Sask. music to watch in 2017

Taron Cochrane urges Saskatchewan music listeners to check out local hip hop, metal bands and every other genre to dig deep, peel back the layers and put the work in.

"That's the beauty ofputting your guard down and listening to all genres," the music promoter told CBC Radio'sAfternoon Editionduring a show about which Saskatchewan musicians to watch in the new year.

While artists likeColterWall captureCochrane'sattention with their songwriting and playing style, Saskatchewan music expands beyond country or pop, hesaid.

"As music lovers, everybody has individual tastes. When you hear a good song, you hear a good song."

Here aresomemusical acts Cochrane thinks will leave an impression in 2017.

Poor Nameless Boy

Poor Nameless Boy has steadily been building momentum since this year's release ofBravery.He has toured countries such as Germany and Australia and has beenon the cover of SaskMusic'smagazineThe Session.

"I think 2017 is going to be the year of Poor Nameless Boy and is going to be a year that's really going to stand out for him and be one of the best of his career," Cochrane said.

Graham Dyck

If you're a fan of crooners like Sinatra and Dean Martin, Graham Dyck might be your style, said Cochrane.

Dyckhasn't released an album in a few years,butCochranesaid he thinks people are really going to like the work he puts out next.

"It's got that crooner style;it's got a little bit of pop sensibilities as well; and it's something that, I think, he's really done exceptionally well with."

Ava Wild

Only 17 years old, Ava Wild has caught Cochrane's attention through her marketing abilities.

Onecampaign had her fans of her debut EP Baremaking their own homemade crowns, titling the promotion "Bearing the Queen."

Cochranesaid people "refer to her as a honey sweet voice with a red shoe attitude."

He described how during BreakOut West, she had delegates listening to her play her material while packed into a hotel room.

Cochrane complimented her work ethic, her art and "everything she does."

West of Mabou

West ofMabou is afive-piece band named after Mabou, N.S., but they call Regina home.

They're a Celtic group and are releasing their debut self-titled album in January at the Creative City Centre in Regina. It will be a two-day affair taking place on Jan. 14 and 15.

Cochrane said their music "will get your toes tapping."

Alex Runions

From Kipling, Sask., Runionsreleased an album in 2016 dedicated to his hometown titledSouth of the City.

"He's one of those artiststhat this year, he's going to do great, great, amazing things,"Cochranesaid. "I'm sure of it. I've seen his rise, year after year, and he continues to get better."

Runions has played Riderville and CBC's Comfort and Joy fundraising event.

Kara Golemba

KaraGolemba has been featured in CBC's Empty Room series.

After she received a grant, she recorded an EP calledEvery Little Light. Cochrane said the release party was a packed house.

"Kara's just getting started," he said.

Cochrane added that Golembahas worked hard, and was finally able to record and release her music after fans continually asked about it.

Earlier this month, Golemba played a benefit show with Colter Wall and Meagan Nash in Regina.

The Classy Chassys

Cochrane referred to the Classy Chassys as a must-see live.

Cochrane described them as a rockabilly, pedal-to-the-floor rocking band. Their music varies from covers to originals.

"Their songBury Me with My Guitaris a prime example of why you can't miss these guys live," he said.