by Pretty Archie is a Country/Folk/Bluegrass band from Cape Breton. Long time friends Brian Cathcart (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt McNeil (Lead Guitar, Mandolin), Colin Gillis (Harmonica, Bass, Vocals) and Redmond MacDougall (Banjo, Percussion, Vocals) make up this quartet.
In these young men’s lives, the art of music has always been present, recognized and encouraged. Blessing them with a deep love and passion for music at an early age.
Younger days gave way too many musical endeavors; fueling their passion further, giving them an unrivaled taste for the fun side of music, the good times, the late nights and the rock and roll. What they got a taste of next was the power of music… The way it affects us in all of our experiences as well as its impact on our soul. After a few years of going their separate ways, each on their own musical paths, the guys all have something unique now to bring to the table.
Always jamming together growing up, they guys decided in May 2012 to form a band. The band chose the name Pretty Archie after a local (Cape Breton) character known for playing with 2 strings outside shopping malls in any weather and not always (or ever) in key. The guys thought the name Pretty Archie embodied the love of playing and performing music along with representing their hometown. Pretty Archie’s new release ‘Sing Alongs & Love Songs’ has been available since September 23rd 2016. Bringing on Jamie Foulds to produce this project, Pretty Archie continues to push the genre lines of Folk, Bluegrass, Country and Blues creating a uniquely Pretty Archie sound. The 10 song album is a collection of their best songwriting to date, addressing themes of love, loss, life and the forces that drive all three. Pretty Archie’s first full length album was recorded in January 2013 at the famed Grant Ave. Studios in Hamilton, Ontario with well known producer/engineer Bob Doidge. The debut 11 song LP ‘Steel City’ was released on March 9th 2013. Pretty Archie recorded their second album ‘North End Sky’ at Soundpark Studios in January 27th 2015. ‘North End Sky’ was nominated for ECMA’s ‘Country Recording of the Year’. ‘North End Sky’ was also nominated for Music Nova Scotia’s Americana/Bluegrass Album of the Year (2015). Pretty Archie has had the opportunity to be a showcasing artist at Nova Scotia Music Week, East Coast Music Week and NXNE 2014 along with playing some of the best Canadian venues; The Horseshoe Tavern, The Dakota Tavern (Toronto, ONT), Stan Rogers Folk Festival (Canso, NS), The Ironwood Stage and Grill (Calgary, ALB) Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, ALB) and many more across Canada. Pretty Archie is known for their entertaining, high energy, foot stomping shows.
Pretty Archie’s honest, heartfelt writing connects listeners with a saltwater perspective on modern living. Their fun loving and at times heartbreaking music finds common ground in the blurred genres of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and Blues. Their unique sound has lead to the band developing a following that grows after each show they play.
Right now they are on a tour of Ontario, but will be heading back for Nova Scotia Music Week in November.
