Okotoks artists Alaunt and blnkCadet are making lots of noise in Calgary and beyond with their music.
The musicians, Eric Gallant and Connor Smith, respectively, have been busy consistently releasing music while putting on shows and events at venues across the city.
Before moving to Calgary, the two released music and performed together as Okotoks-based duo Tokes.
“The whole start of our music career was with Tokes,” said Gallant. “Getting the support of Okotoks, you know, it definitely feels like home always."
Both graduated from Foothills Composite, Gallant in 2019 and Smith in 2020.
They will soon be taking their sound across Canada and working with prominent Vancouver-based artists, but their hometown continues to inspire them both as a duo and as solo artists.
As Alaunt, Gallant produces dance and electronic music. He cites metal band Pantera and rapper XXXTENTACION as key inspirations.
“We still make songs together but we wanted to do our own solo sound,” said Gallant. “Our last song was sort of a New Year's wrap, it was called Dance.”
Smith creates alternative music through the moniker blnkCadet, and is inspired by Radiohead and singer Noah Kahan.
“Involvement within the community was one thing we always found super important,” said Smith. “I know it’s something we really do wanna push.”
The two artists have grown a substantial following and will be visiting Vancouver on Jan. 18 to collaborate with renowned artists Tashi and Eric Repaid.
As Alaunt and blnkCadet continue to make big steps in the music scene, they are committed to representing their hometown of Okotoks.
“We always wanted to push Tokes as a small-town Alberta group,” said Smith. “Once we get back into Tokes, it’s going to be a wave.”
Alaunt’s new song Pick My Battles comes out Jan. 19, and blnkCadet is releasing his single So Close on Jan. 26.
