Two small town folks,
a guitar and a dream...
DANNO WIKLUND
// all the guitars
vocals/lyricist
Borrowing influences from the song writing greats we’ve all grown to know and love, Dan carefully and meticulously weaves together melodic and memorable music that hints at the familiar but generously serves up a healthy plate of originality – leaving the listener with something new and fresh!
With emphasis on guitar driven music of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, Dan has found his niche in the music world and has developed a style that is truly unique and engaging. Combining these elements with his confident singing delivery results in a musical culmination of throw-back era, outlaw based country/rock Canadiana.
Whether he’s wailin’ like Jennings or cookin’ up the stage like Cash,
Dan is a man possessed with a red hot sound that hooks your attention and grabs hold!
MELODY
WIKLUND
// vocals/lyricist
hand percussion
​
Inspired by the true power singers of the 60's, 70's & 80's - Melody has a raspy, yet dynamic vocal style that commands attention. You will hear elements of Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Alannah Myles, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner & Cher... even June Carter will make an appearance. Just when you think you know who she sounds like, she switches gears and you are left guessing again. One thing is for sure, her vocal abilities are the real deal - no auto tune here.
If you are sitting across the room, she'll draw you in with a whisper, if you are up close, she'll blast through the dang wall. Either way, she's a wild fire set on whiskey soaked ice with grit in her teeth and passion in her soul.
And man... can she shake those maracas!
​
Based in Red Deer, AB musical soul mates Dan & Melody Wiklund have harmonized and traveled all over central & western Canada and parts of the US, playing, writing and recording original music with their award winning, acoustic duo project: WIKLUND vs WIKLUND.
They are small town folk who grew up in the prairie hills of southern Manitoba, who left their humble country beginnings on a pursuit to carve out a little piece of the performance life together in the rocky mountains of Alberta. Since branching out as a duo in 2017, the Wiklund's have accumulated hundreds of live performances under their belt, including opening for Julian Austin and Charlie Major at the Tailcreek Mud & Music Festival in Alix, AB. (2017). 2018 proved to be a busy year for the pair, with the release of their debut album "Love Aches" along with a music video for their feature song Deer Hunter plus a western Canadian tour - their efforts resulted in a win at 2018 Red Deer Entertainment Awards for best group/duo.
To keep the momentum going, the pair hit the road and accumulated an impressive itinerary of 90 performances in 2019 alone. Some highlights included the Canada Winter Games (Red Deer, AB 2019), the Mayor's Recognition Award Ceremony, as well as pop up performances in Austin, TX during the DIY Music Conference (2019). Towards the end of the year, the pair scored an amazing opportunity to open for Canadian icon Kim Mitchell on Halloween as part of the Bo's Roadhouse "Big Band Small Venue" Series. Another highlight was performing a 45 min acoustic showcase in Brooklyn, NY as part of the MONDO NYC Business Summit & Music Festival.
With an infectious energy and raw honesty, this contemporary roots duo posses a classic sound reminiscent of 70’s & 80’s folk rock with a twang of country tossed in. They pride themselves in creating catchy & soulful songs connecting with all types of folk… the young and the young at heart. They crack jokes and carry a back n’ forth banter that only a feisty married couple could do! Mix that with hooky guitar riffs, heartfelt lyrics, searing vocals, wonderfully blended harmonies and maybe the odd kazoo solo – Wiklund vs Wiklund will make ya “kick up your heels and hit ya right in the feels!”
