Saskatchewan artist Ryan Boldt releases debut solo record

For the past 10 years, the band members of Saskatoon's The Deep Dark Woods have released many great records and have toured pretty much non-stop.

In 2015, the band took some well-deserved time off, but lead singer Ryan Boldt just couldn't stop making music.

Boldt released his debut solo album, Broadside Ballads, which he said he recorded about four years ago in Swift Current and Brandon, Man.

"It wasn't ever meant to be released," Boldt told Saskatchewan Weekend host Eric Anderson. "We were just having fun over a weekend. And then the Woods took a hiatus, so I needed something to do."

A new record isn't the only thing keeping Boldt busy these days. He recently teamed up with other artists, including Kacy and Clayton, to create Big White Cloud Records. 

"I've been friends with Kacy and Clayton since Kacy was 13 or something like that. I always knew I wanted to work with them once they got old enough to go out on the road," Boldt said.

Shuyler Jansen, who has new record coming out, is also a part of the label.

With winter rolling into the province, Boldt said the timing is right for artists to find new things to do.

"Saskatchewan is a weird place. There's not a lot to do in the wintertime so there's a lot of people trying to find things to do. Playing music is one of those things. If it's not playing music, it's drinking," Boldt said, laughing. "So it's best to play music."

Boldt also said it's a great time for Saskatchewan artists.

"There are a ton of bands and musicians that are becoming quite popular in this province," he said. "More so than bigger places like Vancouver. So there's quite a scene here in Saskatoon and Regina — all over the province. It's really nice."

If you like Broadside Ballads, you may not have to wait long for another. Boldt said he could have another record coming out in spring 2016.

His next tour date is in Winnipeg at Times Change(d) on Nov. 25.

You can purchase Broadside Ballads here.