Singles Spotlight:
Lester Slade –
“Pretty Fast”

Hello reader,

How are you today?

I’m excited to discuss another artist making some great music: Lester Slade, who first caught SWT’s eye late in 2024 upon the first listen of his split-song release, “Time” and “Old Machine,” and we happily shared that with you. If you haven’t checked that out, please do so.

From his Bandcamp bio, “Lester Slade is a traveling songwriter based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Years on the road have shaped his stripped-down sound, rooted in real stories and an honest approach to songwriting.” 

Succinctly said. I see and hear that in his songs, and in that late 2024 piece I added, “The self-described ‘Queer Alt-Country artist’ is supremely talented. For my money, Slade is probably the most gifted Canadian musician you haven’t heard of, but one you will know of after today. He’s able to blend country and Americana melodies with an everyman style, a punk, DIY ethos, incredible songwriting, a beautiful voice that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, and compositions like few others. Songwriting has come with years of practice, and persistence through a lot of van life from gig to gig, living in the middle of nowhere, Northern Canada, and natural talent.” On top of his musical skill, he’s an awesome dude that we’ve gotten to know a bit more and can’t advocate for him enough. Expect more in the future.

Luckily, a few weeks ago, Slade released a live EP via his Bandcamp page. I was stoked! Some new music of his that we can tell you about!

This three-song release, the Yellowknife Bay EP, was named for the area where it was recorded, and not only does it sound fantastic, but I think it satisfies the itch for new music. After you listen, you’ll want more. Which is an amazing thing that happens with good music and a welcome mindset to have. Hopefully, an album is on the horizon in 2026.

While I liked all three songs on the EP, the one that I’m going to shed the most spotlight on today is “Pretty Fast.” I think it is my favorite song on the release right now, and it serves as a damn good intro to Lester Slade. “Alma Street Blues” is a good opener and probably the most accessible song of the three to everyone, and the last song, “Shake The Day,” is the one that will stop you in your tracks, and “Pretty Fast” is the song I feel is most profound on the EP. It’s a fantastic songwriter’s song.

“Pretty Fast” opens with a sound confirmation (it’s live!) and kicks into full guitar, with some acoustic guitar strumming, before you’re treated to Slade’s unforgettable voice. It truly grabs you and doesn’t let go. Listening to the lyrics and vocals, and you’ll not only appreciate Slade’s craftsmanship, but you’ll see Slade matter-of-factly pour out his heart about a relationship with a few demons, including his past, traveling, and trying to communicate with his father.

Check out the song “Pretty Fast” for yourself via Slade’s Bandcamp page:

What’d you think?

The cover art for the Yellowknife Bay EP:

The track list for Yellowknife Bay EP:

1. Alma Street Blues (3:22)
2. Pretty Fast (3:38)
3. Shake The Day (4:08)

The album credits:

• Filmed live in Yellowknife Bay
• Lester Slade – Vocals, Guitar
• Vishwa Ramakrishnan – Electric Guitar / Nutri-Grain Bars
• Recorded (live video) by: Elliot Pope & Jonny Vu
• Mixed & Mastered by: Jonny Vu

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site: scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions!
Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com