Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Andy Shauf, who was born in Estevan and lived in Bienfait, has landed a spot on the coveted summer playlist of former U.S. president Barack Obama.
The breezy track Neon Skyline, from Shauf's newest album of the same name, joined a selection of songs from powerhouse acts that include Billie Holiday, Sheryl Crow, Billie Eilish and Beyonce.
Each summer, the former U.S. president unveils a selection of his favourite songs of the season.
Most of the artists are household names, but Obama often leaves room to showcase a few lesser-known acts, much to their surprise.
Shauf, who moved to Regina with his family when he was young, says he learned about his placement when a listener tagged him on Instagram shortly after Obama revealed the playlist on social media.
"It's cool to think that Obama, or the Obamas together, have listened to my music," he said.
"It's a really nice feeling to think my music has gone that far."
Neon Skyline is a particularly Canadian song choice because its story unravels inside the Skyline Restaurant, a real-life diner in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood, where two friends agree to meet for a beer shortly before one runs into his ex.
Shauf said he frequented the Skyline when he moved to Toronto several years back
"It became a really friendly place to hang out and the setting for my record," he said.
Shauf has been a critical favourite in Canada for years. He was nominated for multiple Juno Awards, and "The Neon Skyline" landed on the long list of Polaris Prize contenders for this year's best album.
He performed in Estevan several times early in his music career, and still has members of his extended family in the region.
With files from Canadian Press.
