Skydiggers

Active on the Toronto scene since the late 1980s, Skydiggers have crafted a roots-rock sound that blends folk and country, driven by straightforward melodies and finely wrought vocal harmonies. Formed in 1987 around singer Andy Maize and guitarist Josh Finlayson, the band first made its mark in Toronto clubs before touring across Canada. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1990, followed by Restless in 1992 and Just Over This Mountain in 1993, establishing Skydiggers in a space where electric and acoustic guitars play off one another, with songwriting focused on everyday stories and North American landscapes. Despite lineup changes over the years, Skydiggers have remained centered on the Maize/Finlayson duo, gradually steering the sound toward more acoustic textures and leaner arrangements. In the 2010s, the group extended this approach with releases that revisited its influences, such as 2016’s Here Without You: The Songs of Gene Clark, a tribute to the songwriter associated with the Byrds. Still active, Skydiggers continue to alternate between new material, live shows, and special projects within Canada’s rock and folk scene.