Author Archives: BRANDON Tweed

Local Bands of Yesteryear

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We spend so much time talking about what’s new and upcoming in the music world that we often forget about the bands that came before. It’s important to remember the bands that paved the way for the booming indie music scene in this city!

Zumpano 1992-1996

This band only lasted for two albums but they put a lasting mark on the Vancouver scene. They created sunny sounding rock music that channelled bands of the 60s like The Beach Boys but also had modern at the time sounds. One can almost hear a bit of ska influence on some of their tracks too. While this band never officially broke up, the singer Carl Newman has been fronting The New Pornographers (another flagship Vancouver band) since 2000 and they don’t exist anywhere except in the memories of 90s Vancouverites.

The Organ 2001-2006, 2008

This all girl punk band once had a large and loyal fanbase. After they released their one and only album they were scheduled for a worldwide tour but an ever changing lineup would prevent them from taking off. They made songs that would fit right in with early alt and indie rock amongst the likes of The Smiths and Depeche Mode. When listening to their music you’re immediately whisked back to the 80s. They reunited in 2008 to polish off some songs they were working on when they first split but soon parted ways again.

Pride Tiger 2005-2009

This awesome band only put out one album in their four year run. They sound like a classic 2000s rock band on one song with electric guitars that would give anyone nostalgia. Then they turn around and sound like they stepped right out of the 70s showing great verastitlty. It’s a real shame these guys couldn’t do more with what they had.

YouTube/PrideTigerVEVO

It’s crazy to think that without bands like this our indie scene might not be as strong as it is today. Check out these bands and search the corners of the web to find some other bands of yesteryear!

Five More Indie Bands You Should Check Out!

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While I’ve had a great time showcasing a ton of great acts from around the lower mainland, there’s still so many more that deserve some recognition too! Allow me to introduce you to a few more bands I think you should check out!

The Zolas

This indie-pop band has been rocking out tunes since 2009 but didn’t really catch traction until around 2016 when they released their third album, Swooner. It features my two favourite songs from them, Molotov Girls and Swooner. This year has been big for them too as they’ve released four singles and one two-song EP. The latest offering, I Feel the Transition, released earlier this month.

We Hunt Buffalo

These guys deliver one of the grimiest feeling kinds of rock you could imagine. It sounds like a group of dudes just got together one day and started going HARD on some instruments in a garage. If I had to make a comparison, I would say they sound like a slightly harder version of early 2000s The Black Keys. They eminate the same fuzzy vintage energy but with a darker tone.

YouTube/BusinessClassRecords

Goodwood Atoms

This is quite a departure from We Hunt Buffalo but we like variety here. This band has a much more laid back folk sound with hints of electronica interlaced. They have a very dreamy sound similar to the likes of The Velveteines. They’ve been fairly quiet only releasing four short EPs and completely dormant since about 2017. Let’s bring these guys back!

Scenic Route To Alaska

Ok, as “small” bands go these guys are definitely my favourites. I’ve seen them play four times, met them, gotten their autographs, the whole nine yards. They never cease to amaze me. Whenever someone asks for music recommendations they’re my go-to pick. They make the most upbeat and singable indie rock that you can’t help but smile and sing along to. They’ve released four full length albums with another one on the way. Here’s their latest song Polarized.

YouTube/Scenic Route To Alaska

Good Nature

I have to admit, I’m a bit biased with this pick. One of my friends plays trumpet for this band so I promote them whenever I get the chance! They actually have a super unique sound though, one I’ve not heard very frequently. The best way I can describe it is punk meets jazz with an indie rock twist. Even though they only have one EP and a few singles I always find myself going back to their songs. And even if my friend wasn’t in the band I’d still think they were awesome. I can’t wait for them to put out more tunes.

I hope you’ll find some new local/Canadian tunes to jam out to from my suggestions! Give them a listen and let us know what you think!

 

A Yukon Blonde in Vancouver

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First formed all the way back in 2005, Yukon Blonde is one of those bands that lots of people know but don’t know at the same time. They fall into that “you’d know them if I played you a song” category of alt music. They fly under the radar big time. It’s hard to believe that after 15 years of success this still happens.

