Secondhand Dreamcar, an explosive soul/roots/blues band based in Edmonton, is a true superband – a consummate constellation of veterans of Canadian music who have worked on some of the finest jazz, funk, folk, soul, and blues projects ever created in Alberta. Collectively, they craft a distinct, funky, and lyrically-driven sound that journalist and programmer Peter North has deemed the most exciting thing to come out of the city since k.d. lang and the Reclines.
One of CKUA radio’s favourite acts, Secondhand Dreamcar saw its debut album Answer The Call land at Number 6 on the station’s Top 100 albums of 2024. But the band’s true superpower is as a dynamite live act, having cut its teeth as an ensemble in a 9-month residency at Edmonton’s legendary Blues on Whyte club, and since fostering an Alberta-wide, ever-growing following of devotees who never miss a show.
The Dreamcar had a very busy 2025, selling out a two-nighter at Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite and playing a full roster of summer festivals, including the Edmonton Folk Festival and the Calgary Blues Festival. They’ve started off 2026 right, receiving three Canadian Blues Music Awards nominations and a JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year for Answer the Call, and just finished tracking their second album, which will be out in the fall.
Name:
Dana Wylie from Secondhand Dreamcar
Genre:
Contemporary blues/roots/soul
Founded:
2023
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
Answer the Call
Latest Single:
Answer the Call
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Hmmm, there were a lot, and it changed frequently. Kids being susceptible to trends and all.
Favourite musician now:
Our whole band loves the Tedeschi Trucks Band. But here again, there are too many to name.
Guilty pleasure song:
I don’t have any guilt about any of my pleasures.
Live show ritual:
I don’t have one, but sometimes think I should.
Favourite local musician:
Hmmm. It wouldn’t feel right to pick a favourite.
EP or LP?
LP. Nothing beats the sweep of a whole album.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl.
Road or studio?
Both, please. For everything, there is a season
Any shows or albums coming up?
We’re playing at the Ironwood on April 18th, with a few other Alberta shows that week, including one at Edmonton’s Winspear on the 19th. We’ll also be playing several Alberta festivals over the summer, and will release our second album, Get Ready, in the fall.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
We live in Edmonton, and my current favourite restaurant there is Boualouang Thai and Laos Cuisine. (Though this changes frequently.) In Calgary, I’m much less informed but had a great experience stumbling on Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ a few years ago. It was delightful.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
In Edmonton, my favourite street is a small stretch of 110th Avenue, between 92nd and 95th St. I don’t know what the story is there, but the street is quite a bit narrower than any other street in the city, and it makes it feel very cozy and homey to me. A bit like England, where I lived for a few years. In Calgary, I once spent a lovely afternoon tromping around the back streets of Inglewood, south of 9th Ave SE. Hard to put a finger on what I liked about it, but it charmed me thoroughly.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
In Edmonton, the whole of the river valley. It’s the gem of the city, and a gift to those of us who live there. In Calgary, I guess I’d have to go with Prince’s Island Park. Calgary Folk Fest was the first music festival I was ever taken to as a teenager. That was a revelation.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
In Edmonton, right now, I’m going to go with the Yardbird Suite. It’s an institution. In Calgary, again, my knowledge is far from comprehensive, but I always love playing at the Ironwood. Always warm and welcoming.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
For musical supplies and instruments in Edmonton, Myhre’s Music is my go-to. I’m afraid I’m completely ignorant of the music store landscape in Calgary. Would love some recommendations!
