The Once
Newfoundland has a storied history of stunning songwriters, poets, and players. Over the course of the last decade The Once have writ and knit themselves into that story
Within the nine songs on their new album Time Enough, The Once offer some of the most vulnerable and honest material of their career. The up-tempo album opener, “I Can’t Live Without You,” reflects on women battling with self-image issues and offers wisened words to be the positive change in their own lives. The gritty guitar driven “Before The Fall” succumbs to the notion that we must accept our past and use those memories to grow. Riff rocker “Any Other Way” reflects the fact that true love accepts us at our worst but insists we do the work to be our best selves to keep it together.
On this, their fourth studio album, the band stays true to the root strength of their harmony driven sound, while extending the borders into fresh yet familiar territory. They craft a sonically understated, but emotionally fulsome sound that accomplishes what they’ve always done so well: stun listeners with what Amelia Curran calls “perfect vocal harmonies, thick enough to stand on.”
New Years Eve EVE with Pretty Archie
THIS IS FOR DECEMBER 30TH. Tickets include admission, midnight snacks, swag, champagne and whatnot.
Cape Breton Americana band Pretty Archie to released their 6th studio album to mark and celebrate 10 years together
Long time friends Brian Cathcart (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt McNeil (Mandolin, Guitar), Colin Gillis (Harmonica, Bass, Vocals), Redmond MacDougall (Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) and Scott MacLean (Guitar, Mandolin) starting performing together in 2012. The band’s name is a nod to a Cape Breton local who embodied the love of playing and performing music. No matter where they tour or travel, Pretty Archie will always be representing their hometown.
Pretty Archie, their sixth studio album, is one of which they are justifiably proud. It represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.”
Pinning down the ‘Pretty Archie sound’ hasn’t always been easy. Their style has incorporated elements of bluegrass, folk, country, and had that ‘East Coast vibe’. Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This is an alternative country or Americana-style…”
Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton afforded Pretty Archie the opportunity to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results.
“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambience and energy in recording that way.”
With every record and tour Pretty Archie carries a little piece of home a bit farther afield. Since their 2013 debut album, Steel City, the band have built an ever- larger following on the east coast, across Canada and are now set to continue growing their International audience.
Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.”
Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play.
The upbeat and joyous “Familiar Feeling” and catchy “Reasons” showcase the band’s instrumental prowess, while Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones.” At Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New” became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honky-tonker Whitney Rose, and the contrasting vocals add real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics – ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.”
Pretty Archie’s genuine, heartfelt writing connects listeners with a saltwater perspective on modern living. Their fun loving and at times heartbreaking music finds common ground in the blurred genres of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and Americana. Their unique sound and energetic shows leave listeners with a lasting memory.
QUOTES:
“It is hard to pigeonhole Pretty Archie. It encompasses an uplifting myriad of (but not limited to) hillbilly country, blues, bluegrass and folk. Throw a banjo, harmonica and mandolin in and together the foursome offers a different brand of music, a relentless, raw, uncontrived mash of genres that is distinctly Pretty Archie” -Andrew Rankin (Cape Breton Star)
“Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has a well known reputation for creating great musical talent. From The Rankin Family to Ashley MacIsaac to the late Rita MacNeil, this artistic hotbed on the country’s East Coast has produced some of Canada’s best musicians. From this proud region now comes Pretty Archie, a folk-bluegrass-country group from Cape Breton that will impress audiences with their strong chops…..With their impressive blend of folk, blues, bluegrass and country this band has produced a great sound that is oodles of fun to listen to” – Alejandro Bustos (Apt613.com, Ottawa)
“While Pretty Archie’s music blurs the lines between multiple genres, all the ingredients of their sound have been nurtured by the setting they grew up in.” – FYI Music News, Jason Schneider
“Pretty Archie always finds some way to encourage listeners to take lean times in stride, suck it up, stick it out and just keep going!” – BuzzMusic
Awards & Recognition:
5x Music Nova Scotia Awards nominations
3x East Coast Music Association nominations:
Country Album of the Year; North End Sky and Sing Alongs & Love Songs Roots Album of the Year; Running for Cover
Notable Appearances Include:
The Grey Cup Festival (Ottawa ON), Rogers Hometown Hockey (Dartmouth and Sydney NS), Sudbury Festival of Lights Boreal (Sudbury, ON), Celtic Colours (Halifax, NS) Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Canso, NS), Roots Night at Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington, ON), The Ironwood (Calgary, AB), The Dakota Tavern (Toronto, ON), Writers at Woody Point (Woody Point NL), Tonder Festival (Denmark), Celtic Connections (Glasgow, Scotland).
