Employee of the Myth

"There's a certain level where Josh and I are the bosses, but musically, we're all equal." - Andy MaizeAndy Maize and Josh Finlayson are two of the founding members of Skydiggers.Some 35 years into their musical journey, and on the eve of the release of the band's 20th studio offering, the 14-song Dreams and Second Chances, Josh and Andy offer a rare glimpse into their always-evolving creative process, the role of their band mates in that process, and a few of the reasons why their creative partnership thrives as never before.With a friendship that began in kindergarten and solidified during their high school years at North Toronto Collegiate, the duo not only continue to evolve as band leaders, but also serve as statesmen of the Canadian music industry. In their leadership roles both in their band and in the industry, Josh and Andy continue to use their platform to welcome and amplify the talents and voices of a new generation of Canadian musicians.Listen to Dreams and Second Chances Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"All the music in this episode is from Dreams and Second Chances. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"Always having an open door to the success of other people - that's what Andy and Josh do in Canada...it's so beautiful". — Noel WebbThe longest serving drummer of Skydiggers, Noel Webb is celebrating 20 years with the band, and now considers them "family". He says playing with the band is like "having dinner together". Born in Birmingham, England, Noel's attraction to the drums started at a very early age, when he would run in the back yard wielding a stick, banging on random (inanimate) objects, and keeping time with the radio hits of the day. When real drum sticks arrived as a gift from a brother, an obsession was hatched. Noel's passion for percussion led him to a degree in Orchestral Composition from Laurier University.Despite his considerable achievements in education, and remarkable accomplishments in the business world, Noel remains grateful for the life lessons that says he continues to learn from his “boss” Andy. He believes strongly in "serving the art” as the songs develop and change with the evolution of the band. When asked what he's learned in his 20 years with the band, the answer is "lead with love". Cheers to that.Available now: Listen to "Dreams and Second Chances" (single)Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Broken Year" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"One Maybe Two Maybe" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"With Andy and Josh, it was - 'you're part of the band'. I still remember one of the early shows, Andy said at the end of the show on the microphone - 'we are all Skydiggers'. That resonated with me. So, [they were not only] very welcoming, but they gave us a lot of latitude—everyone—to do what they needed to do". — Derrick BradyA mainstay of the Skydiggers sound for 12 or so years now, Derrick Brady was offered the bass seat after the departure of the much-loved Ron Macey (Skydiggers' original bass player). Those were not easy shoes to fill, but Derrick's familiarity with the songs, and his existing friendship with Andy and Josh made him a natural fit. His musical maturity and seasoned chops add depth, groove, and —when necessary—space. When not on the stage, you can find him holding court in the kitchen, cooking up a mean spaghetti sauce. Everybody loves Derrick!This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances (available everywhere May 9, 2025). Available now: Listen to "Dreams and Second Chances" (single)Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Snow Blind" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Mother's Pocket" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"It's lovely to think of being able to walk into a situation with 20 years of hindsight now...I really felt a part of it...I was able to bring my own ideas, right from the start" — Michael Johnston20 years ago, keyboardist/songwriter Michael Johnston was—like so many of us—a Skydiggers fan. However, being a sideman in one of his favourite bands hadn't occured to him, since—at that point—he was performing his own material and working mostly as a solo artist under his own name. Then one day Andy and Josh asked him to sit in for a few songs, and he gradually found himself living in what he refers to as an "imaginary dream state".  Working from scratch, he developed keyboard parts that complemented the songs he'd come to know and love. Today, he's an integral part of the Skydiggers sound, and also a co-writer on several tracks.This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances (available everywhere May 9, 2025). Available now: Listen to "Dreams and Second Chances" (single)Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 208)"I Love You, Too, Maybe" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Quiet Mind" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)FYI: Skydiggers Dakota Sessions (as mentioned in the conversation) can be found on the band's YouTube ChannelStream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"In Skydiggers, I can really be myself...there's a lot of trust" — Aaron ComeauGuitarist Aaron Comeau can't really pinpoint a time when he was officially in the band, but one day he got up to guest at the annual Christmas show, and—as he puts it—he "never left the stage". A multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer in his own right, Comeau comes by his musical talents honestly: his mother is a piano teacher and taught him how to play from an early age, and his grandfather played clarinet and violin.  Aaron's natural curiosity and musical inclination has guided him towards a life of creativity, collaboration, and the satisfaction of making music with amazing people. His keen sense of what's needed in a song, and how best to "fit in" to the music, has made him an indispensable part of the Skydiggers' sound for the better part of 10 years. This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances (available everywhere May 9, 2025). Available now:Listen to "Dreams and Second Chances" (single)Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Feel a Whole Lot Better" - Skydiggers (Here Without You - The Songs of Gene Clark, 2020)"Brother Can You Spare a Dime" - (Single, 2020)"Tomorrow, Today" - Aaron Comeau (Infinity Trials, 2024)"Start Again" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"I'm so lucky. It's like a fever dream sometimes." — Jessy Bell Smith Singer-songwriter Jessy Bell Smith is ever grateful, and continually in awe of being a Skydigger. In this interview, Jessy's love and respect for her bandmates, her gratitude for the music, and her deep dedication to the songs comes shining through. For almost 20 years, Jessy has been gracing the Skydiggers lineup, adding feminine warmth, spirit, and soul to the well-honed roots rock foundations of the band. Jessy's presence is joyful and compelling; her voice is dynamic and rich. Since 2009 (or so), she has sung and danced her way into the hearts of Skydiggers fans everywhere.This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances (available everywhere May 9, 2025). Listen to the single, "Dreams and Second Chances" Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Ramblin' On (feat. Jessy Bell Smith)" - Skydiggers (She Comes into the Room, 2013)"Hide Your Light" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)"Constant Love" - Richard Laviolette (All Wild Things Are Shy, 2024)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

