Episode #237 - Canyons

Summary: For this episode of SLUG Soundwaves we had the pleasure of chatting with local folk group, Canyons. Maybe you've seen them around town, or happened to catch their NPR Tiny Desk Concert and recognized their harmonious voices. What started as friends sharing music and having fun, formed into Canyons, a three-piece group self described as “assertive folk.” Whether Kate Anderson is off flying a lakota helicopter or Hillary McDaniel and Secily Saunders are busy directing the Rock n’ Roll Girls Camp, they always find time to play music and constantly create. Having only formed a year ago this May, they’re in awh of the generous outpour of support they’ve received from venues and fans. Last summer, Canyons released their six-song self-titled EP, recorded in their own home studio, and headed out on their first tour. Guest artists Kanyatta kennedy and Heidi Middleton have joined them on their recently released full length vinyl, Sometimes Late at Night—recorded with Utah sound guru Mike Sasich. They had their album release show last week at Ogden's Lighthouse Lounge, followed by a show in Kate's hometown, Reno. Only printing 500 copies of Sometimes Late at Night they “wanted to create a special album that wasn’t such a disposable product as music can be these days.” So far they have 30 gigs booked and will be busy playing shows all summer. As big fans of the book "The Alchemist," they have the quote “People are capable at any time in their lives of doing what they dream of,” printed on the inside of their cover for Sometimes Late at Night. With Anderson, McDaniel and Saunders being in their 30's and still having to beg their friends, from high school to this day, to come to their shows, they say this quote helps them keep their chin up.  Canyons have a few upcoming shows here in Salt Lake, including two shows next week at Utah Pride Fest and a show at the Green Pig Pub June 4—they will also be playing Earth Jam and Utah Arts Fest. For more information on Canyons and their music you can visit their website at canyonsmusic.com. Canyons: Kate Anderson (vocals, co-producer) Secily Saunders (vocals, acoustic guitar, co-producer) Hillary McDaniel (drums, percussion) Dream Makers: Ben Weiss (mandolin) Dylan Schorer (pedal steel guitar) Heidi Nedreberg (vocals) Joseph Swain (vocals) Josh Dickson (percussion) Kenyatta Kennedy (vocals, bass) Mike Sasich (baritone guitar, electric guitar, percussion, keys) Production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Man vs Music, Mike "Producer of the Year" Sasquatch Sasich Album Artwork: Chelsey Bloomfield / Malibu Harpy Thanks for listening to SLUG Soundwaves. • This podcast was created by SLUG Magazine and produced by Angela H. Brown and Secily Saunders • Associate Producers: Alexander Ortega, Joshua Joye, John Ford, Shannan Hansen, Kathy Zhou • Executive Producer: Angela H. Brown • Background music by Ana Hardy • Soundwaves logo and art design by Nicholas Dowd • Technical design by Kate Colgan   SLUG Magazine’s mission is to provide an honest journalistic alternative to mainstream coverage of arts, music, events and lifestyle. SLUG adds value to lifestyle through community engagement. Available in print and digitally on SLUGmag.com.