The Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Duhks have always gravitated towards traditional roots-based song structures, but they've never stopped evolving since their inception five years ago. Due in part to a collective musical worldview that knows no boundaries, that evolution led the band to their latest offering Fast-Paced World, the first Duhks record to feature wunderkinds Sarah and Christian Dugas (replacing vocalist Jessee Havey and percussionist Scott Senior respectively). It's an album that reflects the quintet's newfound confidence, with Sarah bringing five original songs to the band's encyclopedic collection of originals and covers both old and new. <br /><br />The French-Canadian born siblings have been immersed in music their whole lives, thanks in part to their musician parents. "We had a family band that toured across Canada when I was 7 and Christian was 9," remembers Sarah. "My father had a recording studio in the house, so I grew up hearing a variety of musicians playing everything from rap to rock to world beat. I grew up in a fun and creative environment."<br /> <br />Dugas' emergence as a songwriter has clearly contributed to the group's progression — the other members are fiddler Tania Elizabeth, guitarist Jordan McConnell and founder/banjo player Leonard Podolak — from the jaunty pop of "You Don't See it" to the jazz-waltz of "This Fall," the Duhks' enthusiastic fan base has embraced the changes. "The reaction has been really positive," says Dugas. "We've been able to keep the old fans and gotten some new ones as well." <br /><br />"There's a more liberal attitude in the band when it comes to songwriting approaches," admits Podolak. That attitude has even extended to drummer Christian's use of a full kit, in contrast to the band's previous use of just percussion. "My musical tastes have broadened immensely since we first started. I think we've evolved musically, while maintaining our roots, but everybody in the band listens to so many different things, it was bound to happen." <br /><br />It's that kind of musical DNA that makes the band's spot-on fusion of traditional bluegrass, folk rock, Afro-Cuban jazz and soul so accessible and yet so hard to pigeonhole. It's also earned them a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Country Vocal Performance category as well as a Juno award in their native Canada. <br /><br />Accolades aside, the band doesn't see any reason to pull their punches lyrically, as Dugas laments on the funky title track, "We've forgotten what's sacred in this fast-paced world." "It's a song that's essentially about over-consumption," remarks Podolak. "We've all grown up with an outlook where's there's enough for everyone without destroying the earth."<br /><br />Environmental issues are a passion for the band, inspiring them to launch The Duhks Sustainability Project (www.greenduhks.com) in October 2007. Spearheaded by Tania Elizabeth, the band's goal is to "tour on as sustainable a basis as possible; fueling our vehicle with Biodiesel, supporting local organic farmers wherever we go, wearing sustainable eco-conscious clothing, using earth-friendly shampoos, soaps and cosmetics and offsetting remaining CO2 emissions with carbon credits." <br /><br />"As a band, it's something we feel very strongly about," says Podolak. "We just want to reduce our carbon footprint as much as humanly possible." <br /><br />Fast Paced World was produced by the Nashville-based Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt), who joins an impressive set of producers (Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien) before him. "Jay's basement studio was like something out of the Star Trek Enterprise," laughs Podolak. Despite trying to quit smoking at the time (4 nicotine patches at once!), Joyce was "very open to our ideas and very easy to work with. I also think he learned as much from us as we did from him about combining the acoustic and electric elements of our songs in a studio setting," continues Podolak. <br /><br />As the band continues their own musical evolution, Fast-Paced World illustrates just how far the Duhks have come—and just how far they're willing to go to challenge themselves artistically. Ultimately though, according to Leonard, the Duhks' "just want to play music that speaks to everybody." Mission accomplished. http://www.imeem.com/theduhks Delta 0 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <p>Hey Flock,</p><br /><p>The Duhks are stoked to be a part of a new compilation album paying homage to the music of Greenwich Village in the 60's entitled <strong>"The Village: A Celebration of the Music of Greenwich Village"</strong>.