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High Valley

High Valley is a Canadian band led by Rempel, formerly a duo with his brother Rempel (and originally a including their brother Bryan), known for their blend of traditional , , and contemporary Christian influences, characterized by tight harmonies, upbeat rhythms, and faith-inspired lyrics. Originating from the rural Mennonite community of Blumenort near , , the band began as a project when the Rempel brothers—initially a including their older sibling Bryan—started performing together as teenagers, drawing from their roots and the pretend radio shows hosted as a child. The group self-released their debut , Broken Borders, in 2007, which fused elements with modern sounds and marked their entry into the Canadian music scene. By 2010, they issued their self-titled sophomore under Open Road Recordings, followed by Love Is a Long Road (2012) and County Line (2014), the latter earning them broader acclaim for hits like "She's With Me." In 2014, Bryan departed to pursue solo endeavors, transitioning High Valley into a duo that signed with Provident Label Group, a division of , leading to their major-label debut Dear Life (2016), which peaked at No. 37 on the chart and featured the CCMA Award-winning single "Make You Mine." The duo has amassed multiple Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, including Group or Duo of the Year in 2015 with additional nominations in subsequent years, solidifying their status as one of Canada's premier acts with a loyal fanbase across . Subsequent releases include the acoustic Farmhouse Sessions (2018), Grew Up on That (2020), and Way Back (2022), the latter showcasing their evolution toward more pop-infused anthems while maintaining thematic focus on family, faith, and rural life. Following Rempel's departure in 2021, the band now operates under Brad Rempel's leadership. As of 2025, High Valley remains active, releasing singles such as "Along for the Ride" in October and "I'm Leavin' You" earlier in the year, both of which highlight their signature storytelling and vocal interplay. They announced the Paradise & Hurricanes Tour for March 2026, promising high-energy live performances that have become a hallmark of their career, with past tours supporting artists like and participating in events such as the 2019 Tour alongside .

History

Formation and early career (1997–2010)

High Valley was formed in 1997 by brothers Brad Rempel (lead vocals and guitar), Bryan Rempel (vocals and guitar), and Curtis Rempel (vocals and ) in the rural Mennonite community of Blumenort, , near the hamlet of . The trio grew up in a traditional Mennonite environment that emphasized faith-based , drawing early influences from family sing-alongs around the dinner table and performances at local church events and camps. The band's name originated from Brad Rempel's childhood imagination; as a young boy, he hosted pretend radio shows on the family farm and dubbed his fictional band "High Valley" after a scenic valley near their home. The brothers began performing together as teenagers, initially focusing on Christian country material. Their debut independent , Reflect, was self-released in 2001 after recording sessions in Nashville, capturing their youthful harmonies and acoustic-driven sound rooted in traditions. This release laid the groundwork for their entry into the scene, though it remained largely regional in distribution. In 2007, High Valley issued their follow-up self-released album, Broken Borders, which blended country storytelling with bluegrass instrumentation and earned critical recognition in faith-based circles. The album won two GMA Canada Covenant Awards: Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year and Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year for "Back to You." These accolades, presented by the Gospel Music Association of Canada, highlighted the band's growing presence in the Christian country genre and helped secure opening slots for established artists like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban during early tours. By 2008, High Valley had signed with the Canadian label Open Road Recordings, enabling broader production resources while preserving their core sound. Their label debut, the self-titled album High Valley, arrived in 2010 and signaled a subtle evolution toward mainstream country appeal, incorporating more polished arrangements alongside signature vocal harmonies and banjo-driven tracks. Throughout the late , the band built a foundation through regional tours across , performing at churches, fairs, and small venues to cultivate a dedicated audience in the Christian country circuits.

