An independent artist whose new album, The Montana Kid, comes out May 2 will be playing in North Battleford Saturday, May 7.
It will be Tyler Gilbert's first show in North Battleford, and it will take the form of a house concert at The Gog, featuring blends of folk and rock with country influences.
The Calgary born, Montana/Saskatchewan based singer songwriter became an indie sensation after releasing his 2008 debut EP.
He’s done national tours from Vancouver and Edmonton to Toronto and Montreal; performed at countless major festivals, including the Canadian Country Music Award Festival and Canadian Western Agribition; done national tours of the United States from Los Angeles to Chicago and Nashville to Kansas; and performed live on Global TV and CTV while his music hit the playlists of top stations all across Canada
While his public performances are often a three-piece presentation, his house tours are solo.
"I play house shows as solo," Gilbert told the Regional Optimist recently. "Just me, my guitar and my songs and stories."
Gilbert enjoys the house concert scene.
"The thing thats makes house concerts so wonderful and unique is the attentiveness of the audience. Being in a quiet place allows for everyone to hear the words and stories to each song. Everyone is there for the music and is so supportive of the arts and musicians. It really shows the power of music and ability it has to bring people and communities together, even if it is only just for an evening."
Being an independent artist, Gilbert finds himself able to explore new directions in his music.
"Even though I really don't know what it is like to not be independent, I would have to say that being so does make it easier to explore a larger range in song writing. There have been times when I almost second guessed myself by saying, ‘what will people think about this’ and so on. With my latest album due out in May, I really tried to just let the music come out naturally, not second guessing myself or changing any parts because of hesitation."
He likes being able to follow his own path.
"I have heard things with major labels telling their artists what direction and songs they should be singing, and I couldn't imagine having someone telling me how I should be making my art," says Gilbert. "In the liner notes of my albums I always finish off my thank yous with this line 'thanks to the people who let music be music,' meaning art should not be confined and restricted as far as I am concerned. It should be appreciated for what it is."
Gilbert’s aspirations have also included some screen appearances.
"I have done a small amount of acting. I wouldn't say that I am a good actor by any means, but I am a huge movie fanatic and I've always thought if I wasn't a musician I would go into movies," he says. "I don't have any plans for any acting parts, but I do have a lot of friends who are actors and producers and I would not rule out acting in the future."
He can also imagine taking his music into the film world.
"I have been in talks with a good friend and wonderful actor/producer Dawn Bird of B.E.ZEE Productions on writing the score for one of her films. I have always wanted to do this for a film."
Gilbert will perform at The Gog, 1391 - 105th St. in North Battleford Saturday, May 7. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the $20 admission goes to the artist. There is a donation jar for drinks and hostess Kelly Waters' famous hors d’oeuvres.
RSVP to 306-445-6766 or waterskelly@hotmail.com.
Gilbert's fourth studio album, The Montana Kid, will be available at most major digital music stores after May 2. It is his first full length of all new material since 2013’s OK Murphy.
The Montana Kid will be supported by an extensive Canada-United States tour, including stops at major events such as the Ohio State Fair, Sound of Music Festival, Bow Valley Jamboree, Living Sky Music & Food Festival and the World Women’s Curling Tournament.
Produced by Justin Bender (Third Ion, Into Eternity), the album features high profile musicians such as Mike Young (Devin Townsend Band, The Matinee), Aaron Edgar (Drumeo, Third Ion), Val Halla, Glenn Sutter, and Ian Cameron. The album was funded in part by Creative Saskatchewan’s recording production grant and an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign.
