About
Bio
Tanner James is a rarity—an indie filmmaker, touring musician, and author with a clear mission: to tell regionally specific, Albertan stories for the underdogs. For over 15 years, he’s carved out a path as a full-time, Do-It-Yourself artist in a province known for being a tough place to make art.
He got his start with the infamous Calgary band The Nix Dicksons, who became known for their outrageous theme shows, complete with ambitious papier-mâché monuments and original, scripted storylines. The band often felt more like an alternative theatre troupe than a traditional indie rock act.
After his time with the Nix Dicksons, Tanner hit the road with his solo project, where he found his voice as a storyteller and folk singer—blurring the lines between Stuart McLean and Jeremy Fisher. He toured relentlessly, playing over 150 shows per year and sharing stages with artists like The Dead South, Mariel Buckley, Said The Whale, Fred Penner, Rose Cousins, John Wort Hannam, Lindi Ortega, The Elwins, and Chastity.
In 2017, he released his debut book of creative non-fiction, I Am The Lizard King, which earned the cover of WestWord magazine and became an underground success story in DIY publishing and grassroots promotion.
A longtime cinephile at heart, Tanner began collaborating with No Substance Media, a small film collective focused on fast-turnaround, no-budget experimental shorts. That work led him to documentary and hybrid storytelling, culminating in Wild Bill—a 23-minute mockumentary that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. Set between Taber, AB and the Calgary music scene, the film follows a fictional folk hero (Bill Lawson) contemplating a final performance and the myths that follow him. Wild Bill was toured independently across Alberta, screening in theatres, libraries, breweries, homes, and music venues.
Through it all, Tanner has learned that the only thing better than Do-It-Yourself is Do-It-Ourselves. His work continues to focus on community collaboration and uplifting the artistic voices of his lifelong home on Treaty 7 land in southern Alberta.
Music
Nix Dicksons (2008–2013)
The Nix Dicksons were a Calgary band known for their theatrical performances and lo-fi creativity. Described as "The Flaming Lips on a $200 budget," the group blended alternative theatre and indie rock.
- 2011 – The Red Fox (EP)
- 2010 – The Giraffe (EP)
- 2009 – The Panda (EP)
More about the band: CITR article | Earshot review
Tanner James (2013–Present)
As a solo folk artist, Tanner James writes story-driven songs with humor and heart. He has performed alongside acts such as The Dead South, Lindi Ortega, and Fred Penner.
Press coverage: Exclaim! | CBC feature
Kid Cali (2022–Present)
Kid Cali is a concept band born during a songwriter residency at the Banff Centre. It merges psychedelic folk-rock with Americana storytelling, tracking star-crossed lovers across a fictional 1960s backdrop.
Film
Tanner James Productions
No Substance Media
Wild Bill (Mockumentary) | More on IMDb
Prairie People Sessions
Watch Prairie People on YouTube
Writing
I Am The Lizard King
Goodreads | WestWord Magazine feature
Film Criticism
Spoken Word
Education & Training
- Journalism Degree – Mount Royal University
- Writing Residencies – Calgary Public Library, University of Calgary
- Songwriting Workshops – Dan Mangan, Hayes Carll
- Guitar and Vocal Training – Scarlett Jane, Kim Churchill