Click to email
What do you get when you combine a Saskatchewan group singing songs from the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, a collaboration with one of Saskatchewan’s oldest arts organizations, and our funding? A successful tour. The Bromantics found themselves in the middle of that perfect storm in 2022.
The indicators were there almost three years ago. In 2019 the band, who call their style “a cross between nostalgia and modern trend, attracting people of all ages,” showcased for the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC). Success on that adventure made way for another one planned for the following spring. A years-long pandemic pause meant that the group finally got to hit the road in the first few months of 2022, performing at 16 dates in Saskatchewan while also adding on four shows in Alberta and one in Manitoba to the original OSAC itinerary. According to the group, the return on investment for our Tour Support Grant speaks for itself.
“We are extremely pleased to say that we have met or exceeded our goals in two key areas. With respect to increasing our audience base and brand recognition, The Bromantics played to crowds that surpassed OSAC expectations by a factor of 3. Our social media presence has shown a positive increase in followers, but just as important, our interactions with the audience members after the shows were overwhelmingly positive, with many superlatives thrown our way.”
And when we say a provincial tour, we mean it. 2022 took The Bromantics to Biggar, Hudson Bay, Langenberg, Moosomin, Macklin, Kipling, Estevan, Weyburn, Manitou Beach, and a host of other Saskatchewan centres. As one member, bassist Jim Mitchell, posted on their Facebook page after a March date in Macklin, “We are really seeing how much the awesome people of our province have missed going out and experiencing live music as much as we have missed performing.”
Aside from the positive audience reception, touring gave the band an opportunity to work with new merchandise styles, something they say they are keen to continue in the future. Right now you can purchase items like mugs and water bottles as well as shirts, letterman jackets, and hoodies from their online store. To peruse their digital storefront, go to the-bromantics-shop.myshopify.com.
Another knock on effect of the tour–ignoring for a moment the opportunity to market their stylish letterman jackets– was that they built up significant momentum as they work towards creating a new record filled with original music that complements their current repertoire of covers. To go to the next level, they’ve been working with Rec Hall Studios in Saskatoon since their return to rehearsals in 2021. According to the band, positive reception to their originals was a key learning they took from the tour.
“We also received overwhelmingly positive feedback on our new original songs that we performed (and polished) throughout the tour. A number of audience members commented on how the originals held their place among the classic covers we perform.”
With a few dates already pencilled in for 2023–specifically in Maryfield, North Battleford, and Prince Albert–it’s clear that The Bromantics won’t stop hitting the stage anytime soon.
If you’re looking to use Creative Saskatchewan funds to expand your market reach and/or tour to new places, you can find that information on our website. Tour support for live music requires a run of at least six live performances in multiple cities with performance fees being collected. The next deadline for this grant is February 1, 2023. As the Bromantics have proven with their OSAC tour, travelling around Saskatchewan is a great way to learn about our province, meet new audience members, all while doing what you love.
By John Loeppky
