"Hell or High Water" first appeared alongside the Calgary Stampede’s brand in social media, then the phrase took off on Stampede flood- relief t-shirts, and now it’s the title of a song written by musical artist and performer at the 2013 TransAlta Grandstand Show, Marc Martel. 

"As a songwriter I'm honored to be contributing to this year's Stampede in the best way I know how," says Nashville-based Martel, who has been following the news of the floods in Calgary and southern Alberta. "I think the people of southern Alberta are ready for a reason to celebrate in the aftermath of the flood. Personally, I think the Stampede is the perfect remedy. I hope people love the song and that it bolsters the spirit that the Stampede was built upon."

The song was sent to Emmy-Award-winning, and soon-to-be-producer of the Grandstand Show, David Pierce who loved the piece. "When I first heard the song I was blown away," says Pierce. "It was inspirational. It was like an anthem for the spirit of Calgary and southern Alberta."

Pierce arranged it with a studio band in Calgary and recruited The Young Canadians to record back-up vocals. From start to finish the entire song was completed in a mere 48 hours during a busy time of final preparations and rehearsals for the Grandstand Show.

The song can be downloaded for free at CalgaryStampede.com/highwatersong.

About Marc Martel

Canadian singer/songwriter Marc Martel will be performing all 10 nights at the 2013 Calgary Stampede as part of the TransAlta Grandstand Show. After 10 years with the Juno award-winning Canadian Christian rock band Downhere, Martel shot to international fame when his audition video quickly became a viral sensation landing him a solo appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. With close to eight million views and a little endorsement from Ellen, Marc went on to become the undisputed choice as Queen Extravaganza’s front-man on a worldwide tribute tour which launched on American Idol.This guitar-wielding singer-songwriter is defying expectations with the release of his EP "The Prelude" which he calls an "experiment? in modern pop music. It’s clear that with his wide experience, deep sense of calling and unequivocal stage presence, Martel is taking pop far past the predictable.

About the Calgary Stampede

As we enter our second century, the Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west.  The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values.  All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.