</p><br /><p>You can check out their take on "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" as well as cuts by Los Lobos, Shelby Lynn, Lucinda Williams and Rickie Lee Jones by <strong>picking up the CD <a href="http://links.imeem.com/14OEiGtt_" title="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d.html178-3598996-7878724?is=m&a=B002MBAJ60">here</a></strong>.</p><br /><p>Also, take a look at this <strong>short documentary</strong> on the making of "It's Alright Ma" by the Duhks <a href="http://links.imeem.com/14u_jGtt_" title="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olsqmb0Z-_w">here</a>.</p><br /><p>That's it for now!<br />The Duhks</p> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/10/29/iXp5fqki/duhks-playing-dylans-its-alright-ma-on-a-new-record Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:56:59 -0000 wea8GnBa3B *******<br />Help "Fast Paced World" get more love from CMT!<br />******** <br /><br />Folks, if you have a spare moment to spend on the Internet doing something quick and easy, you can help our video get more airplay on CMT Pure!<br /><br /><a href="http://links.imeem.com/24AO2XeJk_" title="http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/cmt_pure_12_pack_countdown/series_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/dynamic_templates/shows/center_templates/wildcard/pure_12_pack/2009/vote_countdown_poll_main.jhtml&event_id=882409"> VOTE HERE!</a><br /><br />The link above goes to the voting page for <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24AO2XeJk_" title="http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/cmt_pure_12_pack_countdown/series_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/dynamic_templates/shows/center_templates/wildcard/pure_12_pack/2009/vote_countdown_poll_main.jhtml&event_id=882409">CMT 12-Pack Countdown </a>, a weekly competition that rewards videos that get the most fan votes. If we can mobilize all our fans to vote for the video, it can dramatically bump up the number of times they will play it on-air during the week.<br /><br />You can vote as often as you like, it does not require registration, and it ends on Thursday night for the Friday countdown.<br /><br />It's a long list, but just look for THE DUHKS - Fast Paced World - it's towards the middle of the page.<br /><br />Thanks everyone!<br />The Duhks<br /><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/pure" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/the" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/duhks" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/pack" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/12" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/cmt" rel="tag"></a> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/05/13/mLl3oxGJ/vote-for-fast-paced-world-on-cmt Wed, 13 May 2009 18:57:38 -0000 K295F2-sLu Listen in as The Duhks join the legendary "Mark & Brian" show on KLOS this Wednesday, April 29th! Call in to ask your question while the band is on air. The fun happens Wednesday at 9am PT / 11am CT/ 12noon ET. In Los Angeles, tune in to 95.5fm and everywhere else log on to <a href="http://links.imeem.com/245rL1E9j_" title="http://www.markandbrian.com">www.markandbrian.com</a> for the live webcast!<br /> <br /> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/04/28/xpI36_Ux/the-duhks-live-on-klos-los-angeles Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:48:04 -0000 b0hmJElc5D Enter for a chance to win 2 passes to the <b>Stagecoach Music Festival</b> to see The Duhks alongside Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and many more! <br /><br /><b>Directions: </b><br />1. Add any Duhks song as your “Featured Song” to your Imeem profile<br />2. Email your name, age, zip code & imeem profile link to <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24snKoUMh_" title="duhkscontest@gmail.com">duhkscontest@gmail.com</a><br />3. Wait for the winner announcement on Friday, April 10. <br /><br />Note: <br />Must be over 18 years old and travel/hotel accommodations are not included. Winner will be chosen at random on Friday, April 10. <br /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.imeem.com/theduhks" target="_blank"><img src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc184/vanguardstreetteam/mainPoster.jpg"></a><br /> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/04/02/CcSpCq1X/stagecoach-contest Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:03:21 -0000 lzzEOrYYYn The Duhks are taking over the northeast Easter weekend! Get your "peeps" :) together and check out the Duhks in these cities:<br><br>Sunday, April 12<br> <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24llKpJMh_" title="http://www.worldcafelive.com/">WORLD CAFE LIVE</a><br>3100 Chestnut Street<br>Philadelphia, PA 19104<br>(215) 222-1400 <br>7:30pm<br><br>Monday, April 13<br><a href="http://links.imeem.com/24Aj9qJMh_" title="http://www.highlineballroom.com/bio.php?id=892">THE HIGHLINE BALLROOM</a><br>431 W 16th Street<br>New York, NY 10011<br>(212) 414-5994<br>8:00pm <br><br>Tuesday, April 14<br><a href="http://links.imeem.com/24JI8rJMh_" title="http://www.harpersferryboston.com/">HARPER'S FERRY</a><br>158 Brighton Avenue<br>Allston, MA 02134<br>(617) 254-9743<br>9:30pm <br><br>Be sure to head over <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24f8KsJMh_" title="http://theduhks.sugarhillrecords.com/phillynyc.html">here.