Ryland Moranz’s new album XO 1945 is a finalist for a Canadian Folk Music Award.
Moranz is nominated for Contemporary Album of the Year along with Allison Russell, Rob Lutes, Craig Cardiff, Rick Fines, David Leask, Reney Ray and Beyries.
The Canadian Folk Music Award ceremonies take place March 31 to April 2 in Charlottetown, PEI.
“It’s such an honour,” Moranz said. “To even be considered in such incredible company is quite a thing in itself. The category is just stacked with amazing artists and it’s truly an honour to be included in such a heavy list. Although I’ve found that it’s usually better for my mental health to not rely as an artist on these types of things, this one is really special and I’m taking it right to the bank.”
Moranz was in Vancouver working on a friend’s record when the nomination was announced. His phone started blowing up with congratulatory messages, but he had no idea what they were for.
“It was a real surprise when I realized what was actually happening,” Moranz said.
The songs for XO 1945 represent a mix of tunes that Moranz had ready for his first record but didn’t put on Hello Old New World, and others he wrote while touring with Leeroy Stagger and the Rebeltone Sound.
A recording engineer, Moranz engineered most of the album and recorded about half of it himself, with Stagger doing the rest. Moranz played guitar, banjo, mandolin, mandola, harmonica and slide guitar in addition to vocals.
Moranz was quick to share credit for the nomination.
“I have such a great team and they deserve so much of this.” Moranz said. “The album was produced and co-mixed by Leeroy Stagger and he brought some gold to the thing.”
“The band on the record was so killer. Tyson Maiko, Michael Ayotte, Kyle Harmon and George Fowler really brought the project to a whole new level.”
XO 1945 was the second record for Moranz and his first working with Tonic Records from Vancouver.
“My manager Kate and the whole team at Tonic Records and Fritz Media made sure people hear it and did an incredible job.”
“And of course my wife Squirrelly who kept the wheels on the whole thing.”
Moranz grew up with many musical influences in Fort Macleod. His parents Trent Moranz and Maureen Chambers founded South Country Fair and his sister Gillian is also a singer-songwriter.
Moranz’s career in its early years included being the front man for Sophmore Jakes with school chums Geoff Markey and Barent Goodrich, practising in basements and performing in venues such as Holy Cross Hall in Fort Macleod.
The Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination represents the latest milestone in his career.
“So much has happened over the years but in so many ways thing haven’t changed. I get to travel a little father and play more than I used to back in those days, but I’m still the same lucky kid who gets to play music all the time and it’s the greatest. I still feel exactly the same whenever I get on stage or in the studio: excited, nervous and totally at home.”
Moranz advises other people to chase their musical dreams in the same way, working and living life and channelling those experiences into the music.
“Do it because you love it and the rest will come,” he said. “If you do this the world will feel a little bit better. Plus, you’ll be whatever kind of artist you’re supposed to be.”
Moranz is at work on his next album with songs he wrote during the first 18 months of the pandemic. He is heading to the coast to track it at Barnhouse Studios on Vancouver Island. He will work with Leeroy Stagger again, along with Scott Smith, Eric Nielsen and Leon Powers.
Moranz also recently received approval to work on a pet project that will have him transpose J.S. Bach cell suites and arrange them for banjo.
As the pandemic restrictions ease and live music returns to the stage, Moranz is slowly getting back on the road. He is touring southern Alberta with Leeroy Stagger in April and other dates are being confirmed.
When concert dates are confirmed Moranz will post them on his Web site or social media.
“I am really looking forward to things moving into a more open and ‘normal’ stage. I’m cautious, however, not to rush it. Things will come back, it just takes a little time.”
