THE DEEP DARK WOODS with the BEAUTIES and HARLAN PEPPER at Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), Saturday (September 24), 9 pm. $12-$15. HS, RT, SS, TM. See listing.
Ryan Boldt, singer/songwriter for rootsy Saskatoon band the Deep Dark Woods, loves it when older listeners like his music. Recently, he received a phone call from a member of the Regina Rifles, who fought in World War II, about his song The Banks Of The Leopold Canal.
“When younger people like your music, that’s great,” Boldt says over the phone. “But when somebody who’s actually lived a little likes you, then you know you’re doing something pretty good.”
Boldt, who splits his time between Saskatoon and tiny Mortlach, Saskatchewan, can easily rant about how young people aren’t aware enough of the roots of their music. He’s hoping to win over some with Deep Dark Woods’ fourth album, The Place I Left Behind, out on Six Shooter.
The award-winning group expertly combines classic songwriting with a rich, contemporary folk-rock sound that also draws from the blues. The melancholy title track was inspired by an old folk song called The Girl I Left Behind, and over time it’s taken on more significance for Boldt.
“When you’re writing, sometimes it doesn’t feel like you have anything to do with [the song],” he says. “But as time passes, that can change. When I wrote The Place I Left Behind, I hadn’t yet left the town where I’m from. Now that I have, I relate to it more.”
Boldt’s affinity for old music has led him to start work on a more traditional solo album, though he’s proud of what the Deep Dark Woods have accomplished on their newest.
“Usually after a year I’m sick of a record and thinking about how we could make something better. But I’m really happy about this one. I’m excited.”
Interview Clips
Ryan Boldt talks about the Regina Rifles and the phone call he received from a member:
Young people aren’t searching out traditional music:
Boldt discusses the band’s move from Black Hen to Six Shooter:
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