The 100 Block Rock – named after the 100 block of Hastings Street – is a music project that highlights the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and features a diverse roster of artists who call the streets of the DTES home.

Artist Eris Nyx rallied for this project until it was finally supported by Creative B.C and the City of Vancouver by an art grant. He’s worked and lived in Vancouver’s Downton Eastside  for the last ten years and this project is both a labour of love and something to protect the heritage of a neighbourhood which is oftentimes very stigmatized. You can feel the strong sense of community and connection in the voices that you hear on this album. Lyrics of struggle and addiction, pain and loss that are beautifully coated in a message of resiliency and strength.

The 100 Block Rock II release features original music from Nyx and 10 other artists from the area including Robert Williams; East Van Hotbox; Technition Cardinal; Ion Storm; Chaos Disorder and Panic; Big City; Iceman; Tangent Quo; D’Skyz; and Karen Colville.

The project is now available for digital download on bandcamp for $10

My personal favourite track on the album would have to be “I am addiction” by D’Skyz…it is a gorgeous yet haunting window into the life of someone who has been affected by addiction and epitomizes how far reaching it can be…not just by those on the streets of 100 Block…but in every neighbourhood in the lower mainland. It personifies the voice of the struggle of many in this city, despite their status, race or socio-economic standing.

Proceeds from the album sales will go to the artists and their families as well as the production of the next edition of the 100 Block Rock.