Bow Valley Boot Stomp

Alex Hughes merges pop’s catchiness with country’s soul, creating a unique sound that stands out in the pop-country genre. From Calgary, AB, she brings a modern twist to the classic influences of Linda Ronstadt and Patsy Cline, blending it with the contemporary stylings of Carly Pearce and Carrie Underwood.

Juno and multi-CCMA award-winning band Doc Walker is back with its first new music since 2017. The single “She Wants What She Wants” will be released just ahead of the announcement of Doc Walker’s upcoming cross-Canada tour.

“She Wants What She Wants” finds Doc Walker’s creative team, singer/guitarists Chris Thorsteinson and Dave Wasyliw in top form on the song, displaying their trademark harmony, a heart-swelling chorus, and a modern spin on traditional instrumentation. The song also features OG member Murray Pulver on low harmonies helping to create that vocal chemistry so loved by Doc Walker fans.

As a class, cowboys are known as foulmouthed, irreverent, drunken creatures. Someone didn’t give Jaryn Friesen that memo. Friesen, born and raised in Steinbach, MB, is only 28 but his music packs the richness of a writer decades his senior.

Friesen’s sound is raw and honest, which makes the tunes feel like talking with a friend over a tall boy. His grovel-y voice with just the right amount of drawl sings of yearning for some place, some time elsewhere and hits familiar tones and themes which make it feel like coming home. It’s country music with small town angst.

Michela Sheedy, a Calgary-based country artist, combines raw honesty with an electrifying presence, likened to a blend of Chris Stapleton and Miley Cyrus. Known for her distinctively gritty voice, Sheedy is shaking up country music with her dedication to a new era of “three chords and the truth.”

Highlighted by Tamara Beatty, a seasoned voice coach from NBC’s The Voice, as a powerhouse of unbridled energy and soulful punch, Sheedy debuted on the country scene with “I Make Bad Look Good” in 2018. Following up with “Lost” in 2020, she’s quickly grown a loyal following and made a significant mark with her music.

Kalsey Kulyk combines rich vocals and profound lyrics, marking her distinct presence in country music. Growing up in Hudson Bay, SK, she started singing and playing guitar early, winning her first songwriting competition at 13. Her battle with cancer in high school didn’t just provide songwriting inspiration but also reinforced her commitment to a music career. Her debut album in 2019, celebrated for its songwriting and classic country vibes, debuted at #2 in Canada on iTunes/Apple Music and garnered over 3 million streams. Notably, Kulyk won the CCMA Discovery Award and a label development deal in 2017, leading to her successful release. Residing in Nashville, she collaborated with top writers, contributing to a substantial catalog of songs. Signed with Sakamoto Agency, she has performed across Canada and embarked on the “Love on the Road Tour” with husband Eric Ethridge. After becoming a mom in 2021, she quickly returned to performing, and recently, she’s been involved with Canada’s Got Talent, set to appear in the next season.