the Sheepdogs
{{short description|Canadian rock band}}
{{for|the self-titled album|The Sheepdogs (album)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=April 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = The Sheepdogs
| image = Sheepdogs Wiki.jpg
| image_size =
| landscape = yes
| alt =
| caption = The Sheepdogs performing at The Roundhouse, London, 2019
| alias =
| origin = Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| genre = {{flatlist |
| occupation =
| instrument =
| years_active = 2004–present
| label = {{flatlist |
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.thesheepdogs.com/}}
| current_members = Ewan Currie
Ryan Gullen
Sam Corbett
Ricky Paquette
Shamus Currie
| past_members = Leot Hanson
Rusty Matyas
Jimmy Bowskill
}}
The Sheepdogs are a Canadian rock band formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2004. The Sheepdogs were the first unsigned band to make the cover of Rolling Stone and have gone on to a career featuring multi-platinum album sales and four Juno Awards.{{cite web |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/music/saskatoons-the-sheepdogs-land-cover-of-rolling-stone/article2116451/ |title=Saskatoon's the Sheepdogs land cover of Rolling Stone |work=The Globe and Mail |date=August 1, 2011}}
Frontman Ewan Currie, the band's primary songwriter, has described the band's guitar-driven blues-rock style as "pure, simple, good-time music"; he's said that the band aims to 'land in the sweet spot in between Led Zeppelin and Crosby, Stills & Nash'.{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/arts/music/the-sheepdogs-dig-in-to-their-future-nostalgia |title=The Sheepdogs dig in with Future Nostalgia |work=National Post |access-date=November 15, 2015}} Currie has further credited Creedence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and The Allman Brothers Band as influences on the band's style.{{cite web |title=The Sheepdogs' Ewan Currie: 10 Records That Changed My Life |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-sheepdogs-ewan-currie-10-records-that-changed-my-life |first=Fraser |last=Lewry |work=Louder |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |location=Bath, England |date=June 11, 2019}}
One critic has praised the band's "infectiously catchy, soulful, retro sound with beautiful harmonies and a pinch of southern rock."{{cite web |title=Rival Sons & The Sheepdogs at The Fillmore in Detroit, MI |url=https://www.nationalrockreview.com/concert-reviews/rival-sons-the-sheepdogs-at-the-fillmore-in-detroit-mi |first=Sami|last=Lipp-Mosier |work=National Rock Review |date=April 26, 2019}}
The Sheepdogs are on the road frequently between recordings.{{cite web |title=The Sheepdogs |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/the-sheepdogs/ |first=Richard |last=Trapunski |work=NOW |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=December 8, 2011}} They have headlined tours across Canada and the United States, the United Kingdom, Eastern and Western Europe, and Australia, and have performed at a number of large festivals including South by Southwest, Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.
History
=Early history and formation: ''The Breaks'' EP, ''Trying to Grow'', ''The Big Stand'', ''Learn & Burn'' (2004–2010)=
The band formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in the summer of 2004, while Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, and Sam Corbett were all studying at the University of Saskatchewan. Corbett had an old bass guitar and a gift certificate to a local music store, so they rented a drum kit and started playing in Corbett's parents' basement with Corbett on drums, Gullen playing the bass, and Currie playing a recently purchased electric guitar. The band began with a repertoire of 1970s blues-rock songs as well as newer material, including covers of the early Black Keys and Kings of Leon, while also writing their own music. Currie, Gullen, and Corbett called their trio The Breaks and released an EP in 2006.{{cite magazine|last=Scaggs |first=Austin |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/meet-the-sheepdogs-161748/ |title=Meet the Sheepdogs |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 18, 2011}}
In the summer of 2006, Currie, Gullen, and Corbett met Leot Hanson, who was playing acoustic guitar at a party. Hanson was playing a Kings of Leon song from Youth & Young Manhood, and the trio joined in. The next day, Hanson joined the band and they changed their name to The Sheepdogs.