In this special episode, you'll hear from all the current members of this beloved Canadian roots rock ensemble. In order of appearance, Andy Maize, Jessy Bell Smith, Noel Webb, Josh Finlayson, Derrick Brady, Aaron Comeau and Michael Johnston offer thoughts, highlights, and fond remembrances of the annual Skydiggers Christmas Show - a much-celebrated seasonal highlight in Toronto, Ontario. The tradition continues! - the next Skydiggers' Christmas show is Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 at The Danforth Music Hall. Tickets available here.This episode was recorded in October, 2024 at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio, during the Skydiggers' recording session for their next studio album.Songs used in this episode:“Good King Wenceslas” (Trad.) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“Barbara Allan” (Trad.) - A Christmas Carol, 1951“Christmas in Prison” (John Prine) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“The Holly and the Ivy” (Trad.) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“2000 Miles” (Chrissie Hynde) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“Remember Me” (Finlayson/Maize) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“Church Bells Ringing (Christmas in the City)” (Charlie Angus) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)“Fairytale of New York” (Finer/MacGowan) - performed by Jim Cuddy and Skydiggers at the Skydiggers' Xmas show (Danforth Music Hall, 2023). Filmed and posted on Youtube by ShakyShorty. “Start Again” (Norman Blake) - Teenage Fanclub (Songs from Northern Britain, 1997)And if you're looking for more seasonal fun, check out Andy Maize's priceless "Santa Claus Parade" story in Episode 11!Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

