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Fort McMurray native Nils Edenloff on the agony of hometown destruction

As residents of Fort McMurray evacuate en masse, Rural Alberta Advantage's Nils Edenloff reflects on the devastation of the town he loves.
A wildfire moves towards the town of Anzac from Fort McMurray, Alta. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press )

As residents of Fort McMurray evacuate en masse, Shad checks in with an artist who hails from and has long been inspired by the Alberta city. 

Nils Edenloff, singer-guitarist for Juno-nominated Rural Alberta Advantage, spent his formative years in Fort Mac. He has worked his former hometown into the backdrop of many "homesick love songs".

Edenloff, who has heard unconfirmed rumours that his high school has burned down, is in a state of disbelief. 

"No one expects the town they grew up in to someday disappear," he says. "The idea that there may be nothing to come back to is shocking and emotional." 

WEB EXTRA | Songs by Rural Alberta Advantage inspired by Fort McMurray

Good Night



Four Night Rider



The Breakup