It’s pretty hard to fly under the radar in a local scene as tight as Calgary’s, but Devan Townsend, the maestro behind the orchestral folk of Fish In A Birdcage, has spent his time wisely over the course of four full length albums since 2016 choosing practice and production as his path to make a mark on the local community. It’s paid off well as Fish In A Birdcage’s albums have been streamed millions of times and have resulted in tours throughout the US and overseas.

Townsend moves through a full array of folk styles with elements of electronic music added to enhance his sound. Known to haul around a cello, guitar, banjo, accordion, washboard, a full belt of harmonicas, and a shoebourine wherever he goes would be a tall order for any singer-songwriter, yet it’s been critical for Townsend to develop his repertoire. Townsend used to spend his nights climbing atop buildings throughout Calgary to write music, a process he credits with helping find his voice even if it also landed him in the back of a few local cop cars.

From anthemic alt-rock to his signature orchestral weaving of folk styles incorporating multiple traditional European styles, his is a clever mix of disparate elements that showcase an ability to escape the creative cages that artists can often find themselves locked in.

- Mike Dunn