Showcase Festivals & Conferences: Folk Alliance International, AmericanaUK Fest, Contact East, Nova Scotia Music Week, East Coast Music Week, Folk Music Ontario, NXNE and OSAC.
Discography:
Pretty Archie (2022)
Running For Cover (2020)
Hanging On (2019)
Sing Alongs & Love Songs (2016)
North End Sky (2015)
Steel City (2013)
New Years Eve with Pretty Archie
Tickets include admission, midnight snacks, swag, champagne and whatnot.
Cape Breton Americana band Pretty Archie to released their 6th studio album to mark and celebrate 10 years together
Long time friends Brian Cathcart (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt McNeil (Mandolin, Guitar), Colin Gillis (Harmonica, Bass, Vocals), Redmond MacDougall (Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) and Scott MacLean (Guitar, Mandolin) starting performing together in 2012. The band’s name is a nod to a Cape Breton local who embodied the love of playing and performing music. No matter where they tour or travel, Pretty Archie will always be representing their hometown.
Pretty Archie, their sixth studio album, is one of which they are justifiably proud. It represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of the group’s sound. ”I feel each of our other records was a step ahead of the previous one, but this one is six steps ahead,” declares Colin Gillis. “We are proud of everything we’ve put out, but this is at a different level.”
Pinning down the ‘Pretty Archie sound’ hasn’t always been easy. Their style has incorporated elements of bluegrass, folk, country, and had that ‘East Coast vibe’. Describing the new album, Brian states “it is more focused, even though you still can’t quite put a finger on it. For us it definitely has way more of a country vibe. This is an alternative country or Americana-style…”
Helping the group realize the formidable creative achievement that is Pretty Archie was internationally-acclaimed record producer and engineer Mark Howard, whose star-studded resume includes work with the likes of Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, U2, Tom Waits, The Tragically Hip, Peter Gabriel, and more. Howard’s fortuitous recent relocation to Cape Breton afforded Pretty Archie the opportunity to take advantage of his skills, and the band couldn’t be happier with the results.
“It was all basically recorded live off the floor, with minimal overdubs,” adds Colin. “That’s something we had always wanted, and Mark was able to do that. There’s a certain ambience and energy in recording that way.”
With every record and tour Pretty Archie carries a little piece of home a bit farther afield. Since their 2013 debut album, Steel City, the band have built an ever- larger following on the east coast, across Canada and are now set to continue growing their International audience.
Cathcart explains that “as a band, we wear our East Coast hearts on our sleeves. We are very proud of where we are from, but our focus now is exposing people internationally to our part of the world.” Gillis adds that “if you are genuine and true to yourselves, then people will attach themselves to that, no matter where you are from.”
Pretty Archie have long been regional favourites, with a stack of Music Nova Scotia and East Coast Music Award nominations to their credit. They are now looking globally, and with Pretty Archie they have an album ready for international prime time play.
The upbeat and joyous “Familiar Feeling” and catchy “Reasons” showcase the band’s instrumental prowess, while Brian digs deep vocally on the haunting ballad “Feel It In My Bones.” At Howard’s suggestion, “Someone New” became a duet, featuring Austin-based Maritime honky-tonker Whitney Rose, and the contrasting vocals add real resonance. Brian is especially proud of “Maritime,” a song written right in the studio that features these poignant lyrics – ”If your heart breaks down, we’ll use mine. It is weathered and weary, but it is Maritime.”
Pretty Archie’s genuine, heartfelt writing connects listeners with a saltwater perspective on modern living. Their fun loving and at times heartbreaking music finds common ground in the blurred genres of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and Americana. Their unique sound and energetic shows leave listeners with a lasting memory.
QUOTES:
“It is hard to pigeonhole Pretty Archie. It encompasses an uplifting myriad of (but not limited to) hillbilly country, blues, bluegrass and folk. Throw a banjo, harmonica and mandolin in and together the foursome offers a different brand of music, a relentless, raw, uncontrived mash of genres that is distinctly Pretty Archie” -Andrew Rankin (Cape Breton Star)
“Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has a well known reputation for creating great musical talent. From The Rankin Family to Ashley MacIsaac to the late Rita MacNeil, this artistic hotbed on the country’s East Coast has produced some of Canada’s best musicians. From this proud region now comes Pretty Archie, a folk-bluegrass-country group from Cape Breton that will impress audiences with their strong chops…..With their impressive blend of folk, blues, bluegrass and country this band has produced a great sound that is oodles of fun to listen to” – Alejandro Bustos (Apt613.com, Ottawa)
“While Pretty Archie’s music blurs the lines between multiple genres, all the ingredients of their sound have been nurtured by the setting they grew up in.” – FYI Music News, Jason Schneider
“Pretty Archie always finds some way to encourage listeners to take lean times in stride, suck it up, stick it out and just keep going!” – BuzzMusic
Awards & Recognition:
5x Music Nova Scotia Awards nominations
3x East Coast Music Association nominations:
Country Album of the Year; North End Sky and Sing Alongs & Love Songs Roots Album of the Year; Running for Cover
Notable Appearances Include:
The Grey Cup Festival (Ottawa ON), Rogers Hometown Hockey (Dartmouth and Sydney NS), Sudbury Festival of Lights Boreal (Sudbury, ON), Celtic Colours (Halifax, NS) Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Canso, NS), Roots Night at Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington, ON), The Ironwood (Calgary, AB), The Dakota Tavern (Toronto, ON), Writers at Woody Point (Woody Point NL), Tonder Festival (Denmark), Celtic Connections (Glasgow, Scotland).
