Great Big Sea

Great Big Sea came together in Newfoundland, drawing on the region's seafaring traditions. Their music often mixed old folk tunes with a rock feel, and songs like 'The Last Shanty' and 'Consequence Free' became familiar to their listeners. The band included Alan Doyle, Bob Hallett, Sean McCann, and Darrell Power.

They put out albums like 'Up' in 1993 and 'Play' in 1997. Their sound wasn't exactly traditional or entirely modern, but it had a straightforward, energetic quality that worked well live. Tracks such as 'Good People' and 'Lucky Me' kept things grounded in everyday stories rather than grand themes.

At times, their choices sparked debate, like a 2009 concert that drew criticism. But mostly, they were known for a direct, communal style that avoided over-polishing. The music held onto a certain roughness, which fit the material.