Sled Island presents: Lavender Country

DOWNSTAIRS

Lavender Country

After releasing Lavender Country’s debut, self-titled record in 1973, Patrick Haggerty left the recording industry for more than 40 years. There was simply no way the world’s “first gay country album” could lead to a music career. But in 2014, thanks to the internet, he was discovered by a new generation and received the recognition as an innovator he was so overdue. This year marks the release of his second widely released album, Blackberry Rose and Other Songs and Sorrows From Lavender Country.

Pony Girl

Ottawa indie-pop outfit Pony Girl is releasing its first new album in seven years this summer — its first for veteran Canadian indie label Paper Bag Records. Dual vocalists Pascal Huot and Yolande Laroche coo gentle harmonies atop a bed of electro-acoustic compositions that are experimental yet hummable. Expect a palpable energy and new songs as the band gears up for its forthcoming album Enny One Wil Love You.

Eve Parker Finley

Musician, comedian and TikTok sensation Eve Parker Finley brings a wide array of influences to her blend of electronic-driven chamber pop. Resonant strings soar over buzzing synths and steady beats while Parker Finley’s voice, low in the mix, emotes an engrossing sense of yearning over the listener.

Krill Williams 

Cleancut indie-pop act Krill Williams is the kind of bedroom pop that makes you wish you were invited to a sleepover. Extra crisp synth, bass and guitar melodies wiggle around the warbling vocals of Kenz Heykin and Elicia Bravo as they sing about internet boyfriends and outer space. Stick around for the secret track at the end of the band’s most recent EP — it’s worth it.

 

MAIN FLOOR

Khillah Khills

With lush, expansive dual synths and a pulsating drum machine, Khillah Khills embrace a multitude of ‘80s dance and disco influences while retaining a biting contemporary edge. Composed of members of the dream pop outfit Lashes, this newer project presents the opportunity to delve further into more hypnotic, electronic elements.

Cardiograms

One of the finest local albums released in 2021 was Sweet Despair, the debut from the Calgary act led by guitarist/vocalist, perennial side-person and Girls Rock Camp mama bear Nicola Cavanagh (Night Committee, etc.), who fearlessly and successfully stepped to the front of the stage with fellow fabulous songwriting partner Jess Lopez. Catchy and fierce as hell.

Skinny Dyck

Lethbridge's Skinny Dyck pens sincere, lackadaisical tunes. Primarily playing the pedal steel, the singer-songwriter takes inspiration from vintage melodic classics while breaking new ground. On the 2020 LP Get to Know Lonesome, taking a straightforward approach to songwriting allowed Dyck the opportunity to focus on atmospheric and technical performance aspects.

The Rifle County Players

What started out as something of a joke between punks has become one of the must-see country-rock acts in Calgary. The Rifle County Players is made up of members of Sunglaciers, Window Lamp and Paradise, but channels an Old West outlaw aesthetic for the project at hand. The dust storm found on six-song EP Dead to You will give you a good sense of what to expect.

Wolf Willow 

If Dick Dale had joined Loretta Lynn’s band and made a wall of sound album inside the Grand Ole Opry, it would be a lot easier to explain Wolf Willow’s style. With an angelic voice and a solid foundation of classic country-western aesthetics, Wolf Willow can jump from a ballad to a waltz to a shred-happy surf rock jam with jaw-dropping elegance.

About Sled Island

The Sled Island Music & Arts Festival is a five-day, multi-venue festival taking place June 22 - 26, 2022. The full lineup and schedule is available at SledIsland.com.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees agree to abide by Sled Island's safer spaces and inclusion policy, which can be found here.

Sled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations. Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Please note: This is an 18+ event.