Calgary Stampede Review By Route 33
Route 33 performed at the famous Calgary Stampede in Alberta this year, and they're giving Countrytown readers an insight into one of the world’s largest country music festivals.
Route 33 (Supplied)
It’s been just over a month since Route 33 made their debut at the legendary Calgary Stampede, and the Queensland country duo are still riding high from their first international festival appearance.
Mates Jock Barnes and Trent McArdle first bonded over sport before discovering a shared love for music and forming Route 33. Since dropping their debut single Last First Kiss in 2016, they’ve become staples on the Australian country circuit lighting up stages at CMC Rocks, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster and more.
They’ve put in the miles, gigging across the country and building a fanbase the old-fashioned way through high-energy live shows and heartfelt songwriting. But stepping onto the world stage at Calgary’s iconic festival? That hit differently.
With millions of streams, two #1 ARIA Country Albums in the past five years, and now an international festival under their belts, Route 33 are proving that these Brissie boys are more than ready to take their sound global.
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Calgary Stampede Review by Route 33
The Stampede’s always been one of those dream experiences. We figured maybe one day we’d make it over as tourists just to take it all in, but to get invited to play? That’s next level.
To make it even more special, we were the only Aussie country act on the bill this year. Flying the flag for Australia on one of the biggest country stages in the world? That’s something we’ll never forget.
We got to play on the Coca-Cola Stage in front of a super enthusiastic crowd. They were all in from the first note, even though most of them didn’t know who we were, they leaned in, clapped along, and made us feel so welcome, the vibe was unreal.
One of the biggest takeaways from the Stampede for us was how much Canadians remind us of Aussies. They’re chilled out, love a yarn, love their music, and they know how to have a good time. It’s so like Australia, but just with more maple syrup and moose souvenirs.
While we were there, we caught up with some of our good Canadian mates The Dungarees who have toured Australia before and totally get the vibe of the Aussie scene. Plus it’s always good to run into familiar faces halfway across the world.
One of the standout moments of the trip came when Brandi Sidoryk from Canadian band Nice Horse jumped in on guitar. She became the first female guitarist to ever play with us and she absolutely crushed it. Smashed every note, brought the energy, and felt like part of the band straight away. We would’ve packed her in our suitcase if we could!
As for the Stampede itself? It’s huge… like Tamworth meets the Ekka meets the Wild West. Think rodeos, rollercoasters, deep-fried everything, wall-to-wall music, and fireworks lighting up the sky while Shania Twain belts out the hits.
We’re back home now and are already dreaming of a return trip to Canada, but in the means time we’re heading back into the studio and working on something special for you all soon.
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