When they first got together they were based out of Kelowna. They released two EPs in their early years that received little to no recognition. It was when they made the big move to Vancouver in 2009 that things started turning around. They dropped their debut self-titled album and landed a spot on a list of bands “destined to break out in 2010” compiled by CBC.

In 2013 Yukon Blonde was nominated for Breakthrough Group of the Year alongside bands like Walk Off The Earth and Hey Ocean!. These days they’ve made a name for themselves as a hard-working indie-folk-rock band in the Canadian landscape. They’ve released four full-length albums with a fifth one on the way. And if the lead singles are any indication of what it’ll sound like, I’m very excited for it. It’s taking a more polished psych-rock (sort of like Tame Impala meets Cage The Elephant) feel than the upbeat indie feeling I’m used to with them. That’s good though, progression is good!

YouTube/Yukon Blonde

I was first introduced to them in around 2015 when their song Saturday Night was receiving regular airplay in the alt music world. It’s a shame that this is one of the only songs that you hear from them on the radio, it’s far from their best tune (in my humble opinion). Just to name a few of their bangers, Get Precious, Crazy, I Wanna Be Your Man, Love the Way You Are, Stairway. Okay, I’ll stop now but they have so many good songs.

If you at all like indie rock, you’ll dig Yukon Blonde.

Support the band: https://www.yukonblonde.com/

New Music Friday: Great White North Edition

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What day is it?? It’s Friday! That means new music! This week gave us new offerings from some of Canda’s top indie bands. Let’s stop wasting time and get right into it.

Your Heart’s My Home – Yukon Blonde

Kelowna born and Vancouver based indie rock band Yukon Blonde blessed us with a little two song EP this week. The two songs included are Your Heart’s My Home and You Were Mine. The sounds produced here are dreamy and vintage but feel like a bit of an evolution for the band. It feels like they had a bigger focus on the instrumentals than on previous efforts. The EP follows the success of the single they released earlier in the year, Get Precious, which is a pretty slick track too.

Happy – Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS)

The first offering from these guys since early 2020 is one that fits easily into their sound. The unique vocals of lead singer Ash Buchholz are stronger than ever and the backing track is energetic enough to keep up. The only complaint I have with this one is that it sounds exactly the same as the music they’ve been making since 2008.

Upside Down – Fleece

A band best known for its viral video “How To Make an Alt-J Song” actually does a great job carving their own path with tunes like this one. The lyrics are sad but you’d never know it behind the sun-shiny guitar riffs and cheery horn section. I’m a sucker for a good horn section so I really dig this one.

YouTube/Fleece Music

This Place Sucks Ass – PUP

This six song EP keeps the insane sound you’d expect from PUP. Three of the songs here have been offered as singles already this year (Rot, Anaphylaxis, and A.M. 180). The following three songs reinforce the signature sound they’ve built over the years and really helped them breakthrough last year. I’m not the biggest fan of punk rock like this but for some reason, I have a soft spot for these guys. Their songs just feel more relatable than other bands like this.

Support our fellow Canadian artists! Check out some of the songs I talked about and please explore for yourself the wonders of our music scene 🙂

Ludic: 21st Century Funk

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Vancouver band Ludic is made up of viral star Ayla Tesler-Mabe and Max and Rhett Cunningham. Ayla also played in another local band called Calpurnia which was famous for being lead by actor Finn Wolfhard. They first appeared back in 2019 when they dropped their debut single My Love.
Lu·dic: adjective, showing spontaneous and undirected playfulness.
I can see why these kids picked that word as the name for their band. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anything quite like Ludic. They feel new and unique but simultaneously vintage. They seamlessly fit into so many genres. I could put them in jazz, funk, rock, indie, and even pop. The funky vibes they give in songs like My Love and 2 Myself remind me of icons like Stevie Wonder and Prince. Then the next song you listen to draws comparisons to modern acts like Bon Iver or Glass Animals (at least to me anyway).

YouTube/Ludic

Imagine this… I also saw them play live… crazy right. When they first came on stage I was like “are they even old enough to be here??” So I doubted them from the get-go, but damn they sure threw all my expectations out the window. It actually turned out to be one of my favourite sets from an opening band ever. Their vocals sounded flawless and their instrumentals sounded even better live than on a recording. Oh and Ayla is crazy talented, girl can seriously shred. Just check out this video!

