Ewan Currie, vocalist and guitarist for Saskatoon-based rock band The Sheepdogs, attributes the band’s unique sound to their isolated home base in the Canadian prairies. “It really gave us the freedom to do our own thing; we never felt the need to be a part of an existing scene or trend,” Currie said.
The Sheepdogs’ latest EP, “Five Easy Pieces,” and their previous full-length album, “Learn & Burn,” showcase sounds reminiscent of classic rock eras. The band draws inspiration from groups like Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Allman Brothers, and The Grateful Dead while integrating modern rock elements. This blend is evident in tracks such as “Why?” and “I Don’t Know,” featuring three-part vocal harmonies, dual-guitar interplay, and rhythmic foundations.
Their appeal was recently validated when they won a contest with 1.5 million public votes, making them the first unsigned band to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. This exposure led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Despite appearing as an overnight success, bassist Ryan Gullen emphasizes that their journey has been long and challenging. “Being from a small town, we were all looking to get out there – maybe try some new things,” he said.
Gullen recalls how he, Currie, drummer Sam Corbett, and guitarist Leot Hanson bonded over their shared love for classic rock and its modern resurgence through bands like The White Stripes and Kings Of Leon. Their chemistry grew naturally over time. “It came from a very honest place,” Gullen noted.
The band has toured extensively across Canada in difficult conditions but consistently delivered strong performances despite industry indifference. These experiences often influence Currie’s lyrics, which touch on themes of isolation, love, loneliness, drugs, and other personal struggles.
Following their recent rise in fame with appearances in Rolling Stone and at Bonnaroo Festival, The Sheepdogs are focused on capitalizing on their newfound opportunities. “It used to be that we wanted to quit our day jobs and just make music,” said Currie. “Now it’s about hitting the road, playing some kick-ass shows, and getting ready to impress people with a new record.”
Their upcoming full-length album is expected in 2012 and aims to solidify their success through hard work and dedication rather than luck alone.
