Just as rock band Nickelback made Hanna a household name, the country group Renegade Station could put Stettler on the map.
Renegade Station is touring Canada after releasing its fifth album Along for the Ride June 8. The group – all from Stettler – consists of Kent Nixon on lead guitar and vocals, Luanne Carl on bass and vocals, Scott McKnight on drums and vocals and Russ Carl on guitar, mandolin and vocals.
“Our last album was released in 2015 so as soon as you finish one album you start thinking and moving towards the next,” said Luanne Carl in a phone interview June 8.
This is the group’s first album after re-branding. They used to be known as Domino.
“We have finally got our sound how we want it and that’s really the inspiration behind the album. The sound and music we are trying to put out is very reflective of that.
“We want everyone along for the ride with us and it’s been a great ride so far but we’re kicking it up a notch and we want everyone to come along.”
The group has a lot of harmonies and is a vocal band.
“We’ve reflected that on this album.”
For years the members of Renegade Station played backup at the Stettler Country Music Jamboree, as well as at rodeos and weddings.
“After a few years of doing that, we decided to take the show on the road.”
That was four years ago when the group starting taking the band to the next level.
“We started working hard and working on our live show, working on our music, on our production and it’s been a great ride.”
Indeed, it has been the start on an incredible journey.
They are two-time Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) Group of the Year winners for 2015 and 2016, and 2015 CCMA Fans’ Choice of the Year. Both Kent Nixon and Luanne Carl were nominated for ACMA’s Song Writer of the Year. In 2016 the band was nominated for CCMA’s Songwriter of the Year for their song 2:15 and Luanne Carl for Bass Player of the Year.
“So we have had some real success in the last four-and-half years and this album is just taking us to the next level,” said Carl.
Earlier this month Renegade Station was in the top 70s on the billboard chart.
“We’re just excited about the ride. It’s going really, really great.”
Luanne Carl said many bands influenced all four members of the group.
“Anywhere from Ian Tyson to Fleetwood Mac and Johnny Cash, the Eagles, Alabama, southern rock, so many, and lots of classic rock as well as Van Halen.
“We all bring quite a mix to the table, which gives us our unique sound.”
Kent Nixon and Luanne Carl co-wrote some songs on Along for the Ride. In addition, several Nashville writers including Lori McKenna
Who wrote Humble and Kind for Tim McGraw helped them pen songs. When recording Along for the Ride in Calgary,they worked with veteran producer Johnny Gasparic who has worked with country music super-stars Gord Bamford and George Canyon, as well as American rapper Snoop Dogg.
Renegade Station used “Station” as part of their name to acknowledge Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, an authentic pioneer steam train based in Stettler.
For more about the group please visit their website at www.renegadestationmusic.com
“Check us out on social media and like our Facebook page,” said Carl.
