Employee of the Myth

Skydiggers

Employee of the Myth is a podcast about beloved roots-rockers, Skydiggers. This is a perfect listening companion while walking the dog, washing the dishes or driving to your favourite unspecified destination. Prepare to amaze your friends with your “behind the scenes” knowledge of one of Canada's favourite bands!
Season 1 & 2 : Hide Your Light, Bid Your Time (episodes 1-12)
Each episode in the first two seasons explores the new album, released in 2023. The conversations aim to place the songs in context of the more than 35 years that co-founders Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson have been writing, recording and performing together. Each episode features one of the new songs paired with another song from the band's catalogue, performed acoustically by Andy and Josh in the welcoming confines of the Woodshed recording studio in Toronto, ON.
Season 3: Community
This season highlights the vibrant and rich friendships and collaborations that have developed over the band's 30+ years of playing music.

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Top 10 Employee of the Myth Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Employee of the Myth episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Employee of the Myth for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Employee of the Myth episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

15 - Josh Finlayson, Part 1: Under the Influences

Employee of the Myth

06/07/24 • 37 min

Before becoming a co-founder of Skydiggers, guitarist/singer/songwriter Josh Finlayson developed a deep love of folk, country and roots music. While listening with admiration to Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia Tyson and others on his Dad's record player (or in the family station wagon), his connection with the music bloomed. With the positive musical influences of his two older brothers, plus the help of a supportive guitar teacher, Josh gradually developed a sense of the musician and songwriter that he would become. When he and his brother's school friend—a certain singer named Andy Maize—began playing together, everything started to fall into place. The rest is Canadian music history.
Songs used in this episode:

"Je t'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)
"This Old Town" - Skydiggers (Restless, 1992)
"Slow Burning Fire" - Skydiggers (Restless, 1992)
"Why You Been Gone So Long" - Travis Good and Josh Finlayson (live, at the launch of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Room at So Hip It Hurts, Toronto, 2018).

Stream, download, and follow Skydiggers
Employee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers Productions
Featuring: Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson
Producer & co-host: Joel Stewart
Host and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)
Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely

18 - Jim Cuddy: Appreciating the Journey

Employee of the Myth

07/26/24 • 69 min

"Blue Rodeo...were at the vanguard of creating a national movement of roots music...that really captured peoples' imaginations in the late 80s early 90s, and continues to this day" — Andy Maize
"The thing about community is that there are a lot of opportunities to give...[The] Christmas show from Skydiggers always feels like a gift... like [they're] doing this as an offering...Their band has never really let me down. I listen to every record and I think 'good on ya boys, you did again'. That show is like that too - one thing after another that's given to the audience, and it's not about their career, it's about this offering at a very important time of year"— Jim Cuddy
Loyalty, gratitude, and a belief in living fully: These are some of the things that motivate and inspire musician, singer, and songwriter Jim Cuddy. His new album All The World Fades Away (June, 2024) is—in his words—a "fictionalized memoir". It's a collection of personal and poignant songs infused with appreciation of life, love, family, and friendship.
Please enjoy this special conversation with guest Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. Featuring Andy Maize, Jane Gowan, Joel Stewart, and Tim Vesely.
This episode is a co-production between Music Buddy and Employee of the Myth.
Music samples in this episode:
"Learn to Live Alone" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)
"Second Son" - Jim Cuddy (All In Time, 1998)
"Everyday Angels" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)
"Will I Be Waiting" - Jim Cuddy (The Light That Guides You Home, 2006)
"Arizona Dust" - Jim Cuddy (The Things We Left Behind, 2009)
"Bad Timing" - Blue Rodeo (Five Days in July, 1993)
"Torn" - Jim Cuddy (All The World Fades Away, 2024)
More about Jim Cuddy at jimcuddy.com
More about Blue Rodeo at bluerodeo.com

