Kirby Criddle

Pretty much the first thing Kirby Criddle said to the audience at the Artesian on January 17th is that she was going to play a bunch of songs that would “depress the fuck” out of us. She wasn’t wrong.

In a room full of mostly upstanding middle-aged people (I’m assuming a bit here), Kirby provided an interesting dramatic foil. She was mysterious, draped in layers with her hat pulled low in front of her eyes, her enchanting smile peeking out just enough to draw the audience in. She is somewhat foul-mouthed (though I won’t hold that against her), but there is an obvious honest desire to connect with and get to know people in her self-proclaimed “really weird stage banter.” The same is true of her music. It is deeply personal, and bares all through direct, human lyrics. Her songs tell stories of people and places, fear and doubt, and they do so simply and elegantly, leaving them to be filed alongside the likes of Ben Gibbard, early City and Colour, or Kathleen Edwards.

Maybe I’m just a sucker for a sad story, but for me the stand out of this performance was her song “Twenty Years,” which she dedicated to her father who passed away nearly a year ago. The song’s subject matter is raw and uncomfortable, but I was on the edge of my seat clinging to every last piece of scenic imagery she used to render the story of her parents’ rocky marriage. If you struggle to understand human relationships and find beauty in the mess, this song is for you.

Her songs are simple, with beautiful and dark lyrics floating on top of a clockwork-like underpinning that drives a hypnotic and entrancing musical experience, surrounded by tasteful classical guitar work from Eli Temple and vocal harmonies from Amanda Proznik. The overall package worked well together, with Eli’s guitar work either emulating the low rumble of a brass section or adding shimmering flares between vocal phrases, and Amanda’s vocals following Kirby’s like a shadow. Overall they delivered a consistent set of seven songs and the stories behind them.

It is also worth mentioning that her most recent record, RITUALS, produced by Regina Sad-Folk powerhouse Andy Shauf, reveals a palette of even deeper and more colourful sounds. Careful arrangements add to Kirby’s already lovely songs and weave a package that supports her songs without dominating them.

Perhaps it was a set of pretty depressing songs, covers of Andy Shauf’s “You Remind Me” and The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights” notwithstanding. But they are sweetly sung in the way a mother may whisper lullabies to her beloved children. Dark lullabies, to be clear, but I’d have them sing me to sleep anyway.

See Kirby Criddle live:

Jan 29 – PotashCorp WinterShines Festival, Saskatoon

Feb 10 – Castle Theatre, Aden Bowman Collegiate, Saskatoon

Feb 25 – Vangelis w/ Post Script (Edmonton), Saskatoon

February 28th – Artful Dodger w/ Post Script, Regina

By Dana Rempel - Runaway Pup

Second last day of the Nogcast! It's almost Christmas! I sit down for the Christmas Eve Edition with Miss Kirby Criddle. I learn about her then she sings a sad Christmas tune, but it sounds so good it'll make you happy. - Chad Reynolds

BEST SOLO ACT

KIRBY CRIDDLE

Runners-Up

DJ Sugar Daddy

Kay the Aquanaut

Over the past few years, Kirby Criddle has transitioned from “Who the hell is that and why have I never seen her before?” to an exceedingly popular Saskatoon music-scene veteran, so it’s no surprise that she takes top spot in the Best Solo Act category this year, after finishing in second in 2014. A singer / songwriter in the best sense of the term, Criddle’s music is often mesmerizing — as is her understated live performance. - Planet S Magazine

Kirby Criddle would surely steal your heart, that's if you hadn't already handed it over. This beguiling prairie girl makes music for late nights, for lovers and friends, and for you when you feel alone. You can feel it in your bones; this is music for your whole body. Criddle’s much-anticipated sophomore album, RITUALS was released November 24, 2014.

This very talented songstress loves food and cooking. She's quite the chef at home, too--almost as much as she loves singing and playing guitar. Here are some of Criddle's favourite places to eat in her hometown of Saskatoon.

Breakfast
I’ll tell you what my kids say, "Breakfast food is the bestest food!" So, you can probably guess that we take brunch pretty seriously around here!

My favourite place to eat breakfast is actually my house, because I love to cook. The music is loud, pants are optional, and if you have a few too many brunch Caesars or mimosas, the couch isn’t too far. If I’m venturing out for breakfast, however, Park Cafe’s eggs benedict, The Hollows's pannekoeken or Truffles Bistro’s chicken and waffles will definitely hit the spot!

