Joe Nolan
Joe Nolan, who has been heralded by outlets such as the Globe & Mail and No Depression as a roots rock wunderkind, is a Canadian rising star to watch out for in 2021 as he continues to build upon the a massive year that came in the wake of his 2018 independently released album Cry Baby and his 2020 release Drifters. Over that time, Nolan played over 300 shows across North America and six European countries, most while traveling in his faithful 2003 Dodge Caravan. Along the way he also recorded the EP Rootsy House Sessions in Sweden, and caught the ears of Mongrel Music Agency (Chuck Prophet, Lake Street Dive), as well as European label Rootsy Records (John Prine, Patti Griffin, Anderson East). His work also earned a nomination for Songwriter Of The Year at the Edmonton Music Awards. Furthermore, Nolan was nominated for Roots Solo Artist Of The Year at Breakout West 2019, capping off a truly momentous couple of years. Nolan is also a two time winner of the Cobalt Prize Of Songwriting from The Maple Blues Awards 2018 and 2020 and to top it all off he is nominated for Contemporary Artist Of The Year at this years Candanian Folk Music Awards 2021.
In the past, Nolan has stated that his definition of rock ‘n roll is an artist letting their heart bleed on and off stage, without any fear. There’s probably no better way to describe Nolan's performances. Once again he demonstrates a willingness to venture deeply into the dark corners of his psyche. It’s a trait that puts him in good company with artists he has shared stages with over the past decade, from Wilco and Shakey Graves to The Strumbellas and Hawksley Workman. He may be categorized as a roots artist, but Nolan never wants that tag to define him completely. By drawing inspiration from vintage rock ‘n roll, blues, country and punk, he intends to keep pushing boundaries with every record he makes. During the course of the last year and amidst the pandemic Joe has been busy working on a new album... keep your eyes and ears peeled for his next offering. The sky's the limit for this young troubadour!