Showcase Festivals & Conferences: Folk Alliance International, AmericanaUK Fest, Contact East, Nova Scotia Music Week, East Coast Music Week, Folk Music Ontario, NXNE and OSAC.
Discography:
Pretty Archie (2022)
Running For Cover (2020)
Hanging On (2019)
Sing Alongs & Love Songs (2016)
North End Sky (2015)
Steel City (2013)
Crowdis Bridge
Join us for an evening with some of Cape Breton’s finest multi-instrumentalists, vocalists & songwriters.
Kimberley Fraser is one of Cape Breton Island’s most accomplished traditional musicians and one of the foremost sought after instructors for Celtic music.
Crowdis Bridge are lovers and purveyors of roots & traditional music, steeped in bluegrass, old-time, folk, Celtic and country-blues.
Together they promise to create a musical landscape as amazing and diverse as the Island they call home.
Kitchen open till 9PM, Bar licensed till 2AM
Abbey Mullendore, Steve Luxton & Russ Mathews
Abbey Mullendore is a Cape Breton born and bred singer-songwriter. Raised in a musical family, Abbey’s passion for music and singing began at a very young age. Her style and sound has been influenced by a wide range of female powerhouse artists and bands such as: Fleetwood Mac, Heart, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Alanis Morissette, and many more. Her sound is often compared to that of vocalists such as Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, and Ann Wilson.
Over the past few years, Abbey’s journey in music has taken shape into more of a profession. She has played in many establishments and events across Nova Scotia including The Careltone (Halifax), Strathspey Place (Mabou), with Boardwalk Productions @ Bella Rose Theatre (Halifax), Blueberry Jam Festival (Mabou), as well as opening for acts such as Ashley MacIsac and Jimmy Rankin. Her most recent musical achievement has been performing the lead vocal role of Stevie Nicks with Classic Albums Live’s Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’ show across Canada and the US in venues such as Massey Hall (Toronto), National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and Hard Rock Live (Orlando).
Meet Steve Luxton, an alternative folk-rock singer whose music transcends boundaries and resonates with the human experience. With a captivating blend of soulful lyrics and haunting melodies, Steve Luxton weaves tales of introspection and emotion, inviting listeners into a world of sonic storytelling.
Russ Mathewsis a rising singer-musician known for his soulful melodies and crowd pleasing songs. Hailing from the heart of Cape Breton, his music combines folk and country influences, creating a fresh, authentic sound that resonates with audiences accross the Island. With a guitar in hand and a heart full of stories, Russ is making his mark on the music scene, one heartfelt note at a time.
Joel Plaskett Redux
From rocking Halifax’s Marquee Club to performing for the masses at Massey Hall or touring the country with his father, Joel Plaskett has forged a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging performers and respected singer-songwriters.
Plaskett’s songs are a perennial part of the national playlist, a fixture on “best of” lists, and the soundtrack to the lives of faithful fans across the country and around the world. His accolades over a quarter century include a Juno, numerous East Coast Music, Canadian Folk and Music Nova Scotia awards, and two Polaris short list nominations.
Plaskett’s new project, 44, is his most detailed musical weave yet. A sprawling box set comprised of four, 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, at its heart 44 is an imaginative rumination on trying to slow down and grow up in a rapidly accelerating world.
Plaskett began his musical career in the early 1990s as a member of alt-rock favourites Thrush Hermit, recruiting lifelong fans as the band toured North America in a half-size school bus, setting up their signature neon ROCK & ROLL sign from show to show.
In the early 2000s, Plaskett started touring under his own name with his band, The Emergency (featuring Dave Marsh on drums since 1999, and for the last 14 years, Chris Pennell on bass). Backed by the Emergency and racking up a growing roster of anthemic singalongs, Plaskett worked his way up from small clubs to opening for Paul McCartney and the Tragically Hip, and filling larger venues with his own devoted audience.
