Drawing inspiration from Blues, Folk and Greco-Roman Bossa Nova, Waldo Poblano blends a swampy sensibility to a soundtrack dredged from the depths of Edmonton’s only haunted puddle. Waldo Poblano weaves lyrical character studies that explore themes of desire, shame and the pendulum swing between vilified and starry eyed selves.

Initially the solo project of Ryan Korbutt, Waldo Poblano released the basement recorded EP “Preserved In Wax” in September 2018. After roaming Edmonton’s open mic circuit, Korbutt banded efforts with percussionist Ryan Donaldson. Together they began re-imagining Korbutt’s junk-drawer sound to coax tapping feet to come dancing out of the woodwork.

A dancing stew of syncopated guitar, peppery bass, propulsive drums and Korbutt’s gravelly vocals - Waldo Poblano delivers a visceral and dynamic live show while maintaining the furnace room roots that initially inspired Korbutt’s writing.

To better portray this new sound, the band recorded their follow up EP “Mothballs & Manifestos” at Benalto Sound with Producer/Engineer Nich Davies. Released in May 2020, the EP was met with praise and radio play on CJSR and CKUA. Jeshaiah David of the Cups N Cakes music blog described the EP as:

“A dark and menacing folk & blues that is led by the rich voice of Ryan Korbutt who really leans into the grit the band creates. Mothballs & Manifestos is a toe tapping, story telling EP that is good down-to-earth music that everyone could rally around.”

Throughout the past couple years, Waldo Poblano has ventured from Edmonton gigs into the Alberta festival circuit; playing at North Country Fair, Waynestock, Summer Rush, Hi-Light Festival and Highlandia. With their newest single, Couch Potato Pleas, Vol. 2 being released in March of 2024, Waldo Poblano has plans to release even more new music later this year.

Waldo Poblano is:

Ryan Korbutt: Vocals/Songwriting/Composition / Hot-Sauce
Ryan Donaldson: Percussion / Music Video / Hot-Sauce
Randi Gallipeau: Keys
Daniel Watson: Bass

Located on Treaty 6 Territory.