In 2006, The Sheepdogs independently released their first album Trying to Grow, which they recorded at Cosmic Pad Studios in Saskatoon. Two years later, after almost constant touring, The Sheepdogs returned to Cosmic Pad Studios to record their second album, Big Stand. The first two records were small affairs, including artwork by friends and family, and were mixed by the band.{{cite web |title=The Sheepdogs Changing Colours (Dine Alone/Warner Music) |url=http://coachellavalleyweekly.com/the-sheepdogs-changing-colours-atlantic-records/ |first=Eleni P. |last=Austin |website=Coachellavalleyweekly.com |date=July 17, 2019}}
The band released its third studio album, Learn & Burn, in 2010. The band recorded the album on their own, with their own equipment, a circumstance which they appreciated for giving them freedom to explore new sounds and techniques, including a nod to the psychedelic rock of the 1960s.{{cite web |title=The Sheepdogs learn to burn |url=https://thesheaf.com/2010/03/17/the-sheepdogs-learn-to-burn/ |first=Greg |last=Reese|website=Thesheaf.com |date=March 17, 2010}}
=''Rolling Stone'' cover contest: ''Learn & Burn Deluxe'', ''Five Easy Pieces'' EP (2011)=
In early 2011, a music manager that the band had met in Toronto, Ontario submitted a demo tape to Atlantic Records, which resulted in them being one of 16 bands chosen to be part of the Rolling Stone "Choose the Cover" competition.{{cite news |first=Simona |last=Rabinovich |title=Saskatoon's the Sheepdogs land cover of Rolling Stone |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/saskatoons-the-sheepdogs-land-cover-of-rolling-stone/article588979/ |work=The Globe and Mail |location= Toronto, Ontario |date=August 1, 2011}} With the new international spotlight on the band and while the band was waiting to find out the results of the contest, Learn & Burn was given a re-release, in May. That summer, the Sheepdogs beat fifteen other bands to win the contest, and were featured on the August 18, 2011, cover of Rolling Stone—the first unsigned act to do so. During the competition, the band made appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and performed at the Bonnaroo Music Festival as well as The Osheaga Festival in Montreal, Quebec.{{cite web |title=Saskatoon's The Sheepdogs vie for Rolling Stone cover contest |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatoon-band-wins-rolling-stone-cover-contest-1.1049035 |first=Melissa |last=Leong |work=National Post |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=February 16, 2011}}{{cite news |author= |title=Saskatoon band wins Rolling Stone cover contest |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/saskatoon-band-wins-rolling-stone-cover-contest-1.1049035 |website=CBC News |date=August 1, 2011 |access-date=March 9, 2020}}
The Rolling Stone cover arrived on the heels of the band's Five Easy Pieces EP, which debuted at No. 7 on the Canadian Albums Chart, selling 3,300 copies.{{cite web|first=John |last=Williams |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Sheepdogs/2011/08/10/18534801.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729070045/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/S/Sheepdogs/2011/08/10/18534801.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |title=CANOE - JAM! Music - Artists - Sheepdogs, The : Sask.'s Sheepdogs make top 10 debut |website=Jam.canoe.ca |access-date=July 6, 2012}} Following the contest win, the band signed with Atlantic Records.
In April 2012, the re-released Learn & Burn garnered three Juno Awards—for Rock Album of the Year, Best New Group, and Single of the Year. The band was touring in Australia with John Fogerty at the time and were unable to attend the ceremony.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/feist-wins-juno-for-artist-of-the-year-1.1142776|title=Feist wins Juno for artist of the year|work=CBC News|date=April 1, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012}}
=International touring and personnel changes: (''The Sheepdogs'') (2012–2014)=
In early 2012 the Sheepdogs began work on a new album which was produced by The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, recorded during an intensive two-week session at Haptown Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/patrick-carney-producing-new-sheepdogs-album-20120104|title=Patrick Carney Producing New Sheepdogs Album |magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 6, 2012|date=January 4, 2012}} Released on September 4, 2012, the band's self-titled major-label debut garnered them their second platinum sales certification. The album generated international interest, and led to a long stretch of touring, both in Canada and overseas, from 2012 into 2013 including performances at Coachella Music Festival, Lollapalooza, Bonaroo, Edgefest, Glastonbury, and Ottawa Bluesfest.{{cite web |title=Review – The Sheepdogs (self-titled) |url=http://nymn.com/review-the-sheepdogs/ |website=Nymn.com|date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012}}{{cite web | url=https://thesheaf.com/2012/09/08/sheepdogs-showcase-versatility-with-self-titled-release/ |title=Sheepdogs showcase versatility with self-titled release | first=Kendra | last=Schreiner |date=September 8, 2012 |website=Thesheaf.com}}{{cite web | url=https://globalnews.ca/news/497833/sheepdogs-represent-saskatchewan-at-2013-juno-awards/ |title=Sheepdogs represent Saskatchewan at 2013 Juno Awards | first=Nick | last=Patch |date=April 20, 2013 |work=Global News |location=Toronto, Ontario}}{{cite news |title=Battle of the band: After a huge breakthrough in 2011, The Sheepdogs reflect on the tough road ahead of them |url=https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/music/battle-of-the-band |first=Jon |last=Dekel |work=National Post |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=April 18, 2013}}