Rise in Canada and lineup shift (2011–2014)

In 2012, High Valley released their third studio , Love Is a Long Road, through Open Road Recordings, which featured the "Love You for a Long Time." The track received significant airplay on and marked the band's initial push into the U.S. market as a promotional ahead of the album's American debut. Produced by Jeremy Spillman and Phil O'Donnell, the album highlighted the trio's harmonious bluegrass-infused country sound, building on their growing domestic profile. The band's visibility in the Canadian country scene expanded during this period, with multiple nominations at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, including Group or Duo of the Year in , , and 2014. These accolades reflected their rising popularity, supported by consistent radio rotation and performances at major festivals such as Country Thunder and the CCMA Awards show itself. High Valley's fanbase grew through these platforms, as their energetic live sets and relatable resonated with audiences across , solidifying their status as an emerging force in the genre. High Valley's fourth album, County Line, arrived in October 2014 via Open Road Recordings, becoming their first release as a duo following Bryan Rempel's departure earlier that year. The album produced key singles including "Make You Mine," which peaked at No. 5 on the Canada Country chart and earned gold certification from , and "She's with Me," reaching No. 6 on the same chart. County Line itself achieved gold status in , underscoring the band's commercial momentum with its blend of traditional country elements and modern production. In March 2014, founding member Bryan Rempel announced his exit from the band to prioritize family commitments, leaving brothers and Curtis Rempel to continue as a duo. The shift prompted a relocation to Nashville, where they began initial promotional efforts, including U.S. singles and visits to build industry connections. Despite the lineup change, High Valley maintained their signature three-part harmonies through studio production techniques, ensuring continuity in their sound during this transitional phase.

Major label era and U.S. breakthrough (2015–2019)

In October 2015, High Valley, consisting of brothers and Rempel, signed a with Nashville, marking their transition from independent releases to major-label support following the strong performance of their prior album County Line in . The duo's debut major-label album, Dear Life, was released on November 18, 2016, featuring 11 tracks co-produced by the band and featuring their signature blend of country and bluegrass elements. The project debuted at No. 9 on the Canadian chart and included re-recorded versions of earlier singles for broader U.S. appeal. Its lead single, "Make You Mine," achieved certification in the United States by the RIAA, reflecting its radio success and streaming growth. Additional singles from Dear Life, such as "Every Week's Got a Friday" and "She's with Me," further propelled the duo's U.S. presence, with "She's with Me" peaking at No. 7 on the chart and No. 11 on . These tracks contributed to High Valley's CCMA Group or Duo of the Year wins in both 2015 and 2016, recognizing their rising dominance in Canadian . By 2018, High Valley expanded their U.S. media footprint with appearances on networks including , where they performed tracks from Dear Life to showcase their energetic live style. The album earned a Juno Award nomination for Country Album of the Year in 2018, highlighting its critical reception and the band's cross-border momentum. High Valley's major-label era culminated in significant streaming milestones, with their catalog surpassing 100 million global streams by 2019, establishing them as the top-selling Canadian act of the period through hits like "Make You Mine" and "She's with Me."

Recent developments and solo leadership (2020–present)

In May 2020, High Valley released the EP Grew Up On That, which included the autobiographical title track reflecting on the band's rural upbringing. The single "Grew Up On That" topped the Canada chart, marking the group's second No. 1 hit in the . In June 2021, co-founder Curtis Rempel announced his departure from the band to return to with his wife and focus on family and starting a new business venture. This shift transformed High Valley into a Brad Rempel-led project, supported by a rotating group of touring and recording musicians rather than a fixed duo lineup. The band's sixth studio album, Way Back, arrived in May 2022, featuring fan-voted tracks and themes of reflection and resilience. A deluxe edition followed in March 2023, adding collaborations including "Do This Life" with icon Alison Krauss. High Valley's seventh release, the EP Somethin', came out in February 2024 under their label Cage Free Music, emphasizing nostalgic rural and small-town life through songs like the title track. Post-departure, High Valley sustained chart success with hits such as "River's Still Running," which reached No. 1 on the Canada Country chart. By 2024, the band had accumulated over 500 million global streams, underscoring their enduring popularity. Transitioning to an independent path after their tenure, Rempel emerged as the primary songwriter, guiding the group's creative direction. This era culminated in a 2023 CCMA Award for Musical Collaboration of the Year for "Do This Life" with Alison Krauss. In 2025, High Valley continued releasing new music, including the single "I'm Leavin' You" early in the year and "Along for the Ride" in October. The band announced the Paradise & Hurricanes Tour, scheduled to begin in March 2026 with dates across , highlighting their ongoing commitment to high-energy live performances.

