A former Yukon musician is on the Juno Award list for his latest work.

Brandon Isaak, who is well-known around the territory, but particularly in Whitehorse, has been nominated for Blues Album of the Year for his One Step Closer CD.

He grew up in this area before relocating to Vancouver Island. Isaak springs from a musical family, with his father, Ed, being a Yukon legend for his work with the Canucks.

Brandon has had a long career in the music business, now stretching into 37 years. He has performed in eight countries on three continents.

“So bloody honoured to be nominated for a Juno Award this (week) for (Blues Album of the Year) with all the other wonderful acts,” Isaak posted on his Facebook page.

Brandon is also a four-time 2024 Maple Blues Award nominee.

One Step Closer, which took him just 20 minutes to write, contains the melancholic single “What’s This World Coming To?”

“Isaak’s ability to deliver a slow-burning blues epic that’s simple yet powerful with its slow drawl and composure, tugging on the heartstrings of his audience, is one of his unique talents,” says a statement promoting the album.

“His musical style comprises old-world blues, with vintage notes and tones offering poetic and humourous lyrics dancing around an eclectic mix of root-style vocals, springy guitars and dirty harmonica.

“His showman presence has been finely carved over 35 years, taking his audiences on an emotional journey at every show. Engaging with audiences consistently leaves Isaak’s performances beaming and full of warmth, with a solid pull to return for another round of musical storytelling.

“With eight countries across three continents and 13 European tours, Isaak is no stranger to reaching various audiences worldwide.”

“What’s This World Coming To?” tells a tale of dark times and global division.

The song plays out as a wave of downbeat news reports take over the final moments of the new track.

“The way the world has been going as of late has been hard to watch,” the musician said.

“Wars, political insanity, division, religion and human rights have all been so hard to watch these days. It’s depressing, and I try hard to always find the positives in this crazy world we live in.

“That being said, one must create art, and art is a statement of our human condition. So, this song is a darker theme about modern life here on Earth.”