The Northern Pikes

The Northern Pikes originated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan during 1983, emerging from the remnants of three prairie bands known as the Idols, Seventeen Envelope, and Doris Daye. They put out a pair of self-funded independent records titled Northern Pikes and Scene in North America, drawing interest from Virgin Records Canada amid its expansion of domestic artists. A six-album international contract followed in 1985, leading to their first major-label effort Big Blue Sky, which included the tracks and accompanying videos "Teenland" and "The Things I Do for Money." That same year brought opening slots on tours with Duran Duran, David Bowie, and the Fixx, propelling the group toward global recognition. Their subsequent release, Secrets of the Alibi, did not match that level of excitement, though British pop star Robert Palmer recognized their promise and invited them to support his 1989 North American tour. Snow in June arrived as their third major album in 1990, marking a return to form through three Top 40 successes: "She Ain't Pretty," "Girl with a Problem," and "Kiss Me You Fool." This project featured mixing by Hugh Padgham and Bob Clearmountain along with production from Rick Hutt, Fraser Hill, and the Northern Pikes, plus notable contributions from Garth Hudson of the Band and John Sebastian of Lovin' Spoonful. Virgin America declined to issue it stateside, prompting a 1991 release via Scotti Brothers, after which it achieved double platinum status. Neptune came out in 1992 containing the successful single "Believe," yet the Pikes halted activities the next year following the exit of leader Jay Semko. They regrouped in 1999 to promote the retrospective Hits & Assorted Secrets: 1984 - 1993, and independently delivered their sixth studio album Truest Inspiration two years later. It's a Good Life appeared in 2003, while 2007 saw collaboration with Canadian survival expert, filmmaker, and musician Les Stroud on the EP Les Stroud & The Pikes: Long Way Home. During 2017, Jay Semko, Bryan Potvin, Don Schmid, and Grapes of Wrath's Kevin Kane embarked on a nationwide tour marking the 30th anniversary of their debut album Big Blue Sky.