My CountryTown: Tyler Del Pino - Winnipeg, Canada

Regional towns are in our blood here at CountryTown! From Kurri Kurri to Broome. We love the amazing country musicians our regional centres produce – but we mustn’t forget the quality artists who come from distant shores too – so, for the first time, My CountryTown goes international!

Singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Tyler Del Pino was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada. Jumping Out of the Nest – about doing away with any fear of going against the grain, taking a leap of faith, and recognising reassurance in companionship – is the second single off his current EP In The End, which features a collection of songs for the dreamers and vagabonds searching for purpose.

To get to know Tyler a little better, we’ve asked what he loves about his hometown, Winnipeg!

1. Cold but fun ... like your high school crush

Every winter Winnipeg braces for the inevitable -40 degree snap week where you don’t leave your house for days. While the temperature can certainly expedite a case of the winter blues, no matter what the weather, Winnipeg knows how to party - it’s filled with some of the kindest, most genuine people around, hell our license plates even say “Friendly Manitoba!”

2. Vibrant arts and culture scene

Winnipeg is known for having a very rich arts and culture community. It is the hometown of Neil Young and The Guess Who, and is home to many festivals. Most notably, Winnipeg Folk Festival is a 4-day long music and arts festival where you camp out and be a total hippie for a few days. The whole city shuts down for it!

3. Honey dill sauce

Winnipeg is home to one of the greatest condiments ever invented. For those who don’t know what this is, buckle up for a life hack that will make you the most popular person at the next dinner party; honey dill sauce is equal parts honey, mayonnaise, mixed with a few pinches of dill weed. Brilliant when paired with a plate of chicken fingers and is also a surprisingly good alternative to ketchup on french fries.

4. Let’s dance with Mary Jane

It’s always felt like marijuana’s been legal here. Whether by cookie, vape, spliff, or pipe, every human I know consumes it pretty openly and no one bats an eyelid. Since legalisation in Canada, Winnipeg has wasted no time setting up smoke shops all over the city so you’re never too far from getting some green if you’re in a pinch.

5. We breed foodies

We have a brimming culinary scene! There’s a ton of great restaurants and craft breweries offering an authentic experience that are locally owned. Whether you want a greasy burger and fries from a decrepit shack or a brilliant Asian fusion experience, this small city has you covered. And our local beers are bangers!

Follow Tyler on his Facebook page here.

For more of our My CountryTown series, check out here.