Jay Semko

Saskatoon native Jay Semko began his career as a member of several local bands. In 1983, along with Merl Bryck, Bryan Potvin and Don Schmid, The Northern Pikes was born.

Over the next decade, the group released two independent albums and five albums for Virgin Records. They won seven Juno nominations for their work, and soon they embarked on an extensive tour of the U.S. and Canada, playing with such noted artists as Tom Cochrane, Robert Palmer, and David Bowie.

However, all good things soon come to an end and the Northern Pikes broke up in 1993. Jay returned to Saskatoon, and then completed musical scores for a number of television series and movies, including Strange and Rich (CanWest/Global), Paris or Somewhere (CanWest/Global), and Due South. He worked on the latter for the first two seasons, and when the series was resurrected more seasons, he returned (along with Jack Lenz) to again create the unique music which accompanies Mountie Benton Fraser on his investigations.

His discography includes: The Northern Pikes (1984) - Independent; Scene in North America (1985) Independent; Big Blue Sky (1987) - Virgin Records; Secrets of the Alibi (1988) Virgin Records; Snow in June (1990) Virgin Records/Scotti Bros. U.S.A.; Neptune (1992) Virgin Records; Gig (1993) Virgin Records, and Mouse (1995) Iron Music.

In 2000, he reunited with The Northern Pikes. Jay continues to be quite an active performer releasing new material and going on concert tours.

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