20 - A Christmas Story

Employee of the Myth

12/16/24 • 64 min

In this special episode, you'll hear from all the current members of this beloved Canadian roots rock ensemble. In order of appearance, Andy Maize, Jessy Bell Smith, Noel Webb, Josh Finlayson, Derrick Brady, Aaron Comeau and Michael Johnston offer thoughts, highlights, and fond remembrances of the annual Skydiggers Christmas Show - a much-celebrated seasonal highlight in Toronto, Ontario.
The tradition continues! - the next Skydiggers' Christmas show is Saturday, Dec 21, 2024 at The Danforth Music Hall. Tickets available here.
This episode was recorded in October, 2024 at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio, during the Skydiggers' recording session for their next studio album.
Songs used in this episode:
“Good King Wenceslas” (Trad.) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“Barbara Allan” (Trad.) - A Christmas Carol, 1951
“Christmas in Prison” (John Prine) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“The Holly and the Ivy” (Trad.) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“2000 Miles” (Chrissie Hynde) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“Remember Me” (Finlayson/Maize) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“Church Bells Ringing (Christmas in the City)” (Charlie Angus) - Skydiggers, Angels (2014)
“Fairytale of New York” (Finer/MacGowan) - performed by Jim Cuddy and Skydiggers at the Skydiggers’ Xmas show (Danforth Music Hall, 2023). Filmed and posted on Youtube by ShakyShorty.
“Start Again” (Norman Blake) - Teenage Fanclub (Songs from Northern Britain, 1997)

And if you're looking for more seasonal fun, check out Andy Maize's priceless "Santa Claus Parade" story in Episode 11!

17 - Ron Macey: Always a Skydigger

Employee of the Myth

07/05/24 • 58 min

"At the end of the day, that's all there is. It's friends and community, or else you're on a desert island all by yourself" — Ron Macey
"Ronny came down [to The Spadina Hotel] to check us out. We did our set, and after, I said to Josh, "I don't give a sh•t how he plays, he looks so fantastic, he's in the band". — Andy Maize
In the days of classified ads and land lines, a young and dashing Ron Macey put a callout in the back of NOW magazine, looking for a band that might need an "average bass player" (his words, not ours). Andy saw the ad, and Josh dialled the number. Before long, Ron became Skydiggers' first bassist. In doing so, he found good friends, a musical family, and a path he'd follow for many years—and several albums—to come.
Recorded on location, mid-tour, in Vancouver, B.C. Please enjoy a special conversation with Ron Macey a.k.a. "Ronny von Johnny" a.k.a. "The West Coast Millionaire". It's sweet, it's salty, it's Skydiggers.
Songs used in this episode:

"Je t'aime toujours, mon amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)
"My City is Gone" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)
"I Am A Pilgrim" - Skydiggers (Live at The Spadina Hotel, 1988)
"Maybe It's Just Not Good Enough - Skydiggers (Skydiggers, 1990)
"Desmond's Hip City" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)
"Dear Henry" - Skydiggers (Desmond's Hip City, 1997)
"All of Our Dreaming" - Skydiggers (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003)
"Debris" - Skydiggers (Hide Your Light, 2023)
"Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 2008)

12 - Bide Your Time: "Je t'aime toujours, mon amour"

Employee of the Myth

12/05/23 • 20 min

"This is a celebration of the two of us making music together...for over 35 years".
—Andy Maize
"I'm very grateful that people will come and see us and that we've made a connection in the lives of an audience - what a gift that is".
—Josh Finlayson
Un peu française, un peu optimiste, the final track on Bide Your Time is a joyous Django Reinhart-meets-Mills Brothers number - the perfect chanson to send us off into the night with a smile in our hearts and a spring in our step. For this track, audio engineer & multi-instrumentalist Tim Vesely (Rheostatics, Violet Archers) joined the fold, playing upright bass and singing harmonies.
This is a celebratory finale that finds Skydiggers paying tribute to the the past, being grateful for the present, and anticipating all the music to come.
To cap it all off, you'll be treated to two live-off-the-floor acoustic recordings: From the new album, you'll hear "Je t'aime toujours, mon amour" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ), followed by "Nothing Lasts Forever" (Warmth of the Sun, 2017). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

11 - Bide Your Time: "Whatever The Cost"