YouTube/Ayla Tesler-Mabe

Ludic has slowly been releasing singles since early 2019, each one building on the last and getting better and better. Their latest single Heart Emoji feels like a bright and shiny memory that I somehow haven’t experienced yet. That sounds weird but it’s true!

YouTube/Ludic

In my opinion, this group has serious potential to become a huge success. They have everything people love right now. Vintage sounds mixed with modern youthfulness and versatility, even if they don’t have a super deep catalogue of music yet. The music they make is fresh and different from what everyone is doing these days. They are a very promising up and coming act in the Vancouver indie scene.

Support the band here: https://www.ludicofficial.com/

The Best Music Venues in Vancouver (In My Opinion)

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Just this morning I was reminiscing about the last concert I went to, Lawrence at The Imperial, all the way back in FEBRUARY. If you knew me you’d know that’s a crazy amount of time since my last live music event. It made me miss the vibe, the excitement, the smells, the crowds, the overpriced beer. I could go on forever but I thought what better way to be sad about no concerts than to write about the venues I miss going to!

Rogers Arena

This place doesn’t exactly scream “local bands and music scene” but if we didn’t have a place like this we would miss out on big-ticket bands. Maybe I’m a little biased because I saw Weezer and The Black Keys, my two favourite bands, play there last year but even if I am, I still think it’s the best “arena” stage in the city. It may not have the best acoustics (it’s a hockey rink, not a concert hall) but it has comfy seats with decent legroom (I’m looking at you Pacific Coliseum) and you don’t have to spend a small fortune to be able to see (like floor seats at BC Place).

Twitter/@RogersArena

The Commodore Ballroom

Probably the most popular general admission venue in Vancouver. Maybe because it’s smack in the middle of Granville Street’s entertainment district or maybe just because it’s freaking awesome. I think what I like best about this place is that one day you’ll see swanky rich people going in tux and gowns to a fancy ball and the next night there’s a rock concert. I saw two shows there last year, one of them being Hollerado’s final show in Vancouver.

The Imperial Theatre

As I said earlier, this place holds my last concert memories. Even though my vision might be tainted by that, The Imperial has a super cool vibe. It’s a renovated Chinese movie theatre and it doesn’t forget its roots. Terra Cotta soldiers line the walls and other Chinese-style decor covers the place. The sound quality was among the best I’ve heard from any venue on this list, from any venue I’ve ever been to actually. The only downside to this place might be its location. It’s on the corner of Main and East Hastings which can be a very interesting area if you’re not prepared for it.

Honourable Mention: The Biltmore Cabaret: Cool vibe, cool people, super dingey feeling but it suits the place. Also super easy to get to from my place! Not that that means anything to anyone but me…

I know there are so many awesome venues I haven’t been to yet and I can’t wait to go to more concerts when all of this is over! But now I’m even sadder that it’s been 8 months since I saw any live music…

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Dan Mangan

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I was first introduced to this man, affectionately known as the “mayor of Vancouver” by some, at a free event back in 2016. He was showcased as the musical talent for SAIT’s 100th birthday party in Calgary. I was just starting to get into music back then, especially Canadian indie music, so I jumped at the chance to see someone “new” for free. What I didn’t know was that Dan had been a mainstay in the Canadian indie-folk scene for over 10 years at that point! Needless to say, that show was magical and introduced me to a few incredible tunes, some more of my favourites.

His first album, Postcards and Daydreaming, came out in 2005 and showcases Dan’s unique vocal tone and his undeniable instrumental talent. The follow-up, 2009’s Nice, Nice, Very Nice, is where Dan really hit his stride. Some of his best and most popular songs came from this album. The likes of Road Regrets, Robots, Sold, and Basket are among some of the best offerings from Dan to date.

