Conrad Walz
  • Dance Across Your Heart
  • Don't Mean Nothing
  • Good to Love You
  • Sticks and Stones
  • Fading Away
  • You're Right, Black is White
  • Night Without Fire
Biography
“Conrad Walz and The Wrecking Ball” is the latest album charming critics and winning hearts. It has enjoyed extensive radio airplay in Alberta and beyond. The word is spreading and the buzz is growing!

Conrad’s March 2008 solo set at “The Alberta Sessions : Songwriter Series” in Calgary was a catalyst in raising awareness of a somewhat undiscovered talent as it was regarded by many as one of the best of the event. As David Ward, host of “the afternoon edition” on CKUA radio put it:

“The most memorable music I heard at this year's Alberta Sessions was provided by a singer-songwriter from Calgary who I had never seen before. During his set I was delighted the whole time and yet I found myself shaking my head, wondering how someone this talented could be operating below our radar. I still don't have the answer to that question, but at least there's now an album available which confirms the easy-going confidence, the seasoned musicianship, the nicely weathered but easy-on-the-ears voice, and the deceptively simple songs filled with great hooks which seem to spring effortlessly from the imagination of Conrad Walz.”

Also in attendance that night was Neil MacGonigill of Indelible Music, former Jann Arden manager and lifelong passionate music fan. He had this to say:

"Conrad Walz kind of scares me! Why? Because rarely do you find someone as accomplished in as many fields as Conrad is. He is an exceptional songwriter first and foremost, and at the same time a very, very good guitar player. It is , however, his "in head" musicality that frightens me... His arrangement ideas, chords structures and the like are brilliant.”

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, it could be said that Conrad Walz is a product of his environment. The majestic Rocky mountains to the west and the simple, honest prairies to the east both find a metaphoric place in his music. Though his style could be described as rootsy, sometimes bluesy, alternative country tinged, pop rock music, he prefers to just call it rock n roll. Suffice to say the song is king in Conrad’s world. Melodic and lyrical hooks ride atop rough edged riffs and grooves while engaging the listener with heartfelt emotion, humor and a touch of attitude.

The latest album, recorded with his live band, “The Wrecking Ball” is a natural progression in Conrad's musical journey. Beginning with childhood piano lessons, his path has made it's way through many projects which have varied in scope and incorporated a broad range of styles. From campfire jams at backyard parties to festival stages in Norway, from the straight up rock and roll of his first band, “the Straw Dogs”, through the improvisational funk/jazz/rock of “Big Bad Monkey”, to the whiskey soaked midnight ramblings of country/punk rockers “Swamp Donkey”, Conrad has produced a wealth of quality material and has broadened his creative palette (not to mention cornering the market on animal band names!).

Also finding a place on Conrad's abundant musical plate is the four piece power pop combo - WaxPoets, who released their self titled debut album and toured across Canada in 2008. Though already busy with his own band, Conrad couldn’t resist the opportunity to join a group focused on making pure pop rock n roll. Drawing inspiration from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and all their descendants, WaxPoets have quickly come into their own. Their winnings in the FUEL 90.3 radio Rockstar contest have paved the way for the recording of what promises to be another great album!

Common to all of Conrad's recordings are not only an easy likability, but also a sense of depth and a timeless feel. If reaction to early demos for the next record is any indication, a big breakthrough is right around the corner. Lookout for a new album and tour in 2010!
4
  • Members:
    Conrad Walz
  • Sounds Like:
    rootsy rock n roll with pop hooks
  • Influences:
    Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Band, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, The Who, Jayhawks, Wilco, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, AC/DC, Beck .....
  • AirPlay Direct Member Since:
    11/09/09
  • Profile Last Updated:
    08/15/23 03:07:06

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