Foundation Concerts

The inspiring DIY success story of the Rural Alberta Advantage continues to gain momentum, mainly due to the band’s extensive time spent touring and getting the ultimate seal of approval from Pitchfork (“This band could be huge”) and a “breaking out” feature artist in Spin Magazine. More glowing press reviews and sold-out club dates in major cities throughout the United States and Canada have followed, and the trio now find themselves signed to indie giant Saddle Creek Records (Bright Eyes). Hometowns was properly released on Saddle Creek in July 2009, and stellar reviews from influential critics and new fans alike are securing the album’s place on many 2009 “best-of” lists including Pitchfork, iTunes Canada, Spin Magazine and NME.

The RAA spent the past winter on the road, hitting a sold out headlining tour across Canada, a performance at the Vancouver Olympics, a relentless schedule of 11 shows over the four days of SXSW in Austin, and recently returned from their first European tour. The Rural Alberta Advantage capped off the spring with the honour of winning this year’s Galaxie Rising Star Award at Canadian Music Week. Not much for taking a break, the band showcased some new songs with key sets at this summer’s Ottawa Bluesfest and Winnipeg Folk Festival.