Apollo Suns is an instrumental psychedelic jazz rock collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba, founded by Ed Durocher. Fusing all their influences to create its own unique sounds with the dance-floor in mind.
Best known for their high energy live shows, Apollo Suns have captivated audiences across North America. Most notably at The Winnipeg Jazz Festival, North Country Fair, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, Vermont Jazz Fest and Calgary Stampede and many more. Including support slots for The Comet is Coming, Makaya McCraven, Anomalie, The Brooks, and Five Alarm Funk.
Apollo Suns have self-released three EPs: ‘Each Day a Different Sun’ (2017), ‘Dawn Offerings’ (2019), ‘A Relationship of Force’ (Color Red, 2021), and were awarded “Instrumental Artist of the Year” at Western Canadian Music Awards in both 2018/2020.
In 2022, Apollo Suns returned to the studio with Juno award-winning producer Ben Kaplan (Five Alarm Funk, Mother Mother, The Rare Americans) to record their latest album, ‘Departures’. The band is signed to the Canadian label Do Right Music, home to The Souljazz Orchestra, Soul Motivators, and Luvmenauts.
Over the 2023 the band toured heavily throughout North America while releasing singles Pluto, Serpentine, and Hard Time leading into their debut full length album, ‘Departures’ (Do Right Music!), released on Sept 22nd 2023.
The album was supported by a 43 date North American tour that saw events in Calgary, Nelson, Edmonton, Fredericton, Portland, Missoula, Tacoma, Moncton and Windsor sell out. Serpentine, Pluto and Hard Time were all included on multiple editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. The album received heavy airplay across North America that included 15 consecutive weeks in TOP 10 on the Earshot National TOP 50 and chart consistently on the NACC album chart.
The core group includes Ed Durocher (Guitar), Tim Iskierski (Drums), Aarin Lofstrand (Bass), Jordie Ouelett (Trumpet), Benjamin James Hill (Trombone), Alex Maher (Alto Sax) and Anatol Rennie (Keyboards/Synths). With appearances of many friends from home and the road over the years. Adding new flavours to its sound, there's always something new to be discovered.