</a> for a free live download and more info on the following Philly & NY dates.<br><br>See you there!<br><br>The Duhks<br><br> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/04/01/UoySeAUe/the-duhks-in-nyc-philly-and-boston Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:25:00 -0000 dQ79bJ-u-M The Duhks fast paced world http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/playlist/02NigFoV/fast-paced-world-music-playlist/ Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:48:20 -0000 ODbwrg4HB9 The Duhks perform "Mighty Storm, "You Don't See It" and "Fast Paced World" at Kink FM in Portland. <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24NCKQixg_" title="http://www.kink.fm/The-Duhks/4022333">Watch the video and listen to the audio tracks here!</a><br><br><br> <br><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/don't" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/it" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/world" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/duhks" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/paced" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/you" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/fast" rel="tag"></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/tag/see" rel="tag"></a> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/03/27/hNSILGzS/check-out-a-video-of-the-duhks-live-performance-at-kink-fm Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:33:49 -0000 9e_2N0v7yk Listen to The Duhks live on the Portland, Oregon radio station KINK today! Tune in to 101.9fm if you are in the Portland area, or listen online at <a href="http://links.imeem.com/24NCKn3Vg_" title="http://www.kink.fm">www.kink.fm</a>. The fun all starts at 3:30pm PT / 5:30pm CT / 6:30pm ET!<br><br> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/03/18/QRsoFTVm/the-duhks-live-on-kink-today Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:20:18 -0000 vBMDRyCo7K The Duhks are coming to the Northeast for two monumental shows in Philly and New York City! They will be making their first-ever appearances at WORLD CAFE LIVE (DOWNSTAIRS) in Philly on Sunday, April 12th, and at HIGHLINE BALLROOM in NYC on Monday, April 13th. Joining them for each show will be special guest<a href="http://links.imeem.com/14b2i0Eg_" title="http://www.myspace.com/joshuajamesmusic"> JOSHUA JAMES</a>.<br><br>To celebrate the occasions, the band is giving away prize packages to FOUR lucky members of The Flock (TWO FOR EACH SHOW). Winners will each receive TWO tickets to the show, their choice of any Duhks T-shirt, and an autographed copy of "Fast Paced World", their latest CD. Winners will be announced Wednesday, April 1st.<br><br>Follow the link below to enter for a chance to win! You can also download an exclusive FREE MP3 of a LIVE PERFORMANCE of The Duhks' "Heaven's My Home". Just go to:<br><br><a href="http://links.imeem.com/24f8Kj0Eg_" title="http://theduhks.sugarhillrecords.com/contest.html">http://theduhks.sugarhillrecords.com/contest.html</a><br><br>Good luck!<br><br><a href="http://links.imeem.com/24f8Kj0Eg_" title="http://theduhks.sugarhillrecords.com/contest.html"><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv3/jvuylsteke_photos/duhks_phillynyc_button.png" alt="Photobucket"></a><br><br><br> The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/03/13/6Mw9AS6D/win-tickets-to-see-the-duhks-in-philly-and-nyc Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:43:28 -0000 LNyrgl5bfI If you are lucky enough to be in the bay area this Saturday, March 7 tune in to KPIG 107.5 FM from 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST to hear the Duhks live!<br /><br />Double whammy -- don't forget to check them out Friday, March 6th at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco w/ Lambchop!<br /><br />See you there! The Duhks News Update http://www.imeem.com/theduhks/blogs/2009/03/06/rsquT9B-/duhks-live-on-kpig-san-francisco-march-7 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:14:45 -0000 r1E9ubomcT