Small Town Pistols & Michelle Schultz

SMALL TOWN PISTOLS

When you’re declared Group of the Year at Canada’s biggest country music awards show, that’s major validation from a community with high standards. Ontario’s Small Town Pistols won the CCMA title in 2014 after the brother and sister reunited for their 2013 self-titled debut.

Now Amanda and Tyler Wilkinson — formerly of country trio The Wilkinsons — are back with the follow-up, Pistology, an album that is personal and sometimes edgy, covering everything from parenthood and family values to vices and rivals. 

“Tyler and I learned the craft of songwriting through my dad, but in Small Town Pistols we are grown-up, able to say things that we couldn’t say in the Wilkinsons’ songs because our dad was there,” says Amanda.

While both Tyler and Amanda are in solid marriages with babies, this sibling duo isn’t all white picket fences and PG conversation. They are quick-witted and speak their minds as people, and in their songwriting are raw and real — note the smoky western crime story “Ghosts” to the moseying “I Only Smoke When I Drink.” 

A couple of songs celebrate family: “Can’t Wait To Meet You” about becoming a parent and the heavier rocker “My Family,” inspired by the morals instilled in them from their parents.

MICHELLE SCHULTZ

Vancouver's Michelle Schultz has just released a new single called "Camouflage." A major part of Michelle’s music career has been singing national anthems for several sporting and charity events. Michelle sings regularly for several teams in the BCHL and WLA, as well as for the WHL Vancouver Giants.