They are making their way west, back to where they started. Zachary Lucky and his band are on its way back to Saskatchewan with a stop in Estevan next Friday.
Lucky is the latest artist set to perform at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum's After Dark Concert Series April 27. His latest album, entitled Saskatchewan, was released on March 6, and their Canada-wide tour kicked off March 8 in Regina.
For the last few weeks, Lucky and his band have been touring the Maritimes and Newfoundland. Lucky spoke to The Trader from New Brunswick, before heading to Ottawa for a Thursday night show.
"I've placed more weight on the touring aspect," said Lucky. "But I am feeling more pressure to spend more time writing, rather than being a touring minstrel."
With recently released material however, Lucky is set on touring for the time being, and will continue west from here on his way to Vancouver Island.
The young artist from Saskatoon is the grandson of John and Eleanor Lucky. His grandfather went by Smiling Johnnie Lucky when he and Eleanor travelled the country performing for audiences. Lucky noted that his grandparents were among the first musicians to travel to the Arctic Circle to play.
He said that "living up to the legend" of his family would certainly be enough to be considered successful.
When he was gathering material for his latest release, he found a song written by his grandmother and asked her if he could record it for his album. With the album being centred on his home province, he thought it was necessary to include her song, Saskatchewan, as the final track.
While they tour, Lucky said they are keeping a schedule that allows for a few days off here and there so they don't get burned out. While striking a balance between writing and touring isn't always easy, he said the experience does generate plenty of fodder for new song ideas when it finally is time to go back home.
"You're taking in these experiences and images into your mind," he said. "When you get back, you open the capsule of things you've taken in and let it out. Sometimes there's a song in there."
On this tour they have played a in a variety of venues, but Lucky said those places where their music can be heard are great for them. The art gallery will be one of those quieter places.
"We strive to play in places where people hear our songs."
Lucky's style of music is influenced by what he listens to, adding that because he writes with an acoustic guitar, folk is very natural to him.
"I think a lot of that comes from what you enjoy listening to. I happen to enjoy folk music. It comes naturally to me. I am trying to find niche to fit in and find a sound that is my own."
Lucky will be appearing at the art gallery with Carly Maicher, who performs piano and vocals on his new album.
You can check out Lucky and his music online by visiting zacharylucky.com and zacharylucky.bandcamp.com
