Dusk Till Dawn

If you like hip-hop or rap you have to take a second to check this out. Local rapper Boslen has something big in store for us. Come this winter, we can expect a masterpiece of an album drop with complete anthems to poetic masterpieces and everything in between. From songs like “Dawn” that takes a lyrical take on introspection and self-analysis to listen to early in the morning, to “Trip”, a halfway transition from softer r&b to heavier harder rap, and “Have You”, a more electronic dance beat with bars included. Tracks like “Forsaken” will have you crying in the shower while “Mercy” will have you stone-cold and strutting to the kitchen-  you will be amazed at the quality and diversity of an album- especially coming out of Vancouver

On another note, I need to stress how vital it is to support the local rap scene in Vancouver to encourage more traffic and promote a stronger music economy, but it is absolutely isn’t hard when there is an insane talent to fall in love with- and Vancouver needs artists like Boslen to inspire other starting rappers to chase their dreams. 

Vancouver obviously knows small beginnings and they should be taken seriously when there’s this much talent. If you don’t believe my enthusiasm, check out Boslen’s current releases on Spotify, like “Eye to Eye ” or “Vultures “ for a taste of the style and the energy the songs can give you. I may just be promoting my studio and one of our artists, but I would not be doing so if it wasn’t deserving and I didn’t think you’d like it. If you like big city rap, love artists like The Weekend, Future, Drake, or 21 Savage there will be a song for you on this album. 

 Why BC Music Festivals Need to Come Back After The Pandemic

We’ve all heard of music festive nightmares, like Fyre fest (which was well advertised but completely bankrupt, but hey what about the good ones? We all know summer 2016 hit completely different (in a good way) with the massive Pemby fest, Squamish Valley Music Fest, Breakout in the winter. We cannot lose this essential event that brings a bunch of strangers into a giant family for a weekend.

If you’ve ever been to any kind of music gathering, you can relate to the insane energy they omit. When everyone is listening to the same music so loud you can’t miss it, wearing whatever they want, a new aesthetic environment and visually stunning light shows, an experience is created that you cannot forget.

Across genres, these festivals may differentiate and attract different crowds, but there is a festival for everyone. While I may be generalizing, teenagers and young adults can enjoy the chaos of the upbeat electronic or heavily rapper headlined festivals, other young adults may enjoy folk or Indie feel good fests packed with local breweries and food trucks or celebrate community with your family at a more chill folk or arts fest that supports the local music scene. There is something for everyone and it isn’t hard to find an event near you that you can look forward to. 

Lastly, music fests are great ways to support the community and small businesses essential to the heart and soul of a city like Vancouver. Often the smaller headlines are filled by local artists and performers, giving opportunity for them to gain new fans and listeners. The food section can be a plentiful arrangement of local restaurants turned trucks (notably earnest ice cream is a must-try), traveling trucks with unique fusions, and the resident festival trucks you look forward to seeing every year. There are also sections or art for sale (often local), clothing and accessory stands, and everything in between. Although you may be spending a bit more, it’s a great way to spend a paycheck on a memorable experience. 

This is why music festivals cannot be left behind post-pandemic. They act as such a unique and bright event in many people’s summers (or winters!) and are remembered beyond their years. I’ve been going to the Vancouver Folk Music Fest every year for as long as I remember, and it’s the highlight of my summer. It’s important to keep community events like music fests alive to promote the artistic wellbeing of a city and keep the young and old connected to the community. Support music fests post-pandemic! Go back to the festivals you love or try one for the first time, you won’t regret or forget it.