This tour saw Shamus Currie, younger brother of lead singer Ewan Currie, become a touring member of the Sheepdogs, after having previously played trombone on The Big Stand and Learn & Burn.{{cite web|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/sheepdogs_siblings_ewan_and_shamus_currie_announce_lp_as_bros |first=Gregory |last=Adams |title=Sheepdogs Siblings Ewan and Shamus Currie Announce LP as BROS |date=September 16, 2016 |website=Exclaim.ca |location=Toronto, Ontario }}
The Sheepdogs earned three Juno nominations for Single of the Year, Rock Album of the Year and Group of the Year, in addition to performing "Feeling Good" live on the broadcast at the 2013 Juno Awards in Regina, Saskatchewan.{{cite news |author=Nick Patch |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/497833/sheepdogs-represent-saskatchewan-at-2013-juno-awards/ |title=Sheepdogs represent Saskatchewan at 2013 Juno Awards |work=Global News |date=April 20, 2013}}
On November 24, 2013, The Sheepdogs performed at the CFL's 101st Grey Cup live on television. The game saw their home province Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Hamilton Tiger Cats.{{cite web |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2013/08/30/sirius-xm-101st-grey-cup-halftime-show/ |author= |title=CFL Announces 101st Grey Cup Entertainment |date=August 30, 2013 |website=CFL.ca |location=Toronto, Ontario}}{{cite news |author= |url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/football/cfl/grey-cup-2013-hedleys-anything-an-appropriate-anthem-for-saskatchewan-roughriders-fans-at-halftime |title=Grey Cup 2013: Hedley's 'Anything' an appropriate anthem for Saskatchewan Roughriders fans at halftime |work=National Post |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=November 24, 2013}}
In March 2014, director Matt Barnes and the Sheepdogs won the Juno Award for Video of the Year for "Feeling Good."{{cite news |author= |url=https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/music/juno-awards-2014-the-full-list-of-nominees-and-winners |title=Juno Awards 2014: The full list of winners |work=National Post |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=March 30, 2014}} That same year the band played tribute to and inducted Bachman Turner Overdrive into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, performing "Let it Ride" and "Takin’ Care of Business" with BTO live on the Juno Award broadcast.{{cite news |author= |url=https://www.mtv.ca/matt-mays-and-the-sheepdogs-added-to-list-of-2014-juno-performers/ |title=Matt Mays and the Sheepdogs added to list of 2014 Juno Awards' performers |website=MTV.ca |publisher=Bell Media |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=February 13, 2014}} In July 2014, Leot Hanson left the band. Following his departure, Winnipeg guitarist Rusty Matyas, a friend of the band, stepped in as guitarist for the tour promoting The Sheepdogs.{{cite news |author= |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/the-sheepdogs-parting-ways-with-guitarist-leot-hanson-1.2694276 |title=The Sheepdogs parting ways with guitarist Leot Hanson |website=CBC News |date=July 2, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2015}} This led to Matyas joining the band as a full-time touring and recording member until the fall of 2015.{{cite web|url=http://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/sheepdogs-confirm-split-with-guitarist-leot-hanson-1.1896685 |title=Sheepdogs confirm split with guitarist Leot Hanson |website=CTV News Saskatoon |date=July 2, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rusty-matyas-mn0001952641 |title=Rusty Matyas - Credits - AllMusic |website=AllMusic|access-date=March 31, 2020}}
=Addition of Jimmy Bowskill: ''Future Nostalgia'' (2015–2016)=
On July 3, 2015, the band released "Downtown," the first single from what would be their fifth studio album Future Nostalgia. The album itself was released on October 2, 2015, via Warner Music Canada and Dine Alone Records. The 18-track record was well received by reviewers and fans, nearing the top of the iTunes Canadian charts. Future Nostalgia was recorded in a rented cottage in Stony Lake, Ontario, engineered by Matt Ross-Spang, and produced by lead singer and songwriter Ewan Currie.{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sheepdogs_announce_future_nostalgia_lp_share_new_single |first=Alex |last=Hudson |title=The Sheepdogs Announce Future Nostalgia LP, Share New Single |date = July 3, 2015 |website=Exclaim.ca |location=Toronto, Ontario }}{{cite web|url=https://circuitsweet.co.uk/2015/10/the-sheepdogs-announced-as-main-support-for-the-temperance-movement%E2%80%8F/ |title=The Sheepdogs Announced As Main Support for The Temperance Movement |date=October 6, 2015 |website=CircuitSweet.co.uk |location=Herefordshire, England }} Currie explained the choice, saying: "We wanted to cut out all the noise and get back to a place where we could just fully immerse ourselves in music." The band worked on the album full-time in Stony Lake, seeking some middle ground between the informal garage sound of the Learn & Burn and the whirlwind sessions in Nashville with Carney which produced The Sheepdogs.
