What are your thoughts on rural BC? Maybe you live out there, maybe you’ve passed through.
I spent most of my life in the rural forests of British Columbia and can attest to the strong music scene found throughout. You’ll hear more folk than rock n roll, more blues than RnB. Perhaps it is due to the age demographic – most people in my hometown have been there for generations, their kids may have moved away, but they don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.
Raised in rural British Columbia, the music created by Talel McBriar has captured the exact spirit of the area. Listening to her traditional folk and alternative indie-rock evokes emotions of nostalgia and the essence of adolescence.
Talel McBriar / Bandcamp
Now she performs as a solo act, but Talel originally got her start as the duo, “Ella and Talel”. Their 2018 single October earned them the Kootenay Music Award for Best Original Roots Song in the same year. Since then, Talel has performed all across British Columbia, acting as an authentic voice to speak for the rural identities in British Columbia.
If you’re looking to experience this for yourself, Talel frequents folk festivals across the province. The Khatsahlano Street Party, Campell Bay Music Festival, and Tiny Lights Festival are all recent stops of Talel McBriar.
I go to the Mission Folk Festival every year. It brings in acts from all over the province and there’s something about sitting on the grass late into the evening while acoustic guitars ring out in every direction that feels right. That’s one thing about rural British Columbia; they love their folk festivals – and Tragically Hip cover bands.
You can’t get more British Columbia than Talel McBrair.
She has yet to release a debut album. Her discography on Spotify includes 8 singles, however; a tease for something upcoming was released this year. Two singles – Sour and People to Know. Both great picks for singles, they remind me of the group Big Thief in regard to style and songwriting. My favourite track from Talel McBriar is her 2024 single Not a Machine. I admire the purposefully unpolished production; rough guitar mixed with her dreamy vocals.
I hope the next time you drive through a rural spot in British Columbia you stop by for the music, and listen for Talel McBrair.