Lester Slade is a traveling folk songwriter from New Brunswick, now living in Nunavut. Years on the road have shaped his straightforward sound and honest approach to storytelling. His music is raw and stripped-down, offering a sincere take on the stories we all carry. Currently, he’s touring to the Netherlands and down the east coast of Canada while writing his new 10-track album—the first since his 2024 release, Fireweed. Based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Lester continues to write and record music, finding a new audience with every release.

Press

“Burnt Out Lightning is a complete album in the best sense. If you’re not already a country music fan, this album should change that. And if you are a country music fan, consider this one a win. A big win.”
— Grid City Magazine

It’s not often that a modern country album is able to exude so much loveable energy and sincerity as “Burnt Out Lightning” Slade is powerful artist, one who’s strength lies in his ability to simply be himself on each track. There are slower ballads and more light hearted jingles across the record. Having a bit of everything, ‘Burnt Out Lightning’ just becomes a delightful listen from front to back.”
— Find No Enemy

“The raw energy of punk, country, and rock n roll wrapped up unintentionally in the odes of road-worn stories, Burnt Out Lightning documented and reflected on a moment when life was special This album takes listeners on a journey of the best and the worst memories.”
— Punk Head Magazine

There's a timeless quality to Lester Slade's writing. He's an old soul but a restless one and it can be heard on his first record. (Burnt Out Lightning)  But on this  release, I believe his gift for song craft has hit its stride. He's got the right crew to dig in, get those words out and hit you right in the gut with phrases that stay in your mind long after the song has finished. It takes a great storyteller to do that and he is definitely one of them.

“I really like the earthy approach Lester took by working with Keith Hallett. They are a match made in honky tonk heaven; the perfect mix of warm, analog tone and hard-edged Americana.”

— Alex Madsen, The Divorcees