A continuation of Episode 18 with Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, this is a special live-off-the-floor recording session of Jim's song "Anywhere Else But Home" from his new solo album All The World Fades Away.Recorded by Tim Vesely at Blue Rodeo's Woodshed Studio.The band:Jim Cuddy: acoustic guitar, vocalsAndy Maize: vocalsAnne Lindsay: fiddleJane Gowan: accordionTim Vesely: bassmore info:jimcuddy.combluerodeo.comanne-lindsay.comskydiggers.comthevioletarchers.comA co-production by Music Buddy and Employee of the MythStream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"Blue Rodeo...were at the vanguard of creating a national movement of roots music...that really captured peoples' imaginations in the late 80s early 90s, and continues to this day" — Andy Maize"The thing about community is that there are a lot of opportunities to give...[The] Christmas show from Skydiggers always feels like a gift... like [they're] doing this as an offering...Their band has never really let me down. I listen to every record and I think 'good on ya boys, you did again'. That show is like that too - one thing after another that's given to the audience, and it's not about their career, it's about this offering at a very important time of year"— Jim CuddyLoyalty, gratitude, and a belief in living fully: These are some of the things that motivate and inspire musician, singer, and songwriter Jim Cuddy. His new album All The World Fades Away (June, 2024) is—in his words—a "fictionalized memoir". It's a collection of personal and poignant songs infused with appreciation of life, love, family, and friendship. Please enjoy this special conversation with guest Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. Featuring Andy Maize, Jane Gowan, Joel Stewart, and Tim Vesely.This episode is a co-production between Music Buddy and Employee of the Myth.Music samples in this episode:"Learn to Live Alone" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)"Second Son" - Jim Cuddy (All In Time, 1998)"Everyday Angels" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)"Will I Be Waiting" - Jim Cuddy (The Light That Guides You Home, 2006)"Arizona Dust" - Jim Cuddy (The Things We Left Behind, 2009)"Bad Timing" - Blue Rodeo (Five Days in July, 1993)"Torn" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)More about Jim Cuddy at jimcuddy.comMore about Blue Rodeo at bluerodeo.comStream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host (Season 3): Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"At the end of the day, that's all there is. It's friends and community, or else you're on a desert island all by yourself" — Ron Macey"Ronny came down [to The Spadina Hotel] to check us out. We did our set, and after, I said to Josh, "I don't give a sh•t how he plays, he looks so fantastic, he's in the band". — Andy MaizeIn the days of classified ads and land lines, a young and dashing Ron Macey put a callout in the back of NOW magazine, looking for a band that might need an "average bass player" (his words, not ours). Andy saw the ad, and Josh dialled the number. Before long, Ron became Skydiggers' first bassist. In doing so, he found good friends, a musical family, and a path he'd follow for many years—and several albums—to come.Recorded on location, mid-tour, in Vancouver, B.C. Please enjoy a special conversation with Ron Macey a.k.a. "Ronny von Johnny" a.k.a. "The West Coast Millionaire". It's sweet, it's salty, it's Skydiggers.  Songs used in this episode:"Je t'aime toujours, mon amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)"My City is Gone" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)"I Am A Pilgrim" - Skydiggers (Live at The Spadina Hotel, 1988)"Maybe It's Just Not Good Enough - Skydiggers (Skydiggers, 1990)"Desmond's Hip City" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)"Dear Henry" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)"All of Our Dreaming" - Skydiggers (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003)"Debris" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)"Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 2008)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host (Season 3): Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Whether it's creating Skydiggers classics with his long-time musical compadre Andy Maize, co-writing songs with heavy-hitters in Nashville, or composing music for television, Josh Finlayson places a high value on being a  collaborator. In Josh's words, "...no one has the best ideas always. Anyone can have the best idea at any given moment, and to recognize [that] is what being a good collaborator is all about..."Aside from his 30+ years creating with Andy and Skydiggers, one of Josh's most significant collaborations to date was with his good friend, the late Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip. Josh co-produced and performed on Gord's first solo album, Coke Machine Glow, and remained a bandmate, creative sounding board, and trusted ally—witnessing Gord's fearless strength and boundless creative energy—until the singer's death in 2017 from brain cancer. In this episode, Josh opens up about that relationship, and what he calls "an incredible journey". Songs used in this episode:"The Talk of the Town" - Tom Wilson (Dog Years, 2006)"Chancellor" - Gord Downie (Coke Machine Glow, 2001)"Every Irrelevance" - Gord Downie (Coke Machine Glow, 2001)"River Don't Care" - Gord Downie (Away is Mine, 2020)"Hotel Worth" - Gord Downie (Away is Mine, 2020)"The Stranger" - Gord Downie (Secret Path, 2016)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host (Season 3): Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Before becoming a co-founder of Skydiggers, guitarist/singer/songwriter Josh Finlayson developed a deep love of folk, country and roots music. While listening with admiration to Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia Tyson and others on his Dad's record player (or in the family station wagon),  his connection with the music bloomed. With the positive musical influences of his two older brothers, plus the help of a supportive guitar teacher, Josh gradually developed a sense of the musician and songwriter that he would become. When he and his brother's school friend—a certain singer named Andy Maize—began playing together, everything started to fall into place. The rest is Canadian music history.  Songs used in this episode:"Je t'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)"This Old Town" - Skydiggers (Restless, 1992)"Slow Burning Fire" - Restless (1992)"Why You Been Gone So Long" - Travis Good and Josh Finlayson  (live, at the launch of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Room at So Hip It Hurts, Toronto, 2018).Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host (Season 3): Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"… that is my story - incomplete, but mostly the truth. About 5 guys in a Honda, making music, making memories, with nothing to lose" — Andy Maize ("The Situation")With his new EP Goldslinger, Skydiggers co-founder Andy Maize is once again marking a milestone birthday with a triumphant solo release, and we find him hitting his groove, shaking his booty, and baring his soul.  With these 4 modern classics, Maize looks tenderly to the past while living fully and emphatically in the present. In this conversation with Jane Gowan and Joel Stewart, Andy guides us on a colourful journey that includes lakeside all-nighters, fake (h)its, mid-winter romance, a fight with a mascot, and a ragged young band in a (slightly soiled) minivan. The muse? - a gold-flecked hula hoop.  All killer, no filler!Listen to Goldslinger    Songs used in this episode:"Je t'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)"Goldslinger" - Andy Maize (Goldslinger, 2024)"Fall It All Down" - Andy Maize (Goldslinger, 2024)"You Knock Me Out" - Andy Maize (Goldslinger, 2024)"The Situation" - Andy Maize (Goldslinger, 2024)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Since the early days of the band, Skydiggers have placed a high value on friends, fans, and collaborators. What started over 30 years ago as a few songs on a Monday night at Toronto's Spadina Hotel gradually bloomed, to become a vibrant and joyful community, rich with stories and songs, still thriving and growing today.  In Season 3 of Employee of the Myth, we highlight a few key musical relationships that have developed over the years, beginning with guitarist/songwriter Paul Langlois. As a member of the legendary rock band The Tragically Hip, Paul witnessed Skydiggers' ascent within the Canadian music scene. Much mutual admiration and inspiration ensued. Joining Paul for the conversation is his current bandmate in the Paul Langlois Band—guitarist Greg Ball—along with co-hosts Jane Gowan and Joel Stewart, and Skydiggers co-founders Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson. Paul's new album is called Guess What, and is available wherever you get your fine Canadian rock n roll. More about Paul Langlois:Paul Langlois linktr.eeSongs used in this episode:"Je t'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)"The Face of Time" - Paul Langlois Band (Guess What, 2023)"Will To Fight" - Paul Langlois Band (Guess What, 2023)"Broken Road" - Paul Langlois Band (Fix This Head, 2010)"It Matters To Me" - Paul Langlois Band (Guess What, 2023)"Slow Burning Fire" - Skydiggers (Restless, 1992)Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"This is  a celebration of the two of us making music together...for over 35 years".—Andy Maize"I'm very grateful that people will come and see us and that we've made a connection in the lives of an audience - what a gift that is".—Josh FinlaysonUn peu française, un peu optimiste, the final track on Bide Your Time is a joyous Django Reinhart-meets-Mills Brothers number - the perfect chanson to send us off into the night with a smile in our hearts and a spring in our step. For this track, audio engineer & multi-instrumentalist Tim Vesely (Rheostatics, Violet Archers) joined the fold, playing upright bass and singing harmonies. This is a celebratory finale that finds Skydiggers paying tribute to the the past, being grateful for the present, and anticipating all the music to come.  To cap it all off, you'll be treated to two live-off-the-floor acoustic recordings: From the new album, you'll hear "Je t'aime toujours, mon amour" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ), followed by "Nothing Lasts Forever" (Warmth of the Sun, 2017). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"... it's about the cult of celebrity that we find ourselves in...people who are famous for being famous... one of those people was elected President of the United States." — Andy Maize"Whatever the Cost"—the 5th track on Bide Your Time—reveals a perspective partially ripped from the headlines, but also gleaned from a more panoramic look at society and fame. From stream of consciousness to the Santa Claus Parade, this episode finds Andy and Josh once again unveiling priceless memories and valuable lessons learned from a life spent on stage and in the studio. As always, the importance of friends, family, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour are essential ingredients in a rich career that has allowed them to continue making music that stays true to who they are.You'll also be treated to acoustic live-off-the-floor versions of two songs: From the new album "Whatever The Cost" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ), and "It's a Pity" (Road Radio, 1995). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"When you release [a song] it's no longer yours, so you put it out into the world, and it finds its own path..." —Andy MaizePrivate thoughts, public work: a contrast that many artists and performers encounter, and Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson are no exception. Their ability to step back from their own personal challenges and present an all-embracing picture of the world may be one of their superpowers, but ...they're only human. In "Keep It To Myself", the raw emotions felt after a loss are held close to the chest.  In this episode, Josh and Andy talk about the balance of personal and private. They also touch on of the topics of grief, comfort, social media, road trips, soundtracks, and the essential role played by Josh's rhythm guitar.  You'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: The brand new "Keep It To Myself" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ) and "Northern Shore" (Northern Shore Deluxe, 2012). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"...every time you get up on stage, you try to represent what you're doing, to the best of your abilities. You can have a sh*tty song or a sh*tty set, and then you can turn it around. That's one song at a time...night after night" —Andy MaizeIn this episode, Andy and Josh explain how they stay positive when things get challenging, and how the band can be a safe haven when times are tough. They also talk about their annual Christmas show (a cherished tradition for so many of their fans), and what they might have been if they hadn't become musicians. In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: The brand new "One Song at a Time" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ) and—"All Of Our Dreaming" (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

