Shred Kelly in top ten of Tracks on Tracks

Photo by Kyle Hamilton

Over the last few weeks Shred Kelly and their devoted fans have been promoting voting in the CBC's Tracks on Tracks competition. From 200 bands to 50 and now to 10, one of our favourite Fernie bands has made it to the last group and needs our votes more than ever.

So, what exactly is Tracks on Tracks and how did it come about?

Green Couch Productions out of Vancouver, BC teamed up with CBC and VIA Rail in this cross-country musical extravaganza.

"The train ride in what will hopefully be a 2012 version of the documentary Festival Express," says Sage McBride, vocalist with Shred Kelly. The train starts in Vancouver en route to Toronto, stopping along the way to put on surprise acoustic performances in train stations, and ends at the North By North East Festival (NXNE) "where a showcase with all the artists from the train will be put on at a venue in downtown Toronto," Sage adds.

I was curious as to how the list of 200 bands was compiled. Nominations were taken from across the country for any Western Canadian band. From the nominations a list of 200 was compiled, which were listed on CBC's website for voting.

"After that they widdled it down to 50 through votes and availability, then 25, now 10. It's the final round and we're the only Kootenay based band in the competition and would love to be part of this epic documented adventure," says Sage.

"What getting on the train would mean for us is not only being able to represent our town and region, but also having the opportunity to network with other western artists, promote our upcoming album, and have one rad video in the end of a once in a lifetime adventure. We really really appreciate the endless support of our community and Kootenay region."

Well, if that doesn't get you to vote (here's the link) I'm not sure what will!

And you heard that correctly, Shred Kelly are currently halfway through recording their 2nd album in Toronto at Green Door Studios with a producer who's worked with both Dan Mangan and Elliott Brood.

"So far it's sounding great, but we are still debating the name of the album, so I will have to get back to you with that one," adds Sage.

Exciting times for Shed Kelly, and much deserved. All members of this band have worked hard to get where they are (and where they are going) and it has been so amazing to watch as they have grown and developed these last few years. First up, their spring and summer tour!

"We will be doing a co-headlining tour this spring with and Island band called Quoia, who are footstompin and great. The tour is called "On The Road To Tall Tree Music Festival Tour" and our Fernie show is on May 30th at the Northern and Wapiti has generously donated 2 tickets to give away at that event."

Shed Kelly Spring and Summer Tour (To Date)
May 17th- The Upstairs Cabaret- Victoria (with Quoia)
May 18th - The Waverly- Cumberland (with Quoia)
May 20th - Beaver Point Hall - Salt Spring Island (with Quoia)
May 30th- The Northern - Fernie (with Quoia)
May 31st - The Canmore Hotel - Canmore (with Quoia)
June 1st - The Rockwater - Golden (with Quoia)
June 2nd - The Royal - Nelson (with Quoia)
June 8th - The Greenhill - Blairmore
June 16th/17th- Sweet Water 905 Music Festival - Rolla BC
June 22nd - The Canoe Brewpub - Victoria BC
June 23rd - The Tall Tree Music Festival - Port Renfrew BC
June 30th - Elkford Wildcat Days - Elkford BC
July 1st - Canada Day - Fernie BC
July 2nd - The Works Art and Design Festival - Edmonton Ab.
July 8th - Ottawa Blues Fest - Ottawa On.
July 11th- Barfly - Montreal Quebec
July 13th - The River and Sky Camping and Music Festival - Algonquin Park Ontario
July 18th- 25th- Winnipeg Fringe Festival - WInnipeg MB.
July 29th - Coney Island Music Fest - Kenora ON.
August 3rd/4th/5th- Fire and Water Music Festival - Lac Du Bonnet MB
August 15th- Houseboat Show- Salmon Arm BC
August 17th/18th/19th- Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival - Salmon Arm BC
August 24th - Unity Fest - Winlaw BC

More dates to come!