What is the dark horse project, a band?
Yes, no, well – sort of... The dhp is a collaborative effort featuring the talents of many tremendous musicians working with guitarist, songwriter and producer Kel VanBuskirk (me).

So who writes the material?
The dark horse project is home for my material. Currently, the line-up features several Canadian players and singers, mostly from the city of Edmonton, Alberta where I now reside.

Why?
Band life can prove very limiting even in the best of circumstances. Members often have time, geographical and style limitations which prevent a lot of material from ever being heard or produced. The dhp is more like a recording project with one major difference: these ‘session’ players all currently perform live in various other acts.

Well, how can you play gigs or tour (if the players are all in other bands)?
‘ Ask and ye shall receive…’
Seriously, you tour to promote yourself and meet the demands of your audience. With seasoned players, you can rehearse for a good month and hit the road; for a shorter gig, you might only need several days. Everyone who has played on dhp stuff is a highly committed music professional; when the time comes, they are all prepared. In fact, we’d all like nothing more than to see you in your neck of the woods!

Why the heck is dhp in Edmonton, Alberta?
Long story… The short version is: my management is here, there are some killer musicians here and the countryside and people are terrific.

Does dhp record or perform any of the other players’ material?
Today, no. In the future, I hope so.
It’s like this: the ‘powers-that-be’ are focused on promoting me and my material (though not necessarily in that order…). Those same folks are footing the bill for recording said material AND promotion AND pressing AND postage AND this website AND the phone bill AND the TV dinners, etc. etc. etc. So, in keeping with the nature of all things carefully invested: “one-thing-at-a-time”.
As the dhp continues to enjoy measured success, I hope to spread the scope of the project to also produce material of the players involved…

Who do I talk to about anything related to the dark horse project?
Just click on our “Make Contact” page and shoot us a line…

Thanks,

Kel RV - dhp