At once current and timeless, "Just Another Lucky Day" calls out the behaviour of certain people in power and delves into the challenges faced by a divided society, while maintaining a deep warmth and strong melodic foundation. In this episode, Andy and Josh talk pandemic times, working with producer Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), and creating another "classic Skydiggers" track.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "City of Sirens" (City of Sirens 2023 + Andy Maize'sThe History of Forgetting, 2010 ) and—from the brand new EP Bide Your Time—"Just Another Lucky Day". Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson discuss the first track from their new EP, Bide Your Time. They talk about their approaches to 30 years of singing harmonies together, and how they arrived at a "kitchen-party-bluegrass-jam" style for this track. They also reflect on a long-ago tour in the Netherlands with a stungun-toting promoter named "Rudolph", and the time when Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip quoted their song "A Penny More" on Saturday Night Live.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Employee of the Myth" (Bide Your Time, 2023) and "A Penny More" (Restless, 1992). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto.Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson are masters of embracing change and evolution in the creative process. Track 6—“Come to My Senses”—is an example of their ability to keep moving forward, and making music that is fresh, relevant, but still authentic to who they are.In this episode, they reveal how a song written years ago, blossomed in the recording studio with the help of a solid bass line, great musicians (such as trumpet player Daniel Lapp), and a fruitful collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Joby Baker.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Come to My Senses" (Hide Your Light, 2023) and "Warmth of the Sun" (Warmth of the Sun, 2017). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