Musical style and influences

Core sound and vocal harmonies

High Valley's core sound revolves around intricate multi-part vocal arrangements, particularly their hallmark three-part harmonies, which serve as the emotional foundation of their music. These harmonies draw directly from the singing traditions ingrained in their Mennonite upbringing in rural , where family and church gatherings emphasized communal vocal blending in hymns and songs. Even following the departure of their brother Bryan Rempel from the active lineup in , the band preserves this signature element through meticulous studio vocal layering and the incorporation of skilled touring vocalists to replicate the rich, layered texture live. Brad Rempel's clear, resonant voice anchors these arrangements, providing a steady tenor-like foundation that allows the harmonies to soar without overpowering the melody. Lyrically, High Valley distinguishes itself in the genre by centering themes of , , rural life, and unwavering , offering an uplifting counterpoint to the and heartbreak prevalent in much mainstream narratives. Songs often evoke the simplicity and joys of small-town existence, such as communal gatherings and steadfast beliefs, as seen in tracks like "Come On Down," which celebrates welcoming rural communities bound by shared values. This positive orientation stems from the band's personal experiences in their isolated Mennonite community, where music reinforced messages of and rather than conflict or loss. Unlike many contemporaries who lean into dramatic personal struggles, High Valley's words prioritize relational bonds and spiritual encouragement, creating an accessible, feel-good resonance that appeals to -oriented audiences. The band's production approach further enhances this vocal and thematic core by seamlessly blending traditional acoustic elements with contemporary polish, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and radio-ready. Early releases, such as their 2007 debut Broken Borders, leaned heavily into bluegrass-infused acoustics with raw, harmony-driven tracks that highlighted their roots. Over time, this evolved into more hook-laden, produced arrangements on later works like the 2016 major-label album Dear Life, where modern engineering amplifies the vocal stacks while retaining an warmth. This progression underscores High Valley's ability to adapt their foundational harmonies and optimistic to broader commercial appeal without diluting their authentic voice.

Bluegrass and country fusion

High Valley's sound prominently incorporates bluegrass elements such as , , , and , blended with country staples including and to create a distinctive . The band's longtime player, Raymond Klassen, contributes resonant slides and fills that evoke traditional textures, as heard in tracks across their catalog. and often drive upbeat rhythms, while adds melodic flourishes, and pedal steel provides the signature country , all underpinned by a full for rhythmic drive. , played by Hemmerling since 2010, introduce a modern pulse that bridges acoustic roots with contemporary energy. The group's influences draw from artists like Alison Krauss, with whom they collaborated on the 2023 duet "Do This Life," infusing Krauss's signature and vocal style into their framework for a seamless crossover. This partnership highlights High Valley's nod to traditional acts, balanced against Nashville production techniques that enhance crossover appeal on mainstream radio. Their early exposure to -tinged , rooted in rural Canadian upbringing, informs this hybrid approach, allowing them to honor genre pioneers while appealing to broader audiences. High Valley's evolution from acoustic-driven early albums like Broken Borders (2007), which emphasized stripped-back string arrangements, to hybrid setups in major-label releases such as County Line (2014), marked a pivotal shift. The latter incorporated fuller production with layered percussion and electric elements, facilitating U.S. radio success while retaining authenticity. This transition enabled tracks like those on County Line to blend organic instrumentation with polished mixes, broadening their reach without diluting core influences. The band's commitment to live instrumentation in recordings preserves an organic feel, as exemplified by sessions like the 2018 Farmhouse Sessions EP, captured on analog tape at a Nashville-area farm to capture natural bleed and warmth. This approach has contributed to nominations across genres, including Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year at the 2007 GMA Canada Covenant Awards for Broken Borders and multiple CCMA Group or Duo of the Year nods, alongside ACM and JUNO recognitions for their fusion style.

