Canadian Indigenous power pop rock band Low Budget Rock Star has released its latest single, “Cotton Candy,” marking another step in the Manitoba group’s musical development. The track is available through Indigenous-owned New Sun Records and is accompanied by a music video featuring Melody McArthur.
Hailing from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and The Pas, Manitoba, the four-member band combines melodic rock arrangements with personal storytelling and themes of resilience, community and optimism.
The new release highlights a lighter, more upbeat direction for the group while maintaining the songwriting approach that has shaped its growing presence in Canada’s independent music scene.
New Single “Cotton Candy” Brings Upbeat Power Pop Sound
“Cotton Candy” features energetic guitar arrangements, a catchy chorus and an accessible pop-rock sound designed around singalong melodies.
The song’s central refrain captures its playful character: “Like cotton candy / Drives me crazy / Pour some on me / Call me baby.”
The release represents a stylistic expansion for Low Budget Rock Star, whose earlier material frequently explored personal struggles, perseverance and emotional recovery.
Its accompanying music video, featuring Melody McArthur, adds a visual component to the single’s release.
The track is available on major digital music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, providing listeners across Canada and internationally with access to the band’s latest recording.
From Opaskwayak Cree Nation to Canada’s Independent Rock Scene
Low Budget Rock Star was formed in 2017 and released its debut single in 2019.
The group is led by singer, guitarist and songwriter Kennie Henderson, who grew up on Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba.
Its current lineup includes Henderson, lead guitarist Marshall Bignell, bassist Harley Whitehead and drummer Terry Constant.
The musicians developed their sound through pub performances, extensive touring and live shows characterized by energetic guitar-driven arrangements.
The band’s name reflects its early touring experiences, when limited financial resources required careful budgeting for transportation, food and other expenses.
Henderson and Whitehead frequently travelled between performances with little money, relying on inexpensive meals and determination to continue performing.
Those experiences eventually became central to the group’s identity, reflecting its commitment to pursuing music despite financial challenges.
Music Rooted in Personal Experience and Indigenous Identity
Henderson’s songwriting draws heavily on his upbringing and the social challenges he witnessed in his community.
“Growing up on the reservation, I used music as an outlet to help overcome the struggles of poverty, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic family violence,” he has said.
That experience continues to influence the band’s broader objectives, particularly its efforts to encourage Indigenous youth to maintain connections with their languages, cultural traditions and communities.
Through its recordings and performances, Low Budget Rock Star seeks to demonstrate how music can provide opportunities for creative expression and personal development.
Band Continues Legacy of Former Drummer Richie Cudmore
An important figure in the band’s early development was drummer Richie Cudmore, an experienced musician who had performed with members of Canadian rock groups The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Cudmore joined Low Budget Rock Star while undergoing treatment for cancer, contributing musical experience and mentorship during the group’s formative years.
Following his death in 2022, the band released “More Than Ever,” a tribute exploring grief, resilience and gratitude.
His influence remains part of the group’s musical identity, particularly its emphasis on emotional storytelling and meaningful connections with audiences.
New Sun Records Partnership Supports Future Releases
Low Budget Rock Star signed with New Sun Records in 2023, joining a roster of Indigenous Canadian recording artists associated with singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda.
The partnership provided the group with an additional platform for distributing its music and developing its recording career.
The release of “Cotton Candy” continues that relationship as the musicians prepare material for their next major project.
Full-Length Album Planned for 2027
Low Budget Rock Star is planning to release a full-length album in 2027, with Dewayne Strobel serving as producer.
The forthcoming project is expected to combine anthemic rock arrangements with storytelling influenced by northern Manitoba and the band’s Indigenous heritage.
Further details about the album, including its title, track listing and release date, have not been announced.
For Low Budget Rock Star, “Cotton Candy” represents both a new musical direction and a continuation of the group’s longstanding commitment to creating accessible rock music grounded in personal experience.
With a new single available and another album in development, the Manitoba band is continuing to build its catalogue while bringing Indigenous perspectives into Canada’s contemporary rock music landscape.
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