ROYAL STRAYS

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ROYAL STRAYS

consists of Alternative Tentacles recording artist Ani Kyd Wolf with the fierce rhythm section of Sons Of Freedom, Don Binns and Don Short. 

This unique three piece swings through sounds of dark cabaret to haunting country and everything in between while creating their own sound. This new project sounds more like a combination of 16 Horsepower meets Portishead than their driving heavy previous sonic adventures of yesterday,

Don Binns plays Acoustic guitar and piano as his main instruments in this trio. Don Short is a versatile brilliant drummer, utilizing his brushes and jazz chops in these songs, while Ani Kyd Wolf pulls out her haunting vocals that weave through the songs in a somewhat untypical way. 

August 2024 they recorded their debut album with producer Dave Rave Ogilvie at the iconic Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver. While recording they shot footage for their documentary that will accompany the release of their debut album in 2025

Don Binns and Don Short 

have been a west coast Canadian, drum and bass duo for over 40 years. Ever since their first band together “Buick Makane” in the early 1980’s. In 1986 they formed SONS OF FREEDOM with Jim Newton and Don Harrison. S.O.F became a huge success in Canada. They were nominated for a Juno in 1989 for their debut album and remained a powerhouse of a band for over 10 years until their split in 1995. 

After the demise of S.O.F, the powerful rhythm section continued to work together on other projects such as BLACK EYE BUDDAH, 2 PRECIOUS, TRAILERHAWK and as part of LEE AARON’S back up band in 1994.

                                                                                         Photo by Joe Koonz III