It's a rare thing when you listen to a song from an obscure band that you've never heard of and get blown away, but that's exactly what Saskatchewan did for me. I discovered them on my tumblr feed and instantly fell in love.
Saskatchewan (pronounced sa-skach-uh-won) hails from Orlando, FL, the city of boy bands. Their melodic and effervescence pop will keep you in a dream world you might never want to get out of.
We caught up with singer Chandler Strang for a little chat.
I’ve seen Saskatchewan classified as “dream pop.” Explain to us what that means to you.
Songs that are ethereal, airy and catchy all at once.
How do you hope to inspire your fans? What do you want fans to get out of your music, especially “Dreamboat”?
I’ve never thought of myself as inspiring to others before. “Dreamboat,” as well as some of our other songs, is about spending time with a person who you care about; connecting with them. If our listeners can make that happen for themselves, then I’m just happy to provide the soundtrack
What would you be doing if you weren’t (or when you’re not) making music?
I’m an accountant, so I’d be doing that. Ha.
Fill in the blank, Saskatchewan is forever grateful for …
… The internet.
You were creating a fund where people could donate for a sweet ride to CMJ … how is that going?
Yes, to get a “SaskatcheVan.” Some people generously donated the first day we set it up, but since then it’s been pretty inactive. We have different incentives that a contributor will get for each price point, the biggest of which is for a $1000 donation we’ll paint a mural of the contributor’s face on the side of the van. I really just want to have a huge face on the side of the van.
Do you have pre- or post-show rituals?
I have a two-beer minimum before playing.
Best show?
Our best show so far was probably our last hometown show opening for our friends Great Deceivers. It was their album release show and the place was packed with good friends. Really good vibes that night.
Of course, then I have to ask … worst show?
We played with a band called Young Empires once. I got there late coming from a funeral which is never a good way to get things started. Everyone was forgetting parts, we couldn't hear anything on stage – the whole thing was a disaster. I’m just glad there were only a handful of people there to witness it. Ha
How does fashion inspire you?
Oh man, that’s a tough one. I don’t really consider myself to be very fashionable. I pretty much just wear jeans, boots and animal t-shirts that I got from thrift stores all the time. Gery our drummer is the fashionable one of the group.
What else inspires you? Other artists?
It’s kind of morbid, but my fear of death and the inevitability of dying have been fueling the inspiration for our new material. Michael McDonald is my hero. Everything he does is inspiring to me.
Favorite movie?
“Lord of War,” maybe? I think my favorite movie changes a lot.
Favorite artist?
Not going to lie, I have no certain preference.
Favorite musician/band?
Michael McDonald and The Beach Boys
What’s next for Saskatchewan?
After CMJ [College Music Journal’s Music Marathon] next month we’ll mostly be spending time working on our first full length, set to be released at the beginning of next year.
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Want more? Saskatchewan is one of the featured artists on our digital album, which comes free with every order you make at Lulu*s! Already downloaded their song? Let us know if you love them just as much as we do!
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