In November 2015, award-winning blues guitarist Jimmy Bowskill from Bailieboro, Ontario, joined the band in advance of the European leg of their Future Nostalgia Tour, playing guitar and pedal steel.{{cite web |title=Sheepdogs Have Busy Summer Schedule, Finalizing New Album for Fall Release |url=http://www.musiclifemagazine.net/sheepdogs-have-busy-summer-schedule-finalizing-new-album-for-fall-release/t |first=Jim |last=Barber |website=MusicLifeMagazine.net |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=July 18, 2017}}{{cite web |title=2004 Maple Blues Awards |url=http://torontobluessociety.com/archive/maple-blues-awards/2004-maple-blues-awards/ |website=Torontobluessociety.com |location=Toronto, Ontario |access-date=March 9, 2020}}
Future Nostalgia garnered the Sheepdogs another Juno nomination for Rock Album of the year in 2016.{{cite news |author= |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/juno-nominees-list-2016-1.3430406 |title=Junos 2016: Complete list of Juno Award nominees |website=CBC News |date=February 2, 2016}}
When they were finished recording Future Nostalgia, brothers Ewan and Shamus Currie started working on a side project they called BROS. Their debut LP, titled Vol.1, was released on October 14, 2016, via Dine Alone Records.{{cite web |title=Sheepdogs Siblings Ewan and Shamus Currie Announce LP as BROS |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/sheepdogs_siblings_ewan_and_shamus_currie_announce_lp_as_bros |first=Gregory |last=Adams |website=Exclaim.ca |location=Toronto, Ontario |date=September 16, 2016}}
=International expansion: ''Changing Colours'' (2017–2019)=
When it came time to record again, instead of being produced in a concentrated burst, the band's next album, Changing Colours was recorded over an unusually extended period in 2017. The 17-track album was engineered, co-produced, and mixed by Thomas D'Arcy at Taurus Recording in Toronto, with Ewan Currie again in the producer role, and was released in February 2018.{{cite web|url=https://thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/local-arts/sheepdogs-colour-outside-the-lines-on-new-album/ |first=Stephanie |last=McKay |title=Sheepdogs colour outside the lines on new album |date=February 22, 2018 |work=Saskatoon StarPhoenix |location=Toronto, Ontario }}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/changing-colours-mw0003139332/credits |title=The Sheepdogs - Changing Colours - Credits - AllMusic |website=AllMusic|access-date=March 31, 2020}} "Most of the records we've made have been under a short time constraint," drummer Sam Corbett is quoted as saying. "This one was done over six months, with some songs sitting around for two months. Then we'd come back and try different things, so I think that as a result, some of the songs took a different shape."{{cite web|url=http://badearl.com/events/4840/The-Sheepdogs|title=The Earl - The Sheepdogs|website=badearl.com|access-date=April 16, 2019}}
The Changing Colours sessions also marked the recording debut of guitarist Jimmy Bowskill, performing not only guitar but mandolin, banjo, viola, fiddle, and pedal steel.{{cite news |last=Derdeyn |first=Stuart |url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/celebrity/sheepdogs-keep-classic-rock-wagging-on-changing-colours |work=Vancouver Sun |title=Sheepdogs keep classic rock wagging on Changing Colours |date=February 1, 2018}} "He joined us on tour, learned our whole set basically in one rehearsal and has been with us ever since," says bass player Ryan Gullen.
The promotion of the album again saw the Sheepdogs embarking on multiple national and international tours, playing over 200 shows in Canada, Europe and the United States.{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_sheepdogs_get_sam_coffey_and_the_iron_lungs_for_changing_colours_tour |first=Calum |last=Slingerland |title=The Sheepdogs Take 'Changing Colours' on Canadian Tour |date=November 14, 2017 |website=Exclaim.ca |location=Toronto, Ontario}}{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarinteractivemagazine.com/news/2018/06/the-sheepdogs-announce-ukeu-tour-including-borderline-london-june-29-2018/ |title=The Sheepdogs Announce UK/EU Tour: including Borderline, London - June 29, 2018 |date=June 12, 2018 |work=Guitar Interactive Magazine |location=London, England}}{{cite web|url=https://americana-uk.com/the-sheepdogs-change-colours-across-the-uk-june|first=Mark |last=Whitfield |title=The Sheepdogs change colours across the UK – June |date=April 30, 2018 |work=Americana UK}}{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/THE-SHEEPDOGS-Announce-Headlining-Summer-US-Tour-20180517 |first=Calum |last=Slingerland |title=THE SHEEPDOGS Announce Headlining Summer U.S. Tour |date=May 17, 2018 |work=Broadway World |publisher=Wisdom Digital Media |location=New York, New York}}
Corbett announced in October 2018 that he would not tour with the band in the United States and Europe after being diagnosed with cancer. He underwent surgery in the summer of that year and began further treatment in the fall. Corbett resumed his post in the band on New Year's Eve for a show in Niagara Falls, Ontario that was broadcast live on CBC Television. Corbett announced his return in a December 22, 2018 Facebook post in which he also announced the birth of his first child.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/thesheepdogs/videos/317161482229877/|title=the Sheepdogs - Sam has some big announcements to share...|via=facebook.com}}