Plaskett is a versatile and ever-evolving artist, at turns delivering intimate and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter fare (In Need of Medical Attention, La De Da, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test); incendiary riff-rock (Down at the Khyber, Truthfully, Truthfully), left-leaning folk rock (Solidarity), as well as conceptual epics and off-kilter feats of musical stamina (Ashtray Rock, Three, Scrappy Happiness, 44).
Recorded to analog tape, Plaskett’s records reflect his attention to detail, his dedication to technique, musical history and craft, and a sincere and inimitable lyrical style that runs through his diverse and ever-expanding catalogue.
In addition to producing most of his own records since 1999, Plaskett has also set up shop behind the console at his New Scotland Yard studio in downtown Dartmouth, N.S. His work with artists like Jimmy Rankin, Two Hours Traffic, David Myles, Sarah Slean, Shotgun Jimmie, Dennis Ellsworth, Old Man Luedecke, Dave Marsh, Colleen Brown and longtime collaborator Mo Kenney has led to numerous awards for production, and turned New Scotland Yard into a popular destination for artists looking to develop and document their sound.
In front of the studio is The New Scotland Yard Emporium, where Plaskett has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to bring a curated selection of records to his adopted hometown, providing a spot where music fans can congregate to grab a coffee or beer while they dig for records.
In a world increasingly connected—and disconnected — by digital mediums, Joel Plaskett prefers to make his connections the old-fashioned way, building community at his studio and shop, dedicating himself to the art and authenticity of songwriting and analog recording processes, and moving audiences with the electrifying, uplifting experience of live performance.
In all aspects of his work, Plaskett embraces both the communal and individual experiences music provides. The ways music and words combine to connect with the listener, turning a minute into a moment out of time, reminding us that we aren’t alone.
Joel Plaskett
From rocking Halifax’s Marquee Club to performing for the masses at Massey Hall or touring the country with his father, Joel Plaskett has forged a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging performers and respected singer-songwriters.
Plaskett’s songs are a perennial part of the national playlist, a fixture on “best of” lists, and the soundtrack to the lives of faithful fans across the country and around the world. His accolades over a quarter century include a Juno, numerous East Coast Music, Canadian Folk and Music Nova Scotia awards, and two Polaris short list nominations.
Plaskett’s new project, 44, is his most detailed musical weave yet. A sprawling box set comprised of four, 11-song albums connected visually and thematically, at its heart 44 is an imaginative rumination on trying to slow down and grow up in a rapidly accelerating world.
Plaskett began his musical career in the early 1990s as a member of alt-rock favourites Thrush Hermit, recruiting lifelong fans as the band toured North America in a half-size school bus, setting up their signature neon ROCK & ROLL sign from show to show.
In the early 2000s, Plaskett started touring under his own name with his band, The Emergency (featuring Dave Marsh on drums since 1999, and for the last 14 years, Chris Pennell on bass). Backed by the Emergency and racking up a growing roster of anthemic singalongs, Plaskett worked his way up from small clubs to opening for Paul McCartney and the Tragically Hip, and filling larger venues with his own devoted audience.
Plaskett is a versatile and ever-evolving artist, at turns delivering intimate and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter fare (In Need of Medical Attention, La De Da, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test); incendiary riff-rock (Down at the Khyber, Truthfully, Truthfully), left-leaning folk rock (Solidarity), as well as conceptual epics and off-kilter feats of musical stamina (Ashtray Rock, Three, Scrappy Happiness, 44).
Recorded to analog tape, Plaskett’s records reflect his attention to detail, his dedication to technique, musical history and craft, and a sincere and inimitable lyrical style that runs through his diverse and ever-expanding catalogue.
In addition to producing most of his own records since 1999, Plaskett has also set up shop behind the console at his New Scotland Yard studio in downtown Dartmouth, N.S. His work with artists like Jimmy Rankin, Two Hours Traffic, David Myles, Sarah Slean, Shotgun Jimmie, Dennis Ellsworth, Old Man Luedecke, Dave Marsh, Colleen Brown and longtime collaborator Mo Kenney has led to numerous awards for production, and turned New Scotland Yard into a popular destination for artists looking to develop and document their sound.
In front of the studio is The New Scotland Yard Emporium, where Plaskett has partnered with Halifax mainstay Taz Records to bring a curated selection of records to his adopted hometown, providing a spot where music fans can congregate to grab a coffee or beer while they dig for records.
