Wikipedia lists the population of La Glace, Alberta as 179 people as of the latest census. One of its residents is roots and country artist Matt Patershuk. He’s known as an honest musician who tells stories through song, and now he has a new record, Dog. Tiger. Horses. We caught up with Patershuk to ask him about the album, taking his music on the road, and his life in northern Alberta.
“The album was made at Steve Dawson’s studio in Nashville,” says Patershuk. “It’s a great spot, and Steve knows how to draw the best out of people. It’s a comfortable place to make a record.”
Creating the songs live off the floor was key to the album’s sound. “That’s the way I’ve always done it, and it’s the most fun, to me. I love making records, so it’s fun to walk into the studio with a weird idea. You sit down with five other people, and you watch it turn into a song in front of your eyes. It’s an exciting process and I love it.”
The musicians featured on the album are all heavy hitters in the world of music. Jay Bellerose played drums. Tim O’Brien was on mandolin and fiddle. Jeremy Holmes was on bass. Steve Dawson played guitar and pedal steel. Add background vocals by Ruth Moody and Ana Egge, and you have a sound that’s rootsy and full.
Patershuk knows that his own singing and playing were complemented by the musicians Dawson was able to enlist. “I wouldn’t have the chance to work with these great people if it wasn’t for Steve. He’s generous when it comes to talking people into working with hicks from northern Alberta,” he laughs.
Now taking the album on the road will be fun. “I’ll do a few release shows with The Straight Arrows, which is a band I play with from time to time.” After that, he’ll join Steve Dawson and Jeremy Bellerose again. “They’ll headline at some folk clubs in Edmonton and Calgary, and they were kind enough to invite me to open for them.”
Many things keep Patershuk rooted in the Peace Region: his family, his “day job” with a construction company, and home. First, though, he’s looking forward to playing in front of Alberta audiences.
“It’s fun to share this music. I do this because I enjoy playing for people. It’s a labour of love. It’s a nice chance to bring a full band out and have a few laughs. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
The official release date for Dog. Tiger. Horses. is September 19. Matt Patershuk will play shows in Valleyview, Grande Prairie, Peace River, Vulcan, Calgary, and Edmonton this fall. Find details and tickets at mattpatershuk.com
“Cutlass Supreme” is from Matt Patershuk’s new album, Dog. Tiger. Horses.
