Club Wagon Creek is heading into one of its busiest summers yet, with new music on the way and high-profile performances scheduled in both Steinbach and Niverville.
The Manitoba country band recently stopped by the Country 107 studio, where members Zak Cudney and Max Dupas discussed their latest single, upcoming releases, and a summer schedule that includes appearances at the Niverville Fair, Summer in the City in Steinbach, and Dauphin's Countryfest.
New music
One of the band's newest songs, "Deadwood," has quickly become a fan favourite despite being a late addition to a series of planned releases.
"We needed one more single," said Cudney. "I had been messing around with this goofy story from one of my bike trips where I got a parking ticket. I saved the parking ticket forever because it said City of Deadwood in South Dakota."
The song, inspired by the ticket and a tongue-in-cheek story about being a "wanted man" over a $15 fine, took on a heavier rock-country sound than some of the band's previous material.
"When we started playing it, we didn't know if people would still like it because we don't know if they prefer our slower Western style," said Cudney. "The first time we played it was at the Park Theater and people just loved it."
More new music on the way
The band's next release, "Run Away From You," arrives June 5 and features guest vocals from Manitoba country artist Brooke Paige.
"We wanted a girl to sing with us in the song," said Cudney. "We thought about a few different women and ended with Brooke Paige. She came into the studio and dropped an awesome track."
Additional singles, including "Hard Times" and "Rolling Right Along," are expected to follow in the coming months.
Writing new material
Dupas said the songwriting momentum is stronger than ever.
"Beyond these four songs there's a lot more coming," he said. "We're working constantly on new material because it's very much a moment for us right now that we want to seize."
Cudney added the band is already back in the studio preparing future releases.
"We're finally at the point where they're getting dropped while we're in the studio for the next one," he said. "Finally, we're at that point."
Related Stories:
- Brooke Paige and the Rumble Seat take the Homegrown stage
- Summer in the City unveils redesigned main stage, expanded entertainment
Big stages await in Niverville and Steinbach
Among the band's upcoming performances is an opening slot for Washboard Union at the Niverville Fair on June 13.
The following week, Club Wagon Creek will perform at Steinbach's Summer in the City festival, sharing the bill with Owen Riegling.
"This year in Steinbach, to get that last slot is really... we're really happy to get that," said Cudney. "It's rewarding."
The band will then head to Dauphin's Countryfest, where Dupas said they have landed a coveted evening performance.
"It'll be a prime-time slot on the hilltop Friday night," said Dupas. "That'll be really fun."
A family affair on stage
A recent show at The Frantz featured three generations of musicians from Cudney's family, including his father and son Skyler.
"My dad hasn't played in about 15 years," said Cudney. "I said you should open for us because Skyler's drumming for me."
Skyler began learning drums only last year and has steadily developed into a reliable member of the band's live lineup.
"The last show he did phenomenal and we actually said to him at the last show, 'Welcome to the club,'" said Cudney.
As the band's profile continues to grow, Cudney said the focus remains on staying authentic while building on the momentum.
"It's moving forward really good, and not too fast and not too slow."
-Written with files from Carly Koop.