Lunch

Sweet little pastries at Little Bird Patisserie going fast during the lunch hour.
There’s a cute little traditional Mennonite spot on Quebec Avenue called Taunte Maria’s, where you can get an unbelievable housemade farmer sausage sandwich (Uncle Yakob) and potato dill soup (Summa Borsch).

Little Bird Patisserie and Earth Bound Bakery and Delicatessen also make some of my most favourite soup and sandwich combos in Saskatoon.

Dinner

Sushiro is my all-time favourite Saskatoon restaurant, owned by some of my all-time favourite Saskatonians. I always have a great meal with delicious drinks and top-notch service. The vegetarian porcupine maki, avocado inari and red snapper ceviche are at the top of my list. I was a vegetarian (and vegan for a portion) for eight and a half years, and the menu at Sushiro is varied (and so brilliantily tasty) enough that it’s been my favourite restaurant the entire time.

Drinks

Cocktails at Ayden Kitchen and Bar.
I’m a pretty easy to please gal. So, give me a bourbon on the rocks and I’m happy. But, when I’m in the mood to celebrate and have some special cocktails, I know I’ll always be well taken care of by Jared and Brett at Ayden Kitchen and Bar or Adrian at 6Twelve in the Sheraton Cavalier. - Eat North

MUSIC

Best Solo Act
Reignwolf (Jordan Cook) www.reignwolf.com
Runners-Up
Kirby Criddle (2nd)
Anna Haverstock (3rd) - Planet S Magazine

BEST Solo Musician

Reignwolf

Reignwolf (aka Jordan Cook) has been lighting up the U.S. circuit all year, including blowing away New Orleans at the Voodoo Experience festival. But voters hope he comes back to town soon! Kirby Criddle, who we think should have a new album soon, takes second spot ahead of Zachary Lucky and John Antoniuk (aka Smokekiller). - Planet S Magazine

Kirby Criddle "Filthy Water." And this is just a demo!? She was voted "2nd best vocalist in Saskatoon" via Planet S for good reason, folks. What a voice! This song reminds me of walking across the Sid Buckwold Bridge bridge home from work everyday, looking down and seeing weird looking chunks of things floating along; somehow it has little to no impact on my perception of our beautiful riverbank. I love it. - The Rooster

Bragging Rights: Saskatoon
002

Thu, 01/31/2013

Here are some great things to come out of Saskatoon over the last month:


Kirby and Josh - The talented and fetching winners of Saskatoon's most recent duo competition have enlisted Code Name video to add vibrant visuals to their already beautiful cover of Coldplay's "Princess of China." Much like We Were Lover's latest music video in the last edition of Bragging Rights it really shows off the Saskatchewan landscape and makes me proud to call this place on earth home.

...




Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com
Six Moons Later - Hosting open mic, I get to see a lot of brand shiny and new bands hone out their sound in 20 minute sets each week. Six Moons Later grabbed me right off the bat with their simple and attractive songwritng. I REALLY like their songs, local or not! I wish this band incredible success in 2013 (not that they need it) and of course, they were a must-add for this month's Bragging Rights.

...




Zachary Lucky feat. Carly Maicher - What can I say about this? We are lucky to have songcrafters like Zachary Lucky in Saskatchewan and this collaboration with Carly Maicher has the ability to set a bad day straight.

...




Game Theory - Episode 2 - Aidin Nakhai (writer,director,producer), Brad Merkle (producer,editor) Todd Vandale (associate producer) have just released the follow up to the Game Theory pilot we saw a few months back, and are rolling out Episode 3 later this week! Everything about this independant project is local - so you may see some familiar faces - and I have to admit, I'm getting hooked on the story and am anticipating ep 3!

...




Elias Edlund - Or Eli for Short, if you will. He's been putting in mad stage time this year, backing up everyone who's anyone in the city. But did you know he's a song writing powerhouse in his own right? Eli just dropped his EP "Smile and Pretend" and it's a mover. It will get you good. Above, Eli performs "Blue Chicago" from the EP.

...





Pirate Fridays - The funk outfit dropped "Semi-Golden Smile" in a BIG way earlier this month at Vangelli's with a sold out and wild-ass show, complete with crowd surfing. I've noticed lately that no matter the marketing power behind a music project, truly unique and creative art finds a way, and people respond extremely well to it. Nowhere in the world is there another Pirate Fridays or any group like it and I'm incredibly proud that this group calls Saskatoon home. Not only that, but they are all very active in the community here. Give this album a listen; it will make your day because it's chock full of goodness. I mean it's reeeeally incredible!



