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SHOWS

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VIDEOS

Music

the wild (2017)

Mended with gold

(2014)

departing

(2011)

hometownS

(2009)

ABOUT the rural alberta advantage

The Rural Alberta Advantage (Amy Cole, Paul Banwatt and Nils Edenloff) has explored themes ranging from hometowns lost and found to tragic Alberta disasters with an earnest style of songwriting that has continued to leave its mark and grab fans around the world. Years of touring have filled rooms with a sound far beyond what any music fan would initially expect from a trio, until they witness Paul's incomparable drumming style live and the number of parts Amy can play at any one time alongside Nils' cathartic vocals.

The group has gone from humble recognition amongst indie rock die-hards as "Canada's best unsigned band" to sold-out tours and devoted fans around the world with featured coverage from Spin Magazine, Pitchfork, The New York Times and Rolling Stone and many more. The band has been nominated for two 2012 Juno Awards (Best New Group and Video of the Year for their song “Stamp”), long listed for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize, and awarded the CBC Music Prize for Best Independent Artist in 2014.

The RAA has released four albums: Hometowns (2009), Departing (2011), Mended With Gold (2014) and The Wild (2017). Expect new music soon.

“Consider this both edgy and essential.”

— 8.7/10 Under the Radar on The Wild

“There’s something that just makes you want to root for them — as Edenloff introduced “Tornado ‘87”, a song about a twister that ran through Edmonton, one of the many Canadian bros in attendance shouted: “I LOVE TORNADOS!” That’s making a connection.”

— Coachella Festival Coverage, Pitchfork

“This is a focused trio who boast a superb drummer and feature lovely, unshowy harmonies, able to balance the melancholy of Nils Edenloff’s lyrics with a euphoric, confident delivery that feels like a brilliant form of catharsis.”

— 8/10 Uncut on The Wild

“The intensity of like “Stamp” and “Don’t Haunt This Place” lean on Banwatt’s marathon-runner stamina and fills, and it’s safe to say the band’s great melodies wouldn’t sound the same without him.”

— The 10 Best new Rhythm Sections, Paste Magazine