‘I’m finding it a bit emotional’: Joel Plaskett surprised with tribute album ahead of 50th birthday

A new double album features covers from Maritime musician Joel Plaskett’s catalogue.

Canadian singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett received an emotional early birthday surprise this week – a double album of covers from across his catalogue, secretly recorded by over 20 artists from across the country.

The project, titled “Songs From The Gang,” was orchestrated by Sheri Jones, Plaskett’s longtime manager.

The album features a range of Canadian talent including City and Colour, Sloan, Arkells, Jenn Grant, Jah’Mila, and many more – all paying tribute to the East Coast music icon as he prepares to turn 50 on April 18.

Plaskett, who has been a fixture in Canadian music for more than three decades, says he had no idea the project was in the works.

“She surprised me with this one,” he said. “I just wasn’t expecting it. To be honest, I’m finding it a bit emotional… I still feel like it’s a bit surreal.”

The surprise was revealed at Ditch Records in Victoria, B.C., where Jones arranged for Plaskett to casually “drop in” before dinner. Instead, he walked into a display featuring the new album and a room full of friends. The celebration continued with a private listening session later that evening.

Jones said the tribute was carefully curated to resonate personally with Plaskett.

“This was very intentionally designed to touch Joel because it’s people he knows and loves,” she said. “There are probably, oh my God, over 100 people who kept this secret for 16 months.”

Jenn Grant, who recorded her version of Plaskett’s “Lying on a Beach” with partner Daniel Ledwell, called it an honour to be part of the project.

“He’s given us so much,” she said. “It just feels really good to honour someone in our community that we care about so much.”

Plaskett has long been recognized not just as a performer, but as a mentor and builder of East Coast music culture.

“Geez, they could’ve filled 50 records with artists he’s made friends with and helped their careers,” said Brendan Morley, who works at Taz Records/Morley’s Coffee.

The tribute album is now on sale at select retailers, including Taz. Jones says the demand has already been high.

“We’ve shipped over a hundred vinyl today and the little dings you’re hearing in the background are more orders coming in.”

As for how Plaskett is feeling about the big birthday?

“I was imagining it would be a quiet celebration… and it’s turned into a public one,” Plaskett said. “But that’s okay. I’m kind of flying pretty high from the whole thing. Just feeling really blessed and really feeling the love.”