From punk bars to sold-out shows, Vancouver’s indie rock scene is just oozing with talent. If one wants a taste of the most talented acts in every kind of music category, this is the place to be. Now, the city has truly turned into a hotbed for upcoming artists who are really pushing boundaries and redefining the local sound. For our first installment of the Local Spotlight series, we will highlight three indie rock bands that are rising upward in the lively music community of Vancouver. These bands are bringing fresh sounds and unforgettable live performances, making them ones to watch in the coming months.
Sleepy Gonzales
Genre: Dream Pop/Indie Rock
If dreamy, lo-fi indie rock with a melancholic tint is your thing, then Sleepy Gonzales will surely be your next obsession. With airy vocals and textured guitar riffs, their sound develops into one hypnotic blend-great for those introspective nocturnal car drives. The band has grown a very loyal following due to its ethereal soundscapes and emotionally charged lyrics. The new single “Tongue” shows just how haunting melodies can merge so poetically with raw vulnerability.
Upcoming Show: Catch them live at the Red Gate Arts Society this October. The intimate setting will no doubt complement their atmospheric sound.
Listen to their music on Spotify.
Leisure Club
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Leisure Club is a rather ebullient indie pop/rock band bringing life to Vancouver’s indie scene with their bubbly and laid-back energy, catchy hooks, and an infectious vibe that moves crowds. Taking cues from outfits as seemingly disparate as Vampire Weekend and Phoenix, the band parses out a seamless blend of indie rock and groovy pop. Tight rhythms and shimmering guitars give the band a distinctness; it’s earned them a place among those listeners who like feel-good tunes with a bit of depth.
Their latest single, I Only Think About You, has been getting serious play on the local stations, and for good reason—it’s the kind of song that just keeps playing itself in your brain all day long.
Upcoming Show: Catch them live at Fox Cabaret mid-October for a dance and good times night.
Listen to Leisure Club on Spotify.
Meltt
Genre: Psychedelic Indie Rock
Meltt returns with lush, atmospheric rock amidst psychedelic touches that fans of Tame Impala and MGMT would love. What sets Meltt apart is his uncanny ability to craft intricate, immersive soundscapes that transport listeners into a completely alien world. Big and bold but mesmeric, the sound is expansively layered with swirling guitars and spaced-out synths.
Their new album, Eternal Embers, is a perfect balance of introspective lyrics and dreamy instrumentation that finally puts their name beyond Vancouver borders to the greater Canadian indie landscape.
Upcoming Show: Meltt will be playing in early November at Fortune Sound Club, with tickets already selling fast.
Check them out on Spotify.
Stay Tuned for Part 2!
These three bands barely scratch the surface of what Vancouver has to offer in terms of indie rock. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Local Spotlight series, where we feature three brand new, exciting bands making their mark on the city.