The times are changing with each year that passes. Our modern world carries technology that is unprecedented in history. But what did we leave behind? Classic country music has gone from bluegrass soul to a spike in melodies and lyrics over the past 75 years to country rock, country pop and alternative country.
But, a twenty-year-old young man Jake Vaadeland, has his feet firmly planted in both eras. Moving from modern-day life into the 1950s takes him no more than a clothing change, hair gel and a guitar to transform him back to an age of simple love and loss.
Jake strives to write and play with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot-stomping, high-energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys.
Was he born in the wrong era, as his music has such an old soul sound of the 1950s attached to each note?
“Some might say so yes, but I love the era I’m living in for the reason that it makes my way of life even more enjoyable and drives my passion to continue. If I had been born in the 1930’s and started making music in the mid-40s through the 50s, I would be just like everyone else at the time,” he said. “Although I believe I would still have been my own unique self, I wouldn’t stand out as much as I do now.”
Jake became a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. His traditional sound and unique style could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50’s Rockabilly with him rocking the guitar and banjo. “I grew up in a small Scandinavian farming settlement located in between Debden and Big River Saskatchewan.” He stated, “Influences for my style of music include the legendary King of Bluegrass, Lester Flatt, and his outfit, Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, as well as Johnny Cash and other greats to work the industry.”
As far as musing on his past accomplishments, Vaadeland says, “Nothing really stands out to me, other than how happy I am to be making my living as an entertainer with the songs I have written and the show I have created. However, if I had to pick more specific accomplishments, I would say that I’m quite proud of winning the 4 SCMA Awards in one go a few years ago, as well as having the opportunity to open up for artists such as Dean Brody, Charley Crockett and Jojo Mason, as well as our opportunity to support The Hunter Brothers and The Dead South on their recent tours.”
Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys will be performing at the Mae Wilson Theatre on April 20th from 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm.
“We’ve put together this record especially for my fans, and we’ve got a little something for everyone. We’re releasing new music, along with a few of my personal favourites, and our most requested songs. It’s wonderful to be able to share it, and I sure do hope everyone hears a little something in the album that they enjoy just a little bit!’’
Purchase tickets at https://www.moosejawculture.ca/calendar and click the link on April 20th and follow the event to purchase tickets.
Other Saskatchewan dates include: April 22 – The Cugnet Centre, Weyburn, SK, April 23 – Estavan Royal Canadian Legion, Estavan, SK, and April 24 – Darke Hall, Regina, SK
For more information, please look up Jake: https://www.jakevaadeland.com/ or you will find him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