In early 2019, the band continued their promotion and touring of Changing Colours by joining Rival Sons on tour first in Europe and then in the US, including dates at The Bataclan, Paris{{Cite web|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/musique/les-rival-sons-jouent-les-fils-prodigues-au-bataclan-13-02-2019-8010846.php|title=Les Rival Sons jouent les fils prodigues au Bataclan|date=February 13, 2019}} and The Sheepdogs first Scandinavian shows in Sweden, Denmark and Oslo, Norway. 2019 also saw two Juno Award nominations for the band, this time for "Group of the Year"{{Cite web|url=https://junoawards.ca/nomination-category/group-of-the-year/|title=Group of the Year Archives|website=Junoawards.ca|access-date=May 15, 2021}} and for "Rock Album of the Year".{{Cite web|url=https://junoawards.ca/nomination/2019-rock-album-of-the-year-the-sheepdogs/|title=2019 ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR {{pipe}} The Sheepdogs |website=Junoawards.ca|access-date=May 15, 2021}}
Frontman Ewan Currie recorded his debut solo album, Out of My Mind, in San Francisco, California. The album was released via Warner Music Canada on March 29, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/music/0328-you-ewan-currie-solo/ |first=Matt |last=Olson |title=Sheepdog Ewan Currie goes lone wolf for an eclectic solo album |date=March 28, 2019 |work=Saskatoon StarPhoenix |location=Toronto, Ontario}}
In November 2019, the Sheepdogs performed two songs live on television as part of the NHL Heritage Classic at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan.{{cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/520760/the-sheepdogs-jess-moskaluke-and-hunter-brothers-to-headline-nhls-heritage-classic/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717052225/https://etcanada.com/news/520760/the-sheepdogs-jess-moskaluke-and-hunter-brothers-to-headline-nhls-heritage-classic/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |first=Julia |last=Lennox |title=The Sheepdogs, Jess Moskaluke, And Hunter Brothers To Headline NHL's Heritage Classic |date=October 10, 2019 |website=ETCanada.com |publisher=Corus Entertainment |location=Toronto, Ontario}}
=Pandemic adjustments: ''No Simple Thing'' EP, ''Live at Lee's'' (2020–2021)=
Coming off the international success of Changing Colours and subsequent busy touring schedule, the Sheepdogs announced in early 2020 that they would be embarking on a 10-date Canadian tour with The Black Keys.{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6468350/black-keys-sheepdogs-canadian-tour-2020/ |title=The Black Keys, The Sheepdogs to embark on 10-date Canadian tour |last=Wallis |first=Adam |website=Globalnews.ca |date=January 20, 2020 |access-date=February 20, 2023}}
It was also announced that the Sheepdogs would appear as part of the 2020 Juno Awards as presenters in their hometown of Saskatoon.{{cite web |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/music/the-sheepdogs-ryan-gullen-talks-opening-the-junos-in-the-hometown |title=The Sheepdogs' Ryan Gullen talks opening the Junos in the hometown |last=Olson |first=Matt |date=February 14, 2020 |website=thestarphoenix.com}}
In March 2020, the COVID19 pandemic stopped all touring and live performance activities. The Sheepdogs took part in a live CBC Canada Day performance on July 1, 2020, from Montreal, Quebec marking their first performance since the beginning of the pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zQwp5b2-80&t=2230s |title=Canada Day Evening Show - July 1, 2020 |date=July 1, 2020 |website=YouTube}}
Following this performance the Sheepdogs stayed in Montreal and began tracking songs at MixART studios, tracking new songs together for the first time since the release of Changing Colours. The songs were recorded all in a room together, live off the floor to a Studer A827 24 2” tape machine.{{cite web |url=https://torontosun.com/news/saskatchewan/the-sheepdogs-release-new-six-track-ep-recorded-during-pandemic |title=The Sheepdogs release new six-track EP recorded during pandemic |last=Olso |first=Matt |date=May 27, 2021 |website=torontosun.com}}
In the summer and fall of 2020 the band performed a series of drive-in performances in Ontario and a concert series in Regina, Saskatchewan playing to hotel room balconies.{{cite web |url=https://regina.ctvnews.ca/krugo-fest-brings-live-music-to-regina-safely-1.5066720 |title=Krugo Fest brings live music to Regina safely |last=Maess |first=Donovan |date=August 16, 2020 |website=regina.ctvnews.ca}}
On April 30, 2021, it was announced that an EP, No Simple Thing would be released. The first single “Keep On Loving You” was released on that day.
With touring still not happening in a normal capacity, the Sheepdogs built a makeshift TV studio and filmed a series of performance videos for every song on the album. The album garnered two top 5 singles in Canada. The band played a limited number of live performances in Canada in the summer of 2021 and performed at the halftime show at the annual Saskatchewan Roughrider game the Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.{{cite web |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/local-arts/jazz-fest-sheepdogs-opening-show-a-triumphant-return-for-live-music |title=Jazz Fest: Sheepdogs opening show a triumphant return for live music |last=Vescera |first=Zak |date=August 8, 2021 |website=thestarphoenix.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bcliving.ca/The-Best-Shows-Hitting-Vancouver-September-2021 |title=The Best Shows Hitting Vancouver September 2021 |last=Caithcart |first=Lucy |date=August 21, 2021 |website=www.bcliving.ca}}{{cite web |url=https://www.todocanada.ca/city/edmonton/event/together-again-the-sheepdogs-default-the-watchmen/ |title=Together Again: The Sheepdogs, Default, The Watchmen |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=todocanada.ca}}{{cite web |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/concerts/rock_the_hub_festival_-truro-2021-09-10 |title=Rock The Hub Festival Sep 10 - Sep 12, Truro Rugby Club, North River |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=exclaim.ca}}{{cite web |url=https://www.620ckrm.com/2021/08/12/labour-day-classic-once-again-sold-out/
