I had the luck of interviewing them and/or reviewing their latest albums. They are my favourite independent artists for 2011 — and I hope you will love them too.
Glenn Chatten
Last year was a milestone for Glenn Chatten. He released his first album, titled "Where You Need to Be," in more than two decades.
The Vancouver-based guitarist and folk singer has over 30 years of performing experience. He toured the US Midwest and Canada at the end of the 1970s. During the following decade, he performed at many Folk festivals across British Columbia and toured with Celtic musician and Hammered Dulcimer player, Paul Haslem.
Chatten appeared several times on television for the entertainment section of the Global Noon Hour News hosted by the late Bob Macadorey.
For the past four seasons, he has been the Musical Director for Vancouver Youth Theatre, a non-profit arts organization.
Hilary Grist
Hilary Grist is the DIY independent artist by excellence. Last year, she hit the world with a new video ("Tall Buildings") that captured the imaginations of over 40 newspapers, including The Vancouver Sun, The Province and The Maple Ridge News.
Further, the eight-foot long, five-foot cardboard piano-city that she and her friends built for the video was recently displayed at The Beaumont Gallery. She also placed fourth at the Peak Performance Project 2011 contest.
Rob Tardik
With his third release ("B.E.L.L."), Rob Tardik established himself as a major force to be reckoned with in the Canadian music industry.
The Ontario-based independent artist is an award-winning guitarist who has shared the stage with legends like Phil Ramone, Greg Adams, Paul Brown, Peter White, Liberty Silver, David Sanborn, and Jose Feliciano.
Tardik was named Mississauga’s 2007 “Established Performer of the Year” for his musical contributions, an award won previously by Oscar Peterson and Rik Emmett. In 2010, he became a recipient of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the Year Award.
Katie Rox
You may remember her as the lead singer of industrial rock band Jakalope. In 2011, Katie Rox took part in the Kansai Music Conference in Japan with Danny Echo. She also released a lovely new opus, titled "Pony Up."
Rox is a Juno and Much Music Video nominated artist.
Ranj Singh and the Discriminators
What makes Vancouver-based Ranj Singh and the Discriminators different from a lot of bands is the humility of its members. Last year, Ranj Singh (vocals, guitar), Chris Dufault (guitar), Dan Huget (electric violin), Bojan Bugarinovich (bass, sitar), and David Eadie (percussion) released "Found a Way Home," a little jewel of an album.
WHY
Even though WHY did not record anything in 2011, the Winnipeg band consisting of Brian Cook (lead vocals), Dave Bergmuller (drums), Todd Laurie (lead guitar), Rob Langan (rhythm guitar/keyboards) and Terence Karacsony (bass), deserves a special mention for two things: its humanitarian work with the Make Poverty History movement, and its incredible talent.
WHY is currently working on a third album.
Enjoy Your Pumas
Enjoy Your Pumas is one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Manitoba. Formed in 2007, the quintet consists of Rosie Blais, Josh Benoit, Marc Gomez, Luke Janzen and Zach Allard. Their first opus, "Ink The EP," was re-released in 2009. In 2010, the band opened for Bon Jovi in Regina.
"Commonality," the band's latest offering, is an artistic tour-de-force.
Nicole Byblow
Nicole Byblow is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. The Toronto-based singer, songwriter and pianist released her second opus last year. Titled "Nicole Byblow Plays All the White Keys," the album is one of the best I have heard in a long time.
In 2011, this Fred Sherratt Award recipient performed a rendition k.d. Lang's "Constant Craving" during the Juno Awards Dinner and Gala.
What were your favourite independent artists in 2011?
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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