- The Rooster

BEST SOLO ARTIST
JOHN ANTONIUK
Having dropped his pseudonym Smokekiller for his latest release, Always With You, John has struck a chord with voters. Hot on his heels is someone who went the opposite direction when it comes to pseudonyms, Reignwolf (formerly known as Jordan Cook), who’s followed closely by 50 per cent of The Duo contest winner, Kirby Criddle, who’s pursued by a veritable slew of other great local talents.



BEST SINGER
JEN LANE
It’s a couple of medals for the John ‘n’ Jen couple! Her latest effort, For the Night, has her going places... but Planet S readers are delighted that she stays here at the same time. 2012 Duo-winner Kirby Criddle and 2011 Duo-winner Kaitlin Heather Lauren round out the podium — making for a complete upset over last year’s voter favourites. Nice pipes! - Planet S Magazine

Like their music, Saskatoon musicians and Duo Competition contestants Josh Palmer and Kirby Criddle are playing it cool.
Unfazed by the immense pressure that comes along with competing against some of the city’s most elite musicians, Palmer and Criddle are a musical match made in heaven, slated to go deep in the contest’s final rounds.
Palmer, front man of local band The Rebellion is a former top-five finalist on the popular television show Canadian Idol, so performing in the hot seat in front of hundreds of people is nothing new.
“The biggest difference between this and the Idol experience is that I don’t have 13 TV cameras in our faces will Kirby and I are singing. Other than that, the format of it and the pressure is absolutely insane,” said the 29-year-old guitarist..
“The judges have a very high standard for all the performers because Saskatoon has such a depth of talent here. The judges themselves are also talented musicians and they expect everybody to be extremely prepared and ready in that moment you step on stage.
26-year-old Criddle is also a veteran songstress in the City of Bridges. Her eerily hypnotic melodies and quirky use of percussion at the Duo Competition performances are a perfect compliment to Palmer’s twangy, rock star sound. Palmer and Criddle’s chemistry has been forged over time, as the twosome have collaborated on various musical projects in the past.
A mother of two children, Criddle said if the pair can walk away with the Duo Competition’s grand prize of $15,000, the winnings would go a long way in her family life.
“I have two kids so I’d like to put a little bit of money away for them,” said Criddle.
The two covered Canadian indie pop artist Feist and her song “1, 2, 3, 4” on Wednesday at the Duo Competition and will cover Belgium band Gotye’s explosively popular track “Somebody That I Used to Know” in the next round of the contest.
Palmer and Criddle will perform again on May 30 during the next installment of the Duo Competition at Broadway Theatre. - Metro News

by I, Lion

Kirby Criddle has a knack for elucidating ordinary words into universal truths. At the best of moments, I'm torn between the pain in the words and the beauty in the sounds. I'd laugh if it weren't so somber; I'd cry if it weren't so strengthening.

A self-taught guitarist and pianist, she showcases a unique comprehension, where each chord and lilting melody is designed around the strong evincing of emotion. Each piano change, barely noticeable at a casual listen, whether solemn descending chords or ascending arpeggios within the progression, tucks nicely behind the strong lead of her vocals.

I could sleep inside her voice; I envy whoever most often receives her late night lullabies. By the same token, I pity those she's cut to ribbons with the knife of her words. It's even hard not to take some of the lyrics a little too personally, swallowing back a lump in the throat. There's a lot of wisdom in her young heart and her openness, that while heart wrenching, is still refreshing.

Several of the tracks also feature accompaniment by cellist Nikki Schmid who's building quite the resume, playing on several releases and performing in several collaborations. I predict we'll hear a great many more things from her in years to come. Josh Palmer, who spearheaded the recording of the sessions, appears on tape as well, leaving an indelible mark behind the mixing boards and in front of the microphone.

Whether whispering secrets or hissing accusations, you'll feel safe wrapped in the warm blanket of softness and comfort, delivered with all heart. And that's not a bad thing.

February 12, 2009 - The Neighbourhood Express

by Craig Silliphant

Over the last year or two, Kirby Criddle has gone from a bashful singer, building up her courage at open mic nights and coffee shop gigs, to a respected player in Saskatoon’s live scene, a touring artist, and a sought-after voice for collaborations. Indeed, good karma has been visiting Criddle in spades of late; she just found out she’s the recipient of an emerging independent artist grant from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, and she’s released her first album, Vena Cava. The album is a down-to-earth, heart-on-sleeve memoir from a young woman who’s no longer afraid to share her voice, her songs — and most of all, her feelings.

