The Prince Albert based band Saving Face is setting out to make a name for themselves and change the face of the local music scene.
Guitarist Jason Gabora said besides a lack of venues, it’s difficult for local clubs and bars to invite you in.
“It’s tough you know. Prince Albert isn’t Saskatoon or Regina. It’s got its own thing going on with the cover band scene so were just hopefully going to try to change that a little bit,” Gabora said.
Saving Face is a five piece rock band that is attempting to thrive on their own original songs.
Basest Alton Michel recently entered the band in a competition that could take them from small local venues to crowds of thousands.
Saving Face would have to win a Battle of the Bands in Saskatoon to get into an online voting system against bands from across the country. The winner will share the stage with Canadian hardcore group the Cancer Bats in front of 30,000 people in London, England.
Lead singer Smokey Campbell said the bands message is simply “originality,” adding that he hasn’t seen the Prince Albert scene really break away from cover bands. He said he’s hoping this contest could help skyrocket their music much like the recent success seen by Saskatchewan rock-and-rollers The Sheepdogs.
“It’s a tough road to just do original music and it’s tough to get gigs doing original music,” said Campbell. “I hope that by doing this, it will show people not to be afraid just to do their own stuff.”
The Battle of the Bands runs today at 5:00 p.m. at Walkers Night Club in Saskatoon.
sfroese@panow.com