|title=Labour Day Classic once again sold out |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=www.620ckrm.com|date=August 12, 2021 }}
In November 2021, coinciding with the return of full capacity indoor shows, the Sheepdogs announced they would be performing four nights at Lee's Palace in Toronto (November 17–20). The four sold-out shows were filmed and recorded. Live at Lee's, the band's first live album, was released in February 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2021/10/26/concerts-are-back-sheepdogs-pat-metheny-and-many-more-announce-toronto-shows.html |title=Concerts are back: Sheepdogs, Pat Metheny and many more announce Toronto shows |last=Fraser |first=Garnet |date=October 26, 2021 |website=www.thestar.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/news/the-sheepdogs-all-else-fails-performing-two-falls-shows-in-red-deer/ |title=The Sheepdogs, All Else Fails performing two falls shows in Red Deer |last=Michelin |first=Lana |date=August 31, 2022 |website=www.reddeeradvocate.com}}
=Lineup change and new album: ''Outta Sight'' (2022–present)=
In the spring of 2022, the Sheepdogs announced an extensive world tour of nearly 100 dates including stops in the UK, Europe and North America.{{cite web |url=https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/sheepdogs-announce-fall-canadian-tour-with-a-saskatoon-stop-in-november |title=Sheepdogs announce fall North American tour, with a Saskatoon stop in November |last=Bennett |first=Jocelyn |date=March 28, 2022 |website=thestarphoenix.com}}
Shortly after this the band announced that their new album, Outta Sight, would be released in June 2022. The album's first single, "Find the Truth," was released April 2022.{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/8731630/the-sheepdogs-are-out-with-new-music-and-a-new-tour/ |title=The Sheepdogs are out with new music and a new tour |date=April 3, 2022 |website=globalnews.ca}}
In August 2022 the band announced that Jimmy Bowskill would be stepping
away from touring with the band for the time being to focus on other projects. Guitarist Ricky Paquette joined the band on the North American tour starting in September 2022.{{cite web |url=https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/4087b66a-0256-43d4-a895-4261b8b172eb__7C___0.html |title=Ricky Paquette - Un guitariste québécois au sein des Sheepdogs |last=Tardif |first=Dominic |date=September 22, 2022 |website=plus.lapresse.ca}}
The Sheepdogs released their first Christmas song, “I’m Ready For Christmas,” in December 2022.{{cite web |url=https://buffalonews.com/entertainment/music/this-week-in-live-music-billy-jessie-bobby-s-mob-christmas-bela-fleck-sheepdogs-melissa/article_97ea6af6-77ec-11ed-ae6c-6375fd4da934.html |title=This week in live music: Billy, Jessie & Bobby's 'MOB Christmas,' Bela Fleck, Sheepdogs, Melissa Ferrick |last=Miers |first=Jeff |date=December 12, 2022 |website=buffalonews.com}}
The Live and Outta Sight Tour concluded in Ottawa January of 2023 with a majority of the dates selling out across North America. In January, following the conclusion, additional dates in Australia were announced to take place in April.
Also in January, Outta Sight was nominated for a Juno Award for Rock Album of the year.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/junos-2023-nominations-1.6731834 |title=Junos 2023: The Weeknd leads blast-from-the-past nomination list |last=Weaver |first=Jackson |date=January 31, 2023 |website=cbc.ca}}
Band members
=Current=
- Ewan Currie – lead vocals, guitars, keys, primary songwriter (2004–present)
- Ryan Gullen – bass, backing vocals (2004–present)
- Sam Corbett – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–present)
- Shamus Currie – keys, trombone, guitars, backing vocals (2012–present)
- Ricky Paquette – guitars, backing vocals (2022–present)
=Former=
- Leot Hanson – guitar, backing vocals (2006–2014)
- Rusty Matyas – guitar, backing vocals (2014–2015)
- Jimmy Bowskill – guitars, pedal steel guitar, violin, mandolin, backing vocals (2015–2022)
==Timeline==
{{#tag:timeline|
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bar:Ryan text:"Ryan Gullen"
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bar:Leot text:"Leot Hanson"
bar:Shamus text:"Shamus Currie"
bar:Rusty text:"Rusty Matyas"
bar:Jim text:"Jimmy Bowskill"
bar:Ricky text:"Ricky Paquette"
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bar:Ryan from:01/01/2004 till:end color:bass
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bar:Sam from:01/01/2004 till:end color:drums
bar:Sam from:01/01/2004 till:end color:bkvocals width:3
bar:Leot from:01/01/2006 till:01/01/2014 color:guitar
bar:Leot from:01/01/2006 till:01/01/2014 color:bkvocals width:3
bar:Shamus from:01/01/2012 till:end color:keys
bar:Shamus from:01/01/2012 till:end color:bkvocals width:3
bar:Rusty from:01/01/2014 till:28/10/2015 color:guitar
bar:Rusty from:01/01/2014 till:28/10/2015 color:bkvocals width:3
bar:Jim from:07/11/2015 till:01/09/2022 color:guitar
bar:Jim from:07/11/2015 till:01/09/2022 color:bkvocals width:3
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Side projects
- Brothers Ewan and Shamus Currie have recorded an album together in a project called BROS. The debut LP, Vol.1, was released in October 2016. A second album, Vol. 2, was released in July 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/things-to-do-listen-to-bros-vol-2-by-ewan-and-shamus-currie-11594239 |title=There's Harmony and Humor with the BROS Currie on Side Project |last=Ruggiero |first=Bob |date=July 2, 2021 |website=www.houstonpress.com}}
- Front man Ewan Currie released his debut solo album, Out of My Mind, in March 2019.
