VANCOUVER — Canadian indie rock band SLIP~ons are set to release their second EP, Overtime, on Feb. 20, 2026, marking the latest chapter for a group whose members bring decades of experience from some of the country’s most influential alternative music acts.
The Vancouver-based four-piece, led by former Doughboys frontman Brock Pytel and longtime Sarah McLachlan bassist Brian Minato, is releasing the project through independent label Scamindy. The record builds on the band’s earlier momentum in Canada and abroad, positioning SLIP~ons to deepen their presence in a competitive independent music sector that continues to rely heavily on touring, streaming and radio exposure.
SLIP~ons’ lineup reflects deep roots in the Canadian music business. Pytel first emerged in the late 1980s with Montreal pop-punk band Doughboys, while Minato has spent decades performing internationally with McLachlan. Guitarist Rob Matharu and drummer Shane Wilson round out the group.
Their new EP takes its name from hockey’s sudden-death overtime period, using it as a thematic lens for examining pressure, consequence and maturity. The release also signals a shift in lyrical approach. As Pytel puts it, “I made it all the way through side A without a single song about a breakup.”
The project was recorded at Vancouver’s Afterlife Studios, formerly known as Mushroom Studios, a facility closely tied to Canada’s recording industry history. Producer John Raham, whose credits include Dan Mangan and Destroyer, oversaw the sessions. Mixing was handled by Dave Ogilvie of Skinny Puppy, and mastering was completed by Ronan Chris Murphy, whose résumé includes work with King Crimson.
That production pedigree reflects a deliberate effort to balance commercial clarity with the band’s raw guitar-driven sound — a key consideration for independent acts seeking both artistic credibility and broader audience reach.
SLIP~ons formed in 2012 when Pytel and Minato began collaborating after years in separate corners of the industry. Their partnership represented a return to rock for Pytel, who had stepped away from music at the height of his earlier band’s success.
“I had a habit of going to extremes,” Pytel recalls. “At the time it never occurred to me that I could deepen my practice of meditation and play in a touring punk rock band. It was just, ‘I’m going to shave my head and become a monk.’”
That unconventional career path is part of the band’s identity and contributes to its positioning in a market that increasingly values authenticity and legacy alongside new releases.
The group’s previous EP, Heavy Machinery, demonstrated measurable traction. It generated more than 60 international press hits and received airplay on outlets including CBC and SiriusXM, as well as commercial radio stations across Canada. Media coverage included features in Exclaim! and Global News, helping establish the band beyond its initial fan base.
Industry analysts note that sustained radio play and media visibility remain critical for independent Canadian artists seeking to translate critical attention into commercial viability. While streaming platforms have reshaped distribution, national broadcasters and satellite radio continue to influence audience growth, particularly for rock acts targeting older demographics.
SLIP~ons’ strategy reflects those realities. By leveraging veteran credentials, experienced production partners and established media relationships, the band is working to convert past exposure into longer-term momentum.
The Canadian independent music sector has faced economic pressures in recent years, including rising touring costs and ongoing revenue shifts tied to streaming economics. In that environment, artists with established reputations often have a competitive advantage in securing media attention and live opportunities.
For SLIP~ons, Overtime represents both a creative milestone and a business step forward. The EP’s concise format — and its focus on direct, guitar-driven songwriting — aligns with industry trends favouring frequent, shorter releases that keep artists visible between larger projects.
The band’s members say their approach remains grounded in experience rather than commercial calculation. Still, the release arrives at a moment when Canadian independent rock continues to seek renewed audience engagement after years of disruption.
With veteran musicianship, recognizable industry ties and growing media support, SLIP~ons are positioning Overtime as more than just another release — it is part of a sustained effort to build a durable presence in Canada’s evolving independent music economy.