Author Archives: Ethan Allin

The Government Looks For Ways To Help Amplify B.C.

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metallica vancouver 2012

Metallica – 2012 – Vancouver – Mark Teasdale/Flickr

Great news for musicians and fans alike as the B.C. government announces furthered initiatives of investment into Amplify BC that has been created to help with the growth and recovery of B.C.’s music industry. $22.5 million will be dedicated to the music sector over the next three years.

Started in 2018, Amplify BC has launched programs to help B.C. artists, venues, music companies, and the overall development of the industry. Supported by Creative BC, there are four programs offered to aid the scene.

  • Career Development – 178 projects funded so far that help to support economic growth, career development, funding studio time, music videos while helping attract business to Vancouver-based recording studios.
  • Live Music – 74 projects have been funded to help secure venues while helping aid live performances for artists within the city.
  • Music Company Development – 33 projects have been funded to help the sustainability, growth, and longevity of B.C. music companies
  • Industry Initiatives – 35 projects funded so far to create a diverse music scene by funding projects to help emerging artists, training, skill development, and research.
Ryan Guldemond of Mother Mother

Ryan Guldemond – Lead Singer of Mother Mother – Jason Martin/Flickr

As a way to support the development of our music industry. Creative BC has established partnerships with Music BC and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. The 2021-22 programs for Amplify BC and funding deadlines will be announced in summer 2021.

This comes as the industry, once flourishing, struggles to make it through the pandemic that has seen the shutdown of its biggest sector. But as musicians, venues, recording studios, and music stores work to keep their doors open the B.C. government has thankfully put this in as part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response.

Atmosphere @ Commodore Ballroom

Atmosphere – Commodore Ballroom – Kristina Kimlickova/Flickr

So even though we can’t go out yet and see our favorite bands live, be rest assured that our government has a plan in place to keep this wonderful culture alive. This province-wide initiative will hopefully allow fans across B.C. to continue supporting their local artists, venues, and businesses.

Anyone who is an avid concert-goer or supporter of local music should thank Amplify BC for providing what should be seen as a win for the music scene. Not only in the big city of Vancouver but all across the province as the benefits of this plan will be felt all over.

 

Vancouver’s Nightlife Is Once Again Under Attack

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Granville Street, Vancouver, Canada, Travel

As the pandemic looms over the music scene in B.C. our chances of seeing anything live this year is quickly dwindling. How much are you missing concerts right now? Oh, how I yearn for the rumble of bass through my seat, the sway of the dance floor at the Commodore Ballroom, or the night-long lineup attempting to get into the Roxy Cabaret. Well, another Vancouver location has taken one for the team through this pandemic, or at least for right now.

Venue Nightclub is officially up for sale. Located on the Granville strip, a once busy and robust area, this news sheds light on the state of the music industry in Vancouver’s downtown core. The 8000-square-foot listing has now appeared online for a whopping $998,000. Have you ever seen a concert at Venue? Well, it may have been your last.

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Peter Bjorn and John – Venue Nightclub – 2011 – Ash Tanasiychuk/Flickr

The pandemic has been a struggle for businesses of all sizes, but unlike the food and beverage industry, a place like Venue doesn’t have the ability to set up an outside patio. I could only imagine the time I saw Trivium there if somehow, we were out on a patio. The walls practically broke off that night as we were shredded with incredible guitar solos.

It’s another sad day for Vancouver partygoers and music fans as another place looks to close its doors. Since 2009 Venue Nightclub has been operating on Granville as one of the more well-known traditional nightclubs while hosting many concerts over the years. From big to small, Venue has been a place for local artists to strive towards in their quests for a break.

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Two Door Cinema Club – Venue Nightclub – 2011 – Ash Tanasiychuk/Flickr

For many local and touring musicians, that’s exactly what 881-Granville Street was. A place to inspire, live and enjoy something that has the ability us all together, music. But if you’re like me, you won’t miss attempting to get a drink there sometime during the night.

Sadly, as we move on through the pandemic live music doesn’t feel like it’s coming back anytime soon. Doesn’t matter if it’s Deer Lake Park or Malkin Bowl, fans will have to wait once again as the province continues the fight against Covid-19. Hopefully, it’s not long till we can enjoy our favorite bands once again live in Vancouver.