- In November 2021, guitarist Ricky Paquette released his album Sparks, produced by Big Sugar's Gordie Johnson.
- In January 2023, it was announced that Shamus Currie would release a fantasy rock concept album The Shepherd and the Wolf was released on February 24, 2023. The first single, “Days of High Adventure,” was released on January 6, 2023.
- In February 2023, it was announced that Sam Corbett would release a solo effort under the name Nutana, to be released on April 7, 2023.{{cite web |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_sheepdogs_sam_corbett_announces_debut_solo_album_nutana |title=The Sheepdogs' Sam Corbett Announces Debut Solo Album as NUTANA |last=Gregory |first=Allie |date=February 17, 2023 |website=exclaim.ca}}
Discography
=Albums=
class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
! rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Details ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions ! rowspan="2" style="width:145px;"| Certifications |
---|
style="font-size:smaller;"
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| CAN ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| US |
scope="row"| Trying to Grow
|
| — | — | |
scope="row"| The Sheepdogs' Big Stand
|
| — | — | |
scope="row"| Learn & Burn
|
| 14 | — | |
scope="row"| The Sheepdogs
|
| 1 | 23 |
|
scope="row"| Future Nostalgia
|
| 11 | — | |
scope="row"|Changing Colours
|
| 5 | — | |
scope="row"|Outta Sight
|
| – | — | |
scope="row"|Live at Lee's
|
| – | — | |
colspan="10" style="font-size:10pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart |
=EPs=
class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
! rowspan="2" style="width:18em;"| Details ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions |
---|
style="font-size:smaller;"
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| CAN ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| US |
scope="row"| The Breaks EP
|
| — | — |
scope="row"| Five Easy Pieces
|
| 7 | 18 |
scope="row"| No Simple Thing
|
| — | — |
scope="row"| Paradise Alone
|
| — | — |
scope="row"| Hell Together
|
| — | — |
colspan="10" style="font-size:10pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart |
=7-inch vinyl releases=
class="wikitable" |
| Title
!| Year |
---|
"Slim Pickens" / "Birthday"
| 2011 |
"Downtown" / "Rosalie"
| 2015 |
"Be Your Man" / "Really Wanna Be Your Man" (split 7-inch with Yukon Blonde)
| 2016 |
=Singles=
class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |
rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"| Title
! rowspan="2"| Year ! colspan="2"| Chart peak ! rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Certifications ! rowspan="2"| Album |
---|
scope="col" style="font-size:90%;"|CAN {{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-sheepdogs/chart-history/can/|title=The Sheepdogs Chart History - Canadian Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 11, 2019}} ! scope="col" style="font-size:90%;"|CAN |
scope="row"| "I Don't Know"
| scope="row"|2010 | 48 | 2 | | scope="row"| Learn and Burn |
scope="row"| "Who?"
| scope="row"|2011 | —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Who?" did not enter the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, but peaked at number 12 on the Canada Emerging Artists chart.{{cite web| title = The Sheepdogs Chart History: Canada Emerging Artists | url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-sheepdogs/chart-history/cea/ | website= Billboard.com |access-date=April 6, 2021}}}} | 5 | | scope="row"|Five Easy Pieces |
scope="row"| "The Way It Is"
| rowspan="2"|2012 | 59 | 1 | | rowspan="3"| The Sheepdogs |
scope="row"| "Feeling Good"
| 70 | 1 | |
scope="row"| "How Late, How Long"
|2013 | —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"How Late, How Long" did not enter the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, but peaked at number 22 on the Canada Emerging Artists chart.}} | 3 |
scope="row"| "Downtown"
| rowspan="2"|2015 | — | 4 | | rowspan="4"| Future Nostalgia |
scope="row"| "I'm Gonna Be Myself"
| — | 10 | |
scope="row"| "Bad Lieutenant"
| rowspan="2"|2016 | — | 19 | |
scope="row"| "Back Down"
| — | 46 | |
scope="row"| "I've Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be"
|2017 | — | 1 | | rowspan="3"| Changing Colours |
scope="row"| "Nobody"
|2018 | — | 9 | |
scope="row"| "Saturday Night"
|2019 | — | 34 | |
scope="row"| "Keep on Loving You"
| rowspan="2"|2021 | —{{efn|group=upper-alpha|"Keep on Loving You" did not enter the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, but peaked at number 23 on the Canada Emerging Artists chart.}} | 2 | | rowspan="2"| No Simple Thing |
scope="row"| "Rock and Roll (Ain't No Simple Thing)"
| — | 10 | |
scope="row"| "Find the Truth"
| 2022 | — | 13 | | scope="row"| Outta Sight |
scope="row"| "I Wanna Know You"
| 2022 | — | 9 | | scope="row"| Outta Sight |