YouTube/Dan Mangan Music

Dan continued making music throughout the 2010s dropping 2 more full-length solo albums and one EP.  He also ventured into the band landscape putting together a group called Dan Mangan + Blacksmith. They put out one full-length album known as Club Meds with the most popular song being Mouthpiece. Mangan also teamed up with a few other musicians to work on the soundtrack for the movie Hector and the Search for Happiness, which I watched just because he did the soundtrack, it was a good movie though.

Fun fact: Dan also appeared as an extra at the end of the movie! You can spot him in the bottom left-hand corner at the 16 second mark of this clip!

YouTube/Telmo Mendes

Some of Dan’s more recent offerings include covers of Neutral Milk Hotel’s legendary indie tune In The Aeroplane Over The Sea and R.E.M.’s Losing My Religion.

He is slated to play two shows at The Vogue Theatre on the 8th/9th, January 2021. Tickets are on sale now!

Seeing this guy in concert is something you will not regret, I promise you.

Night 1: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/an-evening-with-dan-mangan-tickets-75049863161?aff=aff0songkick&uid=&sk_eid=39313615

Night 2: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/an-evening-with-dan-mangan-tickets-86165825303?aff=aff0songkick&sk_eid=39346711&uid=

Leisure Club, A Band, Not A Place To Play Tennis

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Back in 2016, a group of dudes once described as “so laid back they’re almost horizontal” (Georgia Straight) got together and started what we know today as Leisure Club. The name an homage to the chill lifestyle they live and the easy-breezy tunes they aspired to make.

They got their start with a single called Throw My Love Away, another one of my favourites. Its easy slow-going start quickly gives way to an extremely singable chorus that you can’t help but chant along with the band. The song at times does sound a bit like it’s in two different worlds but it fits the nature of the band 100%.

The boys of Leisure club slowly released a single here and there throughout the next year. Dropping dreamy tunes like Still Young, 22, and a few others along the way. In 2017 they finally got enough material together to drop a whole record. This self-titled effort gave us a ten song drive down the coast with the top down on your convertible type sound. That’s an extremely specific sound but it’s the only way I can put into words the way this album feels. The album gained success locally and surprisingly in some parts of South America. Go Figure…

The band is currently working on the follow up to their debut album. Most recently they put out a two song EP titled I Want You in the Dark/Hard to Find. Hopefully, they grace us with this album before the end of the year! That would make this year a little bit better.

Last year I had the chance to see these dudes play live. I can confirm they’re just as chill as everyone says they are. I bought my merch (very reasonably priced merch I might add) from the keyboard player who then offered us free snacks. FREE SNACKS! I’ve never been to a concert before or after that had such a beautiful gift to give.

YouTube/Leisure Club

What really proves just how down to earth these dudes are is the fact that when the crowd cheered for an encore, they weren’t expecting it. They came back on and said “wow we have nothing prepared, I guess we’ll wing it then” and proceeded to knock our socks off for two more songs!

Just a bunch of chill dudes making chill tunes and having a good time!

Support the band:

https://leisureclub.band/

 

 

Live Music in Vancouver This Week!

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Wednesday, October 21: Jon Bryant

That’s right tomorrow! Vancouver based singer-songwriter Jon Bryant will be playing the second of his four-show series at The Railway Club. Each show will sell a maximum of 50 tickets to keep social distancing in mind. They will be sold as tables of four for $80 ($20 per person).

YouTube/Jon Bryant

This environment will be absolutely perfect to hear the soaring and silky smooth vocals of Jon Bryant. Fans of indie pop acts like Jaymes Young, Bahamas, and Chet Faker will be right at home at this show. Intimate shows like this are few and far between for an act like this so grab your tickets while you can!

Get your tickets here for tomorrow’s show as well as the two remaining shows:

https://www.showpass.com/the-railway-residency-w-jon-bryant-2/

Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7:00.

Friday, October 23: Ivan Hartle

Ivan Hartle will bring his jazzy, bluesy, and folk-inspired sound to Guilt & Company on Friday. Ivan will be showing off his newest single “Feelin’ Like” which gives off a polished John Mayer-esque vibe. Fans of acts like Nathaniel Rateliff, Nick Mulvey, and Rayland Baxter will dig Ivan’s sound.

YouTube/Ivan Hartle Music

You can catch Ivan playing from 7:00-10:00.

