Sheepdogs: The Modern Classic Rock Revivalists

The Sheepdogs are a Canadian rock band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, celebrated for reviving the warm, guitar-driven sound of 1970s classic rock for a modern audience. Their major breakthrough came in 2011 when they won a high-profile Rolling Stone magazine cover contest, leading to a major label deal and the platinum-selling album The Sheepdogs.

Early career

Formed in 2006, the band built a grassroots following through relentless touring across Canada, self-releasing their first three albums: Try Us (2006), The Sheepdogs (2007), and Learn & Burn (2010). Their early work, characterized by three-part harmonies and dual-guitar leads, was a deliberate homage to the Southern rock and blues-rock of bands like The Allman Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Breakthrough

The band's trajectory changed dramatically in 2011 when they won the "Choose the Cover" competition held by Rolling Stone, becoming the first unsigned act to grace the magazine's front page. This victory earned them a recording contract with Atlantic Records and led to the 2012 release of their self-titled major-label debut, which debuted at No. 1 on the Canadian Albums Chart and was later certified platinum.

Key tracks

I Don't Know — This lead single from their breakthrough album became a staple on Canadian rock radio, showcasing their signature laid-back, harmonic sound.

The Way It Is — A defining track from their earlier independent album Learn & Burn, it exemplifies their mastery of catchy, riff-based rock anthems.

Feeling Good — Their popular, upbeat cover of the classic tune became a live favorite and demonstrated their ability to put a rock spin on a well-known standard.

Downtown — This single from their 2015 album Future Nostalgia continued their run of radio hits, blending pop sensibilities with their established rock foundation.

Following their initial success, the Sheepdogs have maintained a consistent output, releasing albums like Future Nostalgia (2015), Changing Colours (2018), and Outta Sight (2022). They have collaborated with notable producers and musicians, including Pat Carney of The Black Keys, and have earned multiple Juno Award wins, including Rock Album of the Year. Their dedication to analog recording techniques and vintage style has solidified their reputation as genuine torchbearers of the classic rock genre.

Fans of the Sheepdogs' brand of guitar-centric, melodic rock often enjoy the sounds of other Canadian acts. Monster Truck delivers a heavier, blues-based hard rock punch. Arkells share a similar anthemic quality, though with more modern pop-rock influences. The Trews offer another take on robust, radio-friendly Canadian rock rooted in classic traditions. Sloan provides a more power-pop oriented but equally hook-laden counterpart from the East Coast.

The Sheepdogs' catalog is a fixture on the playlists of numerous classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and online rock radio streams. Their consistent output ensures they remain in regular rotation, providing a reliable dose of guitar-driven nostalgia and sing-along choruses for rock audiences.

Listeners can discover the timeless rock of the Sheepdogs by tuning into the classic rock and alternative radio stations featured on our website. Their music, from early anthems to recent releases, is regularly broadcast on independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.