In a world increasingly connected—and disconnected — by digital mediums, Joel Plaskett prefers to make his connections the old-fashioned way, building community at his studio and shop, dedicating himself to the art and authenticity of songwriting and analog recording processes, and moving audiences with the electrifying, uplifting experience of live performance.
In all aspects of his work, Plaskett embraces both the communal and individual experiences music provides. The ways music and words combine to connect with the listener, turning a minute into a moment out of time, reminding us that we aren’t alone.
Songwriters Circle
Steve MacIntyre is a singer/songwriter from Cape Breton Island. Describing the things that move him well enough that they move you is his greatest pleasure.
“Steve MacIntyre is a rare original. He brings you in, effortlessly, to an intensely personal place you may not have expected, with his heart on his sleeve and a huge, bear hug of a voice.” – Jamie Foulds, producer
Telling stories of love, loss, and life, Steve takes you on a journey; one that is dripping with images of the east coast. The good and the bad take equal footing in Steve’s songs. They are songs that describe the things common to the human experience and do so through beautifully crafted words and music.
Aaron MacDonald
Out of the woods of Mabou, a town that beats in the musical heart of Cape Breton, comes the soulful, ever captivating, Americana singer Aaron MacDonald. It’s this small-town lifestyle that inspires songs for this ECMA nominee. Aaron’s matured blend of country and rock, all lovingly leaning towards roots and blues, carries the feel of familiarity while experiencing new songs for the first time. The authenticity of MacDonald’s live performances is magically captured as he lays out his life’s story with each song. His music comes across as something between the rhythmic soul of Nathaniel Rateliff mixed with the superb simplicity of John Prine.
Named as one of CBC Music Searchlight’s Top 100 Emerging Artists, showcasing at ECMA 2022, nominated for NSMW 2022 Americana Album of the Year, spots at the 2023 Stan Rogers Folks Festival and Halifax Urban Folk Festival, this seasoned songwriter is making his mark.
Woody Woodburn
Born & raised in Mississauga, ON, Canada, Woody cut his teeth on the Canadian music industry with his band in the mid 90’s. Drawn to the small town lifestyle of his roots in Cape Breton, NS, he now calls his home Rockwood, ON. After many years struggling to find a place in the corporate world, he has now found a renewed passion & love for music and will not let anything stand in his way. The music is much more than Top 40. The kind of melodies that linger in your head well after you’ve heard them. He gives life to your own struggles. Like listening to an old friend. Woody is an unassuming, humble guy that will surprise you with his powerful voice. A voice that combined with the real & “come from the heart” lyrics will leave you more hopeful & inspired in your life.
Steve Luxton
Blurring the lines between alternative rock and roll and renegade folk, Steve Luxton captures moments in time and frames them in captivating melodies and haunting harmonic changes. Steve draws his sound from classic lyrical greats like Willie Nelson, the neo-modern country sounds presented by artists such as Sturgill Simpson, and the soulful energy & grooves of artists like the Bahama’s. Steve’s unique sound and high energy performances are quickly winning over audience members across the East Coast of Canada.
Quote the Raven
Quote the Raven’s sophomore record Can’t Hold the Light has been almost three years in the making. After an impromptu trip to AmericanaFest in 2019, the sounds filling the Nashville streets lit a fire for what would be the duo’s journey into the Americana genre. A collection of songs written with friends all across Canada, this album is a combination of country jams, folk storytelling, heart warming and wrenching ballads, and a glimpse into the life of touring musicians.
Despite delaying the release of their record until the Fall of 2021 Quote the Raven continued to work onward and upward since their album Golden Hour released in 2018. They’ve toured around Canada, performed in Germany, Trinidad, and in the US. They’ve been nominated for an ECMA and awarded the 2019 MusicNL Group the the Year. Their music has been streamed over one million times and featured in international film and television. The first three singles from the album have all charted in the top 100 on the BDS and TRAX
Canadian Country Charts and have been featured on SiriusXM radio in the top 40.
Quote the Raven blend haunting harmony and quick-witted comedy into their East-Coast meets Americana songwriting leaving audiences with a smile on their face and a tear in their eye.
Lookout Tower
Winter Swamp Music!
A groovy mix of bluesy rockers, soulful ballads and blizzard funks. Lookout Tower hails from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Their debut album ‘Smoke Over Sound’ was recorded live off the floor last spring in a century old church in Forks Baddeck and their upcoming follow-up album ‘Fields’ was recorded this winter in a 125-year old farmhouse across the street. This release is a sonically exciting and diverse collection of original songs about the places we leave, and how we perceive the passage of time.
Vocals / Rankin MacEachern
Guitars, vocals / Bryan Picard
Bass, vocals / Franzi Habith
Drums / John Pinnington