We spend so much time talking about what’s new and upcoming in the music world that we often forget about the bands that came before. It’s important to remember the bands that paved the way for the booming indie music scene in this city!

Zumpano 1992-1996

This band only lasted for two albums but they put a lasting mark on the Vancouver scene. They created sunny sounding rock music that channelled bands of the 60s like The Beach Boys but also had modern at the time sounds. One can almost hear a bit of ska influence on some of their tracks too. While this band never officially broke up, the singer Carl Newman has been fronting The New Pornographers (another flagship Vancouver band) since 2000 and they don’t exist anywhere except in the memories of 90s Vancouverites.

The Organ 2001-2006, 2008

This all girl punk band once had a large and loyal fanbase. After they released their one and only album they were scheduled for a worldwide tour but an ever changing lineup would prevent them from taking off. They made songs that would fit right in with early alt and indie rock amongst the likes of The Smiths and Depeche Mode. When listening to their music you’re immediately whisked back to the 80s. They reunited in 2008 to polish off some songs they were working on when they first split but soon parted ways again.

Pride Tiger 2005-2009

This awesome band only put out one album in their four year run. They sound like a classic 2000s rock band on one song with electric guitars that would give anyone nostalgia. Then they turn around and sound like they stepped right out of the 70s showing great verastitlty. It’s a real shame these guys couldn’t do more with what they had.

YouTube/PrideTigerVEVO

It’s crazy to think that without bands like this our indie scene might not be as strong as it is today. Check out these bands and search the corners of the web to find some other bands of yesteryear!