Well-known across the province as frontman of the rock band League of Wolves, Dillon Currie has released his debut independent album.

The Swift Current musician's 10-track LP, Vines of Time, was born during the peak of the pandemic.

With grant funding through Creative Saskatchewan and Factor Canada, and significant help from Aspen Beveridge, Currie was able to record his works at Skullcreek Studios in Watrous and officially release the record on September 8th.

"[It's] something different I hadn't done before," he said. "[It] features a lot of narrative songwriting styles and is something I'm really proud of and something I've wanted to do for a long time and just finally took the chance and put the time into creating."

Currie's solo tunes contrast those of his band's, spouting a heavy lyrical focus with smooth melodies that make hard truths become beautiful.

The Maple Creek-born artist's favourite part of the process is when the written songs make it into the studio for production and recording.

"It was just some of the most fun I've ever had recording, working with Aspen on these songs," he added. "There's a lot of different types of instrumentation and themes and sonic changes throughout the songs. There are quieter acoustic songs and there's heavier, louder, more dramatic songs. It's quite a journey, the record."

Available on all streaming platforms, southwest residents have the chance to hear his original works live this week. 

An album release party is set to take place at the intimate church-turned-venue, the Bethany, in Hazlet on Friday evening.

"I had so much fun writing it and working on it, and I'm really grateful for those couple of years that I committed to doing that," Currie said. "It's kind of a scary thing putting on a record on your own, though. And so now that it's actually out, I just feel really excited to perform the songs live. I look forward to talking to people about the songs and hearing what their favourite tracks are and which tracks relate to them. A lot of the songs are addressing some serious issues and tough issues. But I think a lot of them are current and relatable. More than anything, I'm excited to share the songs with people and live audiences and get some feedback from them there."

The venue has a capacity of roughly 80 people, so anyone interested in attending is encouraged to grab their tickets before it's too late.

Limited vinyl records are available, along with other new merchandise that will be accompanying Currie at the upcoming release show.

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