“[The Vena Cava is] the main vein in the body that brings all the blood back to the heart,” says Criddle. “All the songs [on the album] are quite personal, and I had to learn to be okay with getting into my own heart to write, record and share them. Others have dubbed it indie-folk-rock, but I lovingly refer to my sound as ‘gentle tom-fuckery.’ Am I allowed to say that? Basically, I fool around on some instruments I'm really not well-trained to play, and hopefully sing pretty overtop of whatever melodic madness I've made.”

Criddle is the epitome of the 21st century flower child; a beautiful, modern and spiritual young woman who plucks away at her guitar, teaches yoga and only wears clothes found in thrift shops or made locally. Like her view on life, her songs are also fairly straightforward — generally taking the form of sparse, unpretentious acoustic numbers that are often punctuated by a touch of percussion or piano. The songs emphasize mood and lyrical content over fancy arrangements or convoluted production.

“You know,” says Criddle, “I end up being inspired by the weirdest things, but all in all, the songs sound fairly normal. They tend to be about love, or not-love, or sex, or friends, or whatever people deal with on a regular basis. "This Illusory Madness," for example, was written on a cold morning while I was baking muffins at Caffe Sola. I couldn't decide what kind I wanted to make, and it led me to wonder why we even have preferences at all. But to listen to the song, I think most people would think it's about an argument with a lover. [The songs are] fairly commonplace, easy to relate to.”

Speaking of being easy to relate to, Criddle has been working with a number of artists of late, including touring with Mark Ceasar from Sexually Attracted to Fire and singing on a cut on Factor’s latest album, Chandelier. In fact, even the recording process of her own album was an alliance of sorts.

“I love collaborations. I'm looking so forward to this winter and seeing what comes of being shut up inside my house. Mark was hilarious to tour with — we got along really well; lots of laughs. He taught me to drive, because I only ride a bicycle, in Mother Earth's best interest, so I taught him how to get looking good on a thrift store budget.

I've [also] recently done quite a bit of work with Josh Palmer, as he produced and recorded my album. I don't know if people should be allowed to have that much fun while recording — especially if they’re actually recording while the fun is being had. I hope Josh and I never end up in a fight — a lot of really wacky stuff could end up on the Internet.”

True to her activist leanings, Criddle’s most recent live gig was a fundraiser at Lydia’s in early January for Project Hope, a group that strives to achieve sustainable advances in health care through education and humanitarian assistance. If you didn’t make that gig, you owe it to yourself to take in Criddle’s live show as soon as possible — as, along with some great songs, she’s starting to get a reputation for putting on a performance that’s more unique (and more fun) than just a girl with a guitar. To make a comparison, in 1979, comedian Andy Kaufman took an entire audience on rented buses from Carnegie Hall to a nearby school for milk and cookies. Criddle’s stage antics aren’t quite as nutty as Kaufman’s — but she assures me that her live show is engaging, amusing and, like Kaufman’s show, may involve baked goods.

“Unique is a word that I hear a lot,” says Criddle. “You'll also be treated to a lot of witty banter, cute stories, and maybe even cookies. And if you're lucky, I'll tell a knock-knock joke or two.”

It’s not surprising that the word “unique” follows Criddle. Though the music itself is a tried and true style, Criddle’s sunshine-laden personality comes through in each recorded moment and every time she hits the stage. In fact, she was even one of the more unique interviews I’ve ever done — as evidenced by her final response.

“Anything else I missed?” I asked.

“I was actually sort of hoping for an interview where you’d ask me weird questions like, ‘If you could be any animal, what would you be?’ [I’d answer,] ‘Giraffe, because I'm tired of being shorter than everyone else!’ But this was really fun. Are you allergic to anything? I'm going to bake you some cookies.”

January 15, 2009 - Planet S Magazine

WHO: Kirby Criddle
WHERE: Lydia's
WHEN: June 30/07
(photo from www.myspace.com/kccmusic)

The Emm Gryner show also showcased local talent Kirby Criddle, who is quietly making sweet, sincere music out of her Saskatoon home.

"i like to write songs, record them once on my kitchen countertop, and then put them on the internet. be gentle, it's my soul you're sinking your teeth into," she pens on her myspace page.

She doesn't have to worry. That soul exposed is what could warm any critic's heart. The way she laid bare the stories behind her song endeared the audience so much you could literally see them turning their rapt attention onto this picturesque pixie sitting up on the stage with her acoustic guitar.

As long as Criddle keeps that purity and honesty in her music, she'll do alright. - Jeanette Stewart