Hello Reader,
Thanks for checking SWT out. If this is not your first time here, thanks again for coming back. We appreciate it!
Yesterday, we shared a video premiere, and today, we’re ecstatic to share new music from an artist based in the Canadian Arctic. Yes, the modern way we can discover and share music from all parts of the world whether you have a record deal or not, truly is a godsend. All the way from the Canadian territory with 0.05 people/square mile, Nunavut comes the extraordinary Lester Slade. Zac Lester Slade is the frontman of the band bearing his name. These two songs aren’t a premiere for SWT, as Slade was fortunate enough to premiere them on Boots and Saddle Radio throughout Canada on November 19th. Kudos to that fine program.
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 genre melodies and an everyman style with a punk, DIY ethos alongside incredible songwriting, a beautiful voice that grabs ahold 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. As someone from the Midwest, Slade in some ways reminds me of the talented Joseph Huber especially for Lester Slade’s song “Old Machine”.
Over time, Lester Slade’s plan is to release a live performance video with each song, trying to “capture(s) the energy behind our music.” At SWT, we’re looking forward to those!
But before that occurs, let’s listen to the gritty, road playlist worthy, anthemic songs themselves. The Bandcamp specific page for these two singles “Time” and “Old Machine” is a great place to start on your Lester Slade journey. Delving deeper? Head to Lester Slade’s Bandcamp discography page after you listen to the two fantastic songs below.
Giving credit where it’s due, song credits for both “Time” and “Old Machine”:
- Zac Lester Slade – Guitar / Vocals
- Ryan Hillier – Lead Guitar
- Dan Logan – Bass
- Jesse Lear – Banjo
- Alex Babs – Pedal Steel
- Recorded live off the floor July 2024 by Keith Hallett at Never Nuthin Recording in
Fredericton, NB - Produced by Lester Slade
Want to hear more? Or know more about Lester Slade? Head over to his website, which is quite comprehensive. It has all of the socials, a store, more music, and a nice about me section. Another good place to visit is his Linktree which also links to a vinyl pressing of “Old Machine” and “Time” via Elastic Stage Records!
Thanks for listening, reading and supporting good music!
Alex
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