Band members

Current lineup

High Valley's current lineup, as of 2025, centers on founder , who serves as lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, having been the sole constant member since the band's formation in 1997. Rempel handles the core creative direction and performs lead vocals on recordings and live shows, drawing from his role as a founding member alongside his brothers. Supporting Rempel on bass and backing vocals is Dave Myers, who joined the ensemble post-2021 to provide touring stability and contribute to the rhythm section. Myers' bass work anchors the band's live performances, while his vocal harmonies help replicate the group's signature multi-part arrangements. Sam Bergeson provides backing vocals and multi-instrumental support, joining around 2021 to enhance the band's vocal harmonies and production elements in live settings. Raymond Klassen plays and , adding essential texture to High Valley's live shows since joining in 2014. His instrumental contributions enhance the fusion of country and elements in their energetic sets. Clint Milburn provides guitar and , supporting the multi-instrumental arrangements that define the band's sound. Milburn's versatility on these instruments allows for dynamic live adaptations, particularly in bridging acoustic and fuller band configurations. Andrew Hemmerling rounds out the rhythm section on drums and percussion, delivering the driving beats for High Valley's high-energy performances. Having joined around 2016, Hemmerling's steady percussion supports the band's transition to its current touring format. Collectively, this lineup maintains the band's renowned vocal harmonies through live adaptations, evolving from the duo era into a robust ensemble that sustains High Valley's blend of and influences on stage.

Former members

High Valley was originally formed as a by brothers , Bryan, and Rempel in 1997, with Bryan and Curtis serving as key contributors until their respective departures. Bryan Rempel, who provided vocals and guitar, co-founded the band and was instrumental in its early years from 1997 to 2014, contributing to the signature vocal harmonies that defined the group's initial sound on albums such as the self-titled High Valley (2010). He left the band in March 2014 to prioritize family responsibilities, including managing the family farm in , . Curtis Rempel, a co-founder who handled vocals, banjo, and multi-instrumental duties, remained active from 1997 until June 2021, playing an essential role in the duo era alongside brother Brad, particularly on hits like "Dear Life" from the 2016 album of the same name. His banjo work added a distinctive bluegrass flair to tracks throughout the band's catalog. Curtis departed amicably for personal reasons, relocating to his hometown in Alberta to launch a business with his wife. The Rempel brothers' involvement established High Valley's three-part harmony tradition, rooted in their Mennonite upbringing and family singing sessions in church, which infused the band's music with Christian influences from its inception. No other major departures have been noted in the band's history.

Discography

Studio albums

High Valley has released six studio albums since their formation, transitioning from independent roots to mainstream success with major label support. Their early work emphasized traditional elements with faith-based lyrics, while later incorporated broader influences and achieved commercial breakthroughs in and the . The band's discography reflects their evolution, with cumulative sales making them the highest-selling Canadian band in , including multiple and certifications for and singles. The debut album, Broken Borders (2007, independent), marked the group's entry into recording with a bluegrass-focused sound rooted in their upbringing. Self-released, it showcased harmonious vocals and acoustic instrumentation typical of their initial style, and won at the 2007 GMA Covenant Awards in the country category, highlighting tracks like "Back to You." The self-titled album, High Valley (2010, Open Road Recordings), represented a shift, produced with a more polished country sound and distributed in both and the U.S. via ; it was nominated for Country Album of the Year at the 2012 . Love Is a Long Road (2012, Open Road Recordings) earned and Canadian nominations, featuring hits like "Love You for a Long Time" that blended heartfelt storytelling with radio-friendly production. County Line (2014, Open Road Recordings) became their first gold-certified album in (40,000 units), driven by No. 1 singles "She's with Me" and "Rescue You" on the , establishing their commercial dominance domestically. Dear Life (2016, Atlantic/Open Road Recordings) served as their U.S. major-label debut, peaking at No. 37 on the chart and featuring crossover singles like "Make You Mine," which reached No. 21 on the chart. After returning to independent status, Way Back (2022, Cage Free Music) was released as a self-produced effort with 13 tracks co-written by frontman Brad Rempel; a 2023 deluxe edition included a collaboration with Alison Krauss on "Do This Life," adding authenticity to its reflective themes.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelNotable Achievements
Broken Borders2007IndependentDebut album; GMA Canada Covenant Award for Album of the Year (2007); -focused
High ValleySeptember 14, 2010Open Road RecordingsJuno nomination for Country Album of the Year (2012); mainstream shift
Love Is a Long Road2012Open Road RecordingsJuno and CCMA nominations
County LineOctober 14, 2014Open Road RecordingsGold certification in ; multiple No. 1 singles on Billboard Canada Country
Dear LifeNovember 18, 2016Atlantic/Open Road RecordingsU.S. major-label debut; No. 37 on Top Country Albums
Way BackMay 20, 2022Cage Free MusicDeluxe edition features Alison Krauss
Overall, High Valley's albums have amassed over 500 million global streams, with key releases like County Line and Dear Life contributing to their status as the top-selling Canadian country act, backed by consistent radio success and certifications from and the RIAA.

