The Skydiggers - The Truth about Us: A Twenty Year Retrospective

Within my first experience with this album it was easy for me to pick out favourites “I Will Give You Everything”, “Slow Burning Fire”, “Penny More”,” Dear Henry” but my favourite is the album name “The Truth About Us”.  It’s not common for most people to enjoy multiple hits on first listen, but I’m confident if you like folk rock you will have the same outcome, but maybe different song choices. The hardest part of this experience was accepting the fact that this was an amazing album, and I was baffled as to why I never heard of the “Skydiggers”?.  

As I started asking friends I shortly realized that this band was big in the east coast, based on the style of music. This album is the perfect complement to a cottage weekend that will not disappoint a crowd.  

It’s a definite easy listen with folk, roots and rock vibe. What becomes clear to me is that one of Canada’s most admired band’s “The Tragically Hip” was hugely influenced by this band. I’ve been to a few shows since and seen many Canadian artists including Blue Rodeo in the crowd and it’s evident to me that this band is respected in the Canadian music scene. Even more current artists like Toronto indie Jason Collett pay skydiggers credit.

In the last twenty years the band has had many former members, but since inception Andy Maize (Vocals), Josh Finayson (Lead Guitar) and Ron Macey (Bassist) are still current members. Every year the “Skydiggers” have two shows before the holidays at the Horse Shoe in downtown Toronto and they still sell out. There’s a great energy on stage and in the crowd- most songs turn into sing-along’s which we all know can be a lot of fun!