scope="row"| "Down at the Khyber"
| 2025 | — | — | | scope="row"| Songs from the Gang |
colspan="10" style="font-size:9pt"| "—"denotes a release that did not chart. |
=Music videos=
class="wikitable" |
| Year
!| Video !| Director |
---|
2010
| "I Don't Know" | Frank Guidoccio |
2011
| "I Don't Know" | Davin Black |
2012
| "The Way It Is" |
rowspan="2"| 2013
| "Feeling Good" | Matt Barnes |
"How Late How Long"
| The Sheepdogs |
2015
| "Downtown" | Matt Barnes |
rowspan="2"| 2016
| "I'm Gonna Be Myself" | Sean L.T. Cartwright |
"Bad Lieutenant"
| Michael Maxxis |
rowspan="2"| 2017
| "I've Got A Hole Where My Heart Should Be" | Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Let It Roll" (live session)
| Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
rowspan="4"| 2018
|"Nobody" | Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Cool Down"/"Kiss the Brass Ring" (live session)
| Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Up in Canada" (live session)
| Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Born a Restless Man" (live session)
| Ryan Gullen |
2019
| "Saturday Night" | Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
2021
| "Keep on Loving You" | Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
rowspan="4"| 2022
|"Find the Truth" | Mat Dunlap |
"I Wanna Know You"
| Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Scarborough Street Fight" (live)
| Ryan Gullen and Mat Dunlap |
"Roughrider '98" (live)
| Mat Dunlap |
=Notes=
{{notelist-ua}}
Filmography
=Film=
class="wikitable sortable" |
Year
! Title ! Role |
---|
2012
|The Sheepdogs Have At It |Themselves |
= Television =
class="wikitable sortable" |
Year
!Title !Role !class="unsortable"|Notes |
---|
rowspan="3"| 2011
|Themselves |June 15, 2011 (season 2, episode 459) |
Project Runway
|Themselves |"Image Is Everything" (season 9, episode 9){{cite web | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2054440/ | title = Project Runway: Image Is Everything| access-date=September 23, 2011 | website=IMDb}} |
[http://www.theneighborsdog.tv the neighbors dog]
|Themselves |"The Sheepdogs" (season 2, episode 1){{cite web | url = http://www.theneighborsdog.tv/Sheepdogs.html | title = the neighbors dog: The Sheepdogs| access-date=October 24, 2011 | website=Theneighbosdog.tv}} |
2012
|Themselves |September 22, 2012, season 7 |
Awards and nominations
class="wikitable" |
style="text-align:center;"|Year
! style="text-align:center;"|Nominated work ! style="text-align:center;"|Event ! style="text-align:center;"|Award ! style="text-align:center;"|Result |
---|
rowspan="5"|2011
|Themselves |rowspan="3"|CASBY Awards |Favourite New Artist |{{won}} |
rowspan="3"|Learn & Burn
|Favourite Indie Album |{{won}} |
Favourite New Album
|{{won}} |
Western Canadian Music Awards{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/Night+belongs+Manitoba+musicians/5596085/story.html|title=Night Belongs to Manitoba|work=Vancouver Sun|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026195214/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Night+belongs+Manitoba+musicians/5596085/story.html|archive-date=October 26, 2011}}
|Rock Recording of the Year |{{won}} |
Themselves
|CBC Radio 3 Bucky Awards |Best Live Act |{{nom}} |
rowspan="5"|2012
|"I Don't Know" |rowspan="3"|Juno Awards |Single of the Year |{{Won}} |
Learn & Burn
|Rock Album of the Year |{{Won}} |
Themselves
|New Group of the Year |{{Won}} |
Learn & Burn
|High Times Doobie Award |Alternative Album of the Year |{{Won}} |
"I Don't Know"
|Much Music Video Award |Rock Video of the Year |{{Won}} |
rowspan="5"|2013
|"The Way It Is" |rowspan="3"|Juno Awards |Single of the Year |{{Nominated}} |
The Sheepdogs
|Album of the Year |{{Nominated}} |
Themselves
|Group of the Year |{{Nominated}} |
rowspan="2"|"Feeling Good"
|rowspan="2"| Much Music Video Award |Rock Video of the Year |{{Nominated}} |
Post Production of the Year
|{{Nominated}} |
2014
|"Feeling Good" |Juno Awards |Video of the Year |{{Won}} |
rowspan="2"|2016
|Future Nostalgia |Juno Awards |Rock Album of the Year |{{nom}} |
"Gonna Be Myself"
|Much Music Video Award |Rock Video of the Year |{{Nominated}} |
rowspan="2"|2019
|Changing Colours |rowspan="2"|Juno Awards |Rock album of the year |{{nom}} |
Themselves
|Group of the Year |{{nom}} |
rowspan="1"|2023
|Outta Sight |rowspan="1"|Juno Awards |Rock album of the year |{{nom}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|The Sheepdogs}}
- {{official website|http://www.thesheepdogs.com}}
- [http://www.canadianbands.com/Sheepdogs.html The Sheepdogs] CanConRox bio
{{The Sheepdogs|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sheepdogs, The}}
Category:Canadian blues rock musical groups
Category:Musical groups established in 2006
Category:Musical groups from Saskatoon
Category:Juno Award for Single of the Year winners
Category:Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year winners