Extended plays and singles

High Valley's extended plays have served as platforms for both new material and reimagined tracks, often bridging their major label output with intimate, acoustic presentations. The 2018 Farmhouse Sessions EP, released by Atlantic/Warner Nashville, featured seven acoustic recordings, including early versions of songs like "Whatever It Takes," which garnered notable U.S. airplay and helped expand the band's presence beyond . This project highlighted their roots in a stripped-down format, emphasizing vocal harmonies and instrumentation suited for live settings. The 2020 Grew Up On That EP, issued on May 8 by Atlantic Records, marked a return to thematic storytelling about family and rural upbringing, containing six tracks such as "Your Mama," "Northern Star," and the title song. The lead single "Grew Up On That" climbed to No. 1 on the Mediabase Canada Country chart after 15 weeks, becoming the band's second chart-topper and underscoring their enduring appeal in the domestic market. Small Town Somethin' (2024, Free Music Inc.), an EP exploring rural life and small-town values through uptempo tracks, continues their tradition of personal, roots-oriented songwriting. In a shift to independent releases, High Valley announced the Paradise & Hurricanes EP for 2026 under Free Music Inc., positioned as a companion to their nationwide of the same name, capturing the contrasts of road life with upbeat anthems. This project reflects their ongoing evolution post-major label, focusing on self-produced content tied directly to live performances. The band's singles catalog spans their independent origins to major label successes, with multiple No. 1 hits on the chart, including "She's with Me," "Rescue You," "Make You Mine," "I Be U Be" (2017), "Grew Up On That" (2020), "River's Still Running" (2023), and "Do This Life" (2023, feat. Alison Krauss), demonstrating sustained radio dominance. Early efforts include "Back to You" from 2007, which won Country/ Song of the Year at the GMA Covenant Awards, signaling their initial breakthrough in Christian country circles. "Whatever It Takes," previewed in acoustic form on the 2018 Farmhouse Sessions EP, achieved U.S. airplay traction, peaking in the top 40 on and broadening their international footprint. In the U.S., certifications underscore streaming impact, with "Make You Mine" attaining status by the RIAA, equivalent to over 1 million units consumed. Promotional efforts include seasonal tracks like the 2024 Christmas single "Santa Had A Rough Year," which captured holiday spirit with their signature positivity, alongside 2025 releases "I'm Leavin' You" (early 2025) and "Along for the Ride" (October 2025). These non-album singles often serve as tour staples, reinforcing High Valley's live-oriented approach without tying to specific albums.

Tours

Headlining tours

High Valley launched their headlining career with the County Line Tour from 2014 to 2015, a promotional effort for their album County Line that spanned over 50 dates across and the . The tour focused on building their fanbase in North American markets, featuring high-energy performances of tracks like the title song "County Line." Following their signing with , the band embarked on the Make You Mine Tour in 2016–2017, their first major North American headlining run as a U.S.-label act, with a European leg in 2017. The tour included sold-out venues such as Nashville's Mercy Lounge and nearly sold-out shows in London, UK, drawing crowds with sets centered on the Dear Life album and drawing over 60,000 album sales in support. The Grew Up On That Tour in 2020–2021 was significantly limited by the , with cancellations affecting their schedule, though they shifted focus to the release of their Grew Up On That EP. The Small Town Somethin' Tour (2023–2024) highlighted acoustic sets that showcased the band's harmonies and small-town ethos, concluding in March 2024. High Valley has announced the Paradise & Hurricanes Tour for March 2026 across Canadian venues.