Employee of the Myth

11/21/23 • 25 min

"... it's about the cult of celebrity that we find ourselves in...people who are famous for being famous... one of those people was elected President of the United States." — Andy Maize
"Whatever the Cost"—the 5th track on Bide Your Time—reveals a perspective partially ripped from the headlines, but also gleaned from a more panoramic look at society and fame.
From stream of consciousness to the Santa Claus Parade, this episode finds Andy and Josh once again unveiling priceless memories and valuable lessons learned from a life spent on stage and in the studio. As always, the importance of friends, family, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour are essential ingredients in a rich career that has allowed them to continue making music that stays true to who they are.
You'll also be treated to acoustic live-off-the-floor versions of two songs: From the new album "Whatever The Cost" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ), and "It's a Pity" (Road Radio, 1995). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

10 - Bide Your Time: "Keep It To Myself"

Employee of the Myth

11/07/23 • 30 min

"When you release [a song] it's no longer yours, so you put it out into the world, and it finds its own path..." —Andy Maize
Private thoughts, public work: a contrast that many artists and performers encounter, and Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson are no exception. Their ability to step back from their own personal challenges and present an all-embracing picture of the world may be one of their superpowers, but ...they're only human. In "Keep It To Myself", the raw emotions felt after a loss are held close to the chest.
In this episode, Josh and Andy talk about the balance of personal and private. They also touch on of the topics of grief, comfort, social media, road trips, soundtracks, and the essential role played by Josh's rhythm guitar.
You'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: The brand new "Keep It To Myself" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ) and "Northern Shore" (Northern Shore Deluxe, 2012). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

9 - Bide Your Time: "One Song at a Time"

Employee of the Myth

10/24/23 • 29 min

"...every time you get up on stage, you try to represent what you're doing, to the best of your abilities. You can have a sh*tty song or a sh*tty set, and then you can turn it around. That's one song at a time...night after night" —Andy Maize
In this episode, Andy and Josh explain how they stay positive when things get challenging, and how the band can be a safe haven when times are tough. They also talk about their annual Christmas show (a cherished tradition for so many of their fans), and what they might have been if they hadn't become musicians.
In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: The brand new "One Song at a Time" (Bide Your Time, 2023 ) and—"All Of Our Dreaming" (Bittersweet Harmony, 2003). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

8 - Bide Your Time: "Just Another Lucky Day"

Employee of the Myth

10/10/23 • 24 min

At once current and timeless, "Just Another Lucky Day" calls out the behaviour of certain people in power and delves into the challenges faced by a divided society, while maintaining a deep warmth and strong melodic foundation.
In this episode, Andy and Josh talk pandemic times, working with producer Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), and creating another "classic Skydiggers" track.
In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "City of Sirens" (City of Sirens 2023 + Andy Maize'sThe History of Forgetting, 2010 ) and—from the brand new EP Bide Your Time—"Just Another Lucky Day". Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto, Ontario.

7 - Bide Your Time: "Employee of the Myth"

Employee of the Myth

09/26/23 • 23 min

Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson discuss the first track from their new EP, Bide Your Time. They talk about their approaches to 30 years of singing harmonies together, and how they arrived at a "kitchen-party-bluegrass-jam" style for this track. They also reflect on a long-ago tour in the Netherlands with a stungun-toting promoter named "Rudolph", and the time when Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip quoted their song "A Penny More" on Saturday Night Live.In addition to the interview, you'll also hear Andy and Josh perform two songs: "Employee of the Myth" (Bide Your Time, 2023) and "A Penny More" (Restless, 1992). Both tracks are recorded by Tim Vesely, live-off-the-floor at the Woodshed Studio in Toronto.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Employee of the Myth have?

Employee of the Myth currently has 20 episodes available.

What topics does Employee of the Myth cover?

The podcast is about People, Canada, Music, Community, Friendship, Podcasts, Toronto and Interviews.

What is the most popular episode on Employee of the Myth?

The episode title '12 - Bide Your Time: "Je t'aime toujours, mon amour"' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Employee of the Myth?

The average episode length on Employee of the Myth is 35 minutes.

How often are episodes of Employee of the Myth released?

Episodes of Employee of the Myth are typically released every 14 days.

When was the first episode of Employee of the Myth?

The first episode of Employee of the Myth was released on Jul 4, 2023.

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Employee of the Myth

Skydiggers

Top 10 Employee of the Myth Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Employee of the Myth have?

What topics does Employee of the Myth cover?

What is the most popular episode on Employee of the Myth?

What is the average episode length on Employee of the Myth?

How often are episodes of Employee of the Myth released?

When was the first episode of Employee of the Myth?

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