New Wales

‘New Wales’ draws on the simplicity and depth of the place they call home, with classic songwriting and production styles reminiscent of R.E.M. and Tom Petty, mixed with the immediacy and upbeat catchiness of MGMT and Beck. Pull back the veil on the seemingly straight-ahead pop songs and you’ll find something new every time, “I feel I’ve entered one of those vintage stores where the prices are a little higher than you want, but the crap-junk choices have already been sorted out.” says producer Rusty Matyas (Imaginary Cities, The Weakerthans).

Veteran Winnipeg Musicians David Pankratz, Sandy Taronno, Matthew Harder, Rob Mitchell and Jamie Taronno have played stages all over the world, whether writing, producing or touring with their own projects or lending skills to talented friends, they’ve developed a combined century of experience in the music industry, racking up major songwriting credits, awards, and loyal fans. New Wales' music is rich with big, sing-along melodies and chord structures that can offer energizing positivity, or reflective beauty.

“They’re the kind of songs you have blaring out of your convertible while driving down the freeway,” says mix engineer Dave Schiffman (The Strumbellas, Vampire Weekend),“In my 25 plus years of making records I have always tried to work with artists who are true to themselves and their craft. New Wales more than fulfills that goal and I expect to hear big things from these guys.”