the electrified, then-new zing of rock and roll. In turn, Shane achieved his own version of ‘this plus that’ by injecting the Bakersfield sound with his own musical hallmarks. Ghostkeeper's singing style is one of the most arresting aspects of his songwriting; his ability to mix conversational speech (a la Lou Reed or Bob Dylan), percussive breaths, and other mouth-driven sound production with traditional melodic singing makes Ghostkeeper one of the more dynamic vocalists you're likely to hear anytime soon.
&
Kue Varo
https://kuevaro.bandcamp.com/
After returning to Calgary from Montreal, Kue Varo formed The Only Hopes in 2022 by joining up with Matt Doherty, Easy H.D., and Bob Quaschnick quickly setting the stage for their debut release. They released several singles in 2022-23, culminating in the October 13, 2023 release of Cowboy Witchcraft—a full-length album produced by Juno Award winner Russell Broom.
Cowboy Witchcraft made waves on the charts, holding the #1 spot on CKUA for multiple weeks. The album garnered attention from Exclaim!, the Calgary Herald, and was fully previewed on X92.9’s Xposure. It also earned critical acclaim, landing at #40 on Range Magazine’s 50 Best Albums of 2023, CBC’s Key of A Top Picks, and the Calgary Herald’s Best Local Albums list. Their track “Gates of Hell” was named #52 on Strombo's 100 Best Songs of 2023.
2024 began strong after returning to #1 on CKUA and hitting #10 nationally on Earshot! radio. Their single “Furthest Place” achieved impressive chart success, securing five consecutive weeks in the Canadian Alternative Radio top 40 as the only unsigned group.
In September 2024, Cowboy Witchcraft won “Rock Recording of the Year” at the YYC Music Awards, capping off a remarkable campaign. Kue Varo & The Only Hopes are now recording their next project “Honeymoon Lost” a 5 track EP—set to be released in 2025.
19+
$32.82 (includes tax + fees)
https://transmitpresents.com/
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