Supporting and festival appearances

High Valley's early career featured several supporting slots for established Canadian acts, helping to build their domestic profile. In 2009, the band joined Doc Walker on their fall tour following a at the Canadian Country Music Awards, where they shared stages across multiple dates including and . These opportunities allowed High Valley to showcase their bluegrass-infused country sound to larger audiences, marking key steps in their initial rise within the Canadian scene. The band's breakthroughs in the U.S. market came through supporting roles and shared festival bills during 2016–2018. In 2015, High Valley opened for Lady Antebellum at the Enmax Centre in , , delivering a high-energy set that highlighted their harmonies ahead of the headliners' performance. The following year, they appeared alongside at events like the Tree Town Music Festival in and Jamboree in the Hills in , exposing their music to American country fans and contributing to growing cross-border momentum. These appearances emphasized High Valley's role as an emerging act on major bills, blending their Canadian roots with broader appeal. In 2019, they participated in the Journey Tour supporting . Festival slots have been instrumental in expanding High Valley's visibility, particularly at prominent events. They have made annual appearances at the since 2014, including supporting at the that year, performing on the in 2016 and 2021, and returning in 2023 for a Wednesday showcase. Internationally, High Valley featured at the Country to Country () festival in the UK multiple times, including on the Yamaha Stage in 2016 and opening the Stage in 2018, which helped cultivate a following. These festival highlights, often as key supporting acts, played a pivotal role in building the band's U.S. and global fanbase, contributing to over 500 million streams worldwide.

Awards and nominations

Canadian Country Music Association Awards

High Valley has earned significant recognition from the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), with a focus on their excellence as a group and in collaborative efforts. The duo, consisting of brothers and Curtis Rempel, has demonstrated consistent success in the Group or Duo of the Year category, winning the award in 2015, 2016, and 2020. These victories highlight their strong harmonies, songwriting, and stage presence, which have helped solidify their position as a leading act in . They received nominations for Group or Duo of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025, reflecting their sustained impact over more than a decade. In addition to group honors, High Valley has been acknowledged for individual tracks and projects. Other notable recognition includes a 2015 nomination for for County Line. Their collaborative work reached new heights with the 2023 win for Musical Collaboration of the Year on "Do This Life" featuring Alison Krauss, a track that blended their modern sound with Krauss's roots. With multiple CCMA wins, High Valley's accolades underscore their prominence in the Canadian scene, particularly in categories emphasizing and innovative partnerships. These achievements have complemented their chart success and international appeal, reinforcing their role as ambassadors for the genre.
YearCategoryResultDetails
2012–2014Group or Duo of the YearNominated-
2015Group or Duo of the YearWon-
2015NominatedCounty Line
2016Group or Duo of the YearWon-
2017–2019Group or Duo of the YearNominated-
2020Group or Duo of the YearWon-
2023Musical Collaboration of the YearWon"Do This Life" with Alison Krauss
2025Group or Duo of the YearNominated-

Juno Awards and other honors

High Valley has earned multiple nominations for the Juno Award for Country Album of the Year, recognizing their contributions to Canadian , though the band has yet to secure a win in this category. Their 2010 self-titled album received a nomination at the 2012 . The duo's major-label debut Dear Life (2016) was nominated in 2017. More recently, Way Back (2022) garnered a nomination in 2023. During their formative years in the Christian country genre, High Valley achieved significant recognition at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards. In 2007, the band won Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year for Broken Borders and Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year for "Back to You." They swept five categories in 2011, including Country/Bluegrass Album of the Year for their self-titled album High Valley. As High Valley transitioned to mainstream country, they received nominations for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year at the in both 2018 and 2019. Songwriter and frontman Brad Rempel has been honored with six SOCAN Awards for his compositions with the band, spanning 2015 to 2023; notable examples include the 2016 award for "Make You Mine." These accolades, alongside recognitions for performance, underscore High Valley's evolution from faith-based roots to mainstream success in .