Iconic songwriter Harlan Howard believed that songs exist in the air all around us— a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit behind Skydiggers’ forthcoming studio album, Dreams & Second Chances. Born from spontaneous sessions with no advance charts and no road-tested material, the album’s 14 new tracks emerged organically, marking a fresh chapter for the beloved roots rock band.
Set for release on May 9, 2025, Dreams & Second Chances is officially announced today alongside the album’s second single, “Snow Blind” — a striking blend of Peter, Paul and Mary harmonies with the raw energy of The Who, resulting in what can only be described as a marriage made in rock ’n’ roll heaven.
All I see
Is blinding me
From what I know
It’s touch and go
“Snow Blind is about the memory of driving through a winter storm in white out conditions on a country highway. The snow against the car windshield is hypnotic and mesmerizing. And the blind faith required as you white knuckle your way through it,” shares songwriter and band member Josh Finlayson. He adds, “This was the first song we recorded for Dreams & Second Chances, and I believe it was the first take we did. A good start and a great band performance.”
The new single follows the release of the album’s title track this past February, which coincided with the announcement of Skydiggers’ upcoming album release tour. The run includes a special hometown performance at Toronto’s iconic Concert Hall on May 31, where the band will be joined by special guests Brooks and Bowskill for what promises to be an unforgettable night of music. Additional stops include Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, Saint John, Halifax, and Charlottetown.
DREAMS & SECOND CHANCES 2025 TOUR
May 22 – Peterborough, ON – Market Hall
May 23 – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre (Capital Music Week)
May 24 – Kingston, ON – The Broom Factory
May 31 – Toronto, ON – The Concert Hall (w/ Brooks and Bowskill)
June 5 – Saint John, NB – Area 506
June 6 – Halifax, NS – Light House Arts Centre
June 7 – Charlottetown, PE – Trailside Music Hall
Tickets are available now at https://skydiggers.com/tour/.
Surrounded by trees on three sides and water on the fourth, Tragically Hip’s studio, The Bathouse, is a setting without distraction. The silence of the vast lake provided the perfect tone for what was to occur. The creation would begin when each song was first played in the studio’s kitchen by Josh with a guitar and Andy’s voice — many of these songs heard by the larger group for the first time.
After a quick huddle, the musicians would move to their stations. There was little time to think. Most importantly, there was little time to overthink. What followed was instinct. What unfolded is a magical euphoric reflection of the chemistry that these musicians have developed over years of beautiful nights in the nation’s most beautiful soft seaters and the country’s most gin soaked bar rooms. Yes, their sound has evolved. The acoustic guitar, harmony-guided Skydiggers sound of our youth is still an arrow that is in the band’s quiver, but now there is more.
Led by original bandmates Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson, and featuring Noel Webb on drums, Derrick Brady on bass, Jessy Bell Smith on vocals, Aaron Comeau on guitars, and Michael Johnston on keyboards, Dreams & Second Chances reveals these Skydiggers at the peak of their ability – a collective with the intrinsic ability of finish each others musical sentences and weave a sound that is uniquely their own.
Dreams & Second Chances Tracklisting:
1. Dreams and Second Chances
(Andy Maize / Michael Johnston)
2. Start Again
(Josh Finlayson)
3. Mother’s Pocket
(Jessy Bell Smith)
4. Snow Blind
(Josh Finlayson)
5. Chase the Sun
(Josh Finlayson / Tom Wilson / Thompson Wilson)
6. Light on the Water
(Jessy Bell Smith)
7. I Love You, Too, Maybe…
(Andy Maize / Michael Johnston)
8. Don’t Change a Good Mind
(Josh Finlayson)
9. We Just Carry On
(Josh Finlayson / Andy Maize)
10. Walk With the Stars
(Josh Finlayson / Jim Bryson)
11. One, Maybe Two, Maybe…
(Andy Maize / Michael Johnston)
12. Quiet Mind
(Josh Finlayson / Michael Johnston)
13. Broken Year
(Jessy Bell Smith)
14. All Good All the Time
(Andy Maize)