More info about Ivan: https://www.ivanhartlemusic.com/home

More info about the venue: https://www.guiltandcompany.com/

Saturday, October 24: Sam the Astronaut

Live in virtual concert is Vancouver’s dream-pop duo Sam the Astronaut! This show will be celebrating the release of their second album Midnight Carlight. According to the band, it will be a fully produced performance with good vibes and a few surprises! Fans of The 1975, The Zolas, and Dayglow will have no problem adjusting to their sound.

Youtube/Sam the Astronaut

There are a number of different packages you can purchase for access to this show. They range from a $13 basic ticket which gets you a Zoom link, to a $52 deluxe ticket which gets you access to the show, exclusive content from the album, a slick band tee, and a physical copy of the new CD. There are other in-between options that offer bonuses as well.

Grab tickets to the show here:

https://www.songkick.com/concerts/39697466-sam-the-astronaut-at-unknown-venue

Keep up with the band here: http://www.samtheastronaut.com/

 

Oh Peach Pit, Where’d the Hours Go?

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Back in 2016, a strange little tune emerged from a couple of dudes in Vancouver (Neil Smith, Cristopher Vanderkooy, Peter Wilton, and Mikey Pascuzzi). That tune gave us a lovely surf rock vibe laced with soaring guitars and distorted vocals. The song was called Peach Pit by Peach Pit. I wonder which came first? The song title or the band name? Asking the tough questions here. Legend has it that Chris’s great-great-grandfather was a peach farmer in the Lower Mainland and that’s where the name comes from. So probably the name came first…

Anyway, the tune became a viral hit pulling in over 46 million streams on Spotify and quickly earning the band a place amongst the giants of the deep genre of bedroom pop. Coincidentally, it happens to be one of my all-time favourite songs as well. The song’s success lead Peach Pit to release a cute little four song EP in 2016 titled Sweet FA. Side Note: I wish the EP was called Peach Pit too, that would’ve been perfection. The EP offered us more of the surf rock sound we were accustomed to.

In 2017, they dropped their first full-length LP titled Being So Normal on local label Kingfisher Bluez. The album gave us a more upbeat reimagining of Drop the Guillotine from the EP and the absolute banger Alrighty Aphrodite. I mean about as much of a banger as a lo-fi surf rock song can be. The album ends with a slower and sadder song than the normal offerings, Tommy’s Party. It has more of a breakup song feel than the sun-shiny, California coastline vibe they usually give. Regardless of that, it’s still a damn good song and a great way to end the album. I have very fond memories of listening to this album as I rode the train through the Japanese countryside. The laid-back feel of the album was great opposition to the hustle and bustle of Japan. And of course, I was proud to share the music of my country with my Japanese friends.

All the way back in April (which feels like years ago the way 2020 has gone) they released their sophomore effort titled You and Your Friends. To be honest I haven’t spent a lot of time with this album. To me, it doesn’t feel different enough from Being So Normal to go back to. When you have such important memories tied up in one album it’s hard to beat it. It does offer a few worthwhile singles though. Feelin’ Low (F*ckboy Blues), Black Licorice, and Shampoo Bottles are all solid tracks that had a place on my playlist at one time.

In early October they released the deluxe version of You and Your Friends which bumped it from 13 to 15 songs. It added one of my favourite songs of the fall up to this point though, Psychics in LA. It feels like a song that could’ve been on their original EP back in 2016. It brings back the distorted fuzzy vocals and vintage-sounding guitar riffs. I always wonder how the best songs don’t make it on to the main album. Why make us wait for the deluxe version??

YouTube/PEACH PIT

These four dudes are a huge success story from our very own Vancouver. They’ve cemented themselves as pioneers of the lo-fi alternative genre and gained worldwide success. I’m proud to call the same place home as these guys.

I mean look at this picture, how could you not love them??

It’s 1 am, you’re eating a cheeseburger in a McDonalds parking lot…these 4 dudes pull up, tell you to “hand over the cheeseburger or else…” and look at you like this….wyd?

Posted by Peach Pit on Wednesday 14 October 2020

Facebook/Peach Pit

You can support the band here: https://peachpitmusic.com/