“A Wednesday meant for broken hearts to mend…” In Episode 5, Andy and Josh discuss finding meaning in the loss of loved ones and the healing power of music.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Anything For You” (Bittersweet Harmony 2003), and "A Wednesday" (Hide Your Light, 2023). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

In this episode we take a nostalgic look back to a time when everything was in front of us…  to the innocence and adventure of youth… the endless days of summer and the endless possibilities of life ahead… “All the time you can't get back… when time is all that you need…”In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Muscle Cars and Sissy Bars” (Hide Your Light 2003), and "I Will Give You Everything" (Skydiggers, 1990). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

EP 3 - Hide Your Light, finds Jane, Josh and Andy shining a light on the EP's title track. In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Hide Your Light” (Hide Your Light, 2023), and "Horseshoe Bay" (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

"Bit by bit, brick by brick, My city is gone..." Josh and Andy discuss the changes that have occurred in Toronto over the years and also touch upon Josh's time in London during the early '80s.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Desmond's Hip City” (Desmond's Hip City, 1997), and "My City is Gone" (Hide Your Light, 2023). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

Episode 1 of Employee of the Myth  features Ronnie Lane's "Debris", the opening track on Skydiggers' new EP, Hide Your Light.“If you'll learn to play an instrument you will always have a friend.” A solid piece of advice from Stanley Lane to his son Ronnie, who would take that advice and turn it into a career writing songs and playing with seminal British bands the Small Faces, Faces and Slim Chance. This is our tip of the cap to the late, great, Ronnie Lane and his tribute to his father. In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Debris”, by Ronnie Lane (Hide Your Light 2023), and "You've Got a Lot of Nerve", by Andrew Cash (Road Radio, 1995). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto. Stream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely