Painting Daisies recorded their most recent album “Phonography” at Randy Bachman’s (BTO/The Guess Who) studio equipped with the production genius of Joby Baker (Cowboy Junkies/Mae Moore). The sound is the result of 10 grueling years on the road, reflected in the aggressive slide guitar of Rachelle van Zanten, the songwriting smarts of Daisy Blue Groff, and Kim Gryba’s extensive experience behind the drum kit.
Their second album, “Fortissimo”, was self-released in 2000. The group toured Iceland, Holland, Germany and the US following its release. “Fortissimo” was nominated for 4 Prairie Music Awards, and Painting Daisies walked away with “Entertainers of the Year” beating out Nickelback, Jann Arden and Wide Mouth Mason.
Having gotten together in early 1995 as an acoustical duo between Rachelle van Zanten (guitar/vocals) and Daisy Blue Groff (guitar/vocals), Painting Daisies didn’t officially take off until Carolyn Fortowsky (bass) and Kim Gryba (drums) were eventually recruited.
The band’s first album, “Flambescence”, debuted in 1998 following 3 cross-country tours of their native Canada. “Flambescence” won an ARIA award for “best new folk record”.
After another extensive tour of Europe and the US, the band won CBC’s “Great Canadian Music Dream”. Competing against 4,000 acts across Canada, the ladies won their own TV show with guest Randy Bachman (The Guess Who/BTO) that was nominated for “Best TV Special” at the Gemini Awards.
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