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 a group of friends who were 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 SLC, the members always find time to play music and constantly create. Having only formed a year ago, each member is in awe 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 joined the lineup for their recently released full-length vinyl, Sometimes Late at Night—recorded with Utah sound guru Mike Sasich. Canyons held their album release show last week at Ogden’s Lighthouse Lounge, followed by a show in Kate’s hometown, Reno. The band chose to only print 500 copies of Sometimes Late at Night because 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.
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 on June 4—they will also be playing Earth Jam and Utah Arts Fest. For more information on Canyons and their music, 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 Mag 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 Canyons
- Soundwaves logo and art design by Nicholas Dowd
- Technical design by Kate Colgan
- Photo: Jed Pearson
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.