If you are listening to Evolution 107.9, you will hear a lot of local British Columbia bands. British Columbia is an amazing province for local and fresh alternative/indie talent. As a city in British Columbia, Vancouver has a rich history in alternative and indie rock.
Bands like 54-40, Mother Mother, Destroyer, The Organ, and one of my favourites, though not inherently alternative or indie, is D.O.A, a legendary punk rock from Vancouver. What is it about Vancouver, or British Columbia in general, that keeps producing these unique artists who make music just outside of what is mainstream?
You could also argue that alternative and indie are British Columbia’s own mainstream – these genres are a part of who we are socially and culturally. As for the culture itself, British Columbia’s music scene is “Do It Yourself” by nature. It is the perfect environment to cultivate local bands. Small venues are almost the norm, basement/house shows are practically on every corner, and these local bands are often the ones booking their own shows.
Ar Kay / Pixels
You must have noticed posters and flyers promoting gigs all over the place. British Columbia musicians are promoting themselves the best way they can – by putting out the word to other Canadians. I’ve even noticed an influx of local shows, groups, and performances being advertised on social media, the band accounts are pushed towards me on the algorithm because of my proximity to them. These little local music communities are everywhere, and so many of them are promoting alternative/indie rock or pop. Scroll through your favourite social media platform, if you’re following any music related topics, how many local groups do you see?
If you have been recommend a playlist by Spotify, something along the lines of “The Best New Canadian Hits,” you’ve probably noticed the artists populating those lists are from Quebec or Ontario. The Canadian based playlists recommend to me are all artists from those provinces, half of them are in French!
Give some of those songs a listen and you will notice how polished they sound, and notice the genre – bright pop and indie sounds. That is such a stark contrast to what we have her in British Columbia, and while indie pop can thrive here just as well. Vancouver’s music scene is so unique due to its emphasis on the ‘garage band’.
Jeremy Lee / Pexels
Have you noticed this too?