Author Archives: Julian Ciolli

Aren’t you lucky to discover Lucky Monkey?

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Lucky Monkey

Azchael/Flickr

Lucky Monkey is a rock band from Kelowna, BC that brought together Cassidy Hritzuk (vocals), Josh Evans (drums), Ryan Zeleznik (lead guitar) and Dylan Losell (bass) together in 2016. Together they merge old-school rock with a 21st century, modern influence to cater to all audiences, describing their sound as, ‘melodic, crunching and accessible.’ Their sound is seeded in collaboration, allowing each artist to shine and share their personal artistry within their releases.

The four performed all around Kelowna playing covers and were recognized as the best bar band in town until that impressed everyone with the release of their first EP, Lucky Monkey. They began to get more recognition – going from play local gigs to performing at Rogers Arena during the Vancouver Canucks pre-season games in 2018. Here they tested out some of their new music and continued to pick up momentum.

Lucky Monkey released their second EP in 2019 entitled, Nothing to Lose, with 2 music videos to go along with it. They had been saving these songs for over a year, shaving down a songbook of 32 songs to the five-piece collection that is Nothing to Lose. Following this release, the band embarked on their first tour across Canada in 2019.

With COVID-19 putting a halt to a lot of plans, Lucky Monkey continued to collaborate and released their third EP, Don’t Pray for Me (2021). With each song, you hear original artistry from each of the guys. As they categorize themselves as a rock/hard-rock band, they pull influences from all different genres and decades of music. Each member draws inspiration from their own influences, bringing their own individual styles to create one unique sound.

The band juggles their family, work and music lives all while keeping spirits high on their Instagram page, @luckymonkeymusic. Lucky Monkey is at the top of their game in the Kelowna music scene on the cusp of discovery outside their local venues! From the looks of it, they look forward to the day they can safely perform live for their fans and introduce themselves to the world!

Chilliwack – the band, not the City

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Chilliwack

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Created in 1970, the Canadian psychedelic and progressive rock band, Chilliwack, was born. Chilliwack’s founding contributors were Bill Henderson (lead guitar and vocals), Glenn Miller (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Ross Turney (drums) Claire Lawrence (keyboard, flute, backing vocals), and as of 1973, Howard Froese (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). The group named itself Chilliwack, after, (you guessed it!), the Upper Fraser Valley town in British Columbia. Choosing the name because they liked the sound and the fact its Indigenous meanings, “valley of many streams,” reflected their musical diversity.

Shortly after stepping into the music scene, the band found success in 1973 with the release of “Lonesome Mary” – a single from their second record – that landed in Canada’s Top 10 and reached No. 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 chat in the United States. Riding High (1974), their fourth album, regularly landed them on the radio with their single “Crazy Talk” also finding a spot in Canada’s Top 10 and on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1977, their album Dreams, Dreams, Dreams was their first album to go platinum. This was a trend with their following albums Lights from the Valley (1978), Wanna Be a Star (1981) and Opus X (1982) also bringing great success and going platinum. They reached international audiences with “My Girl” from their platinum-selling album, Wanna Be a Star (1981) reaching No.1 in Canada and No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hit single, “Whatcha Gonna Do” from Opus X landed in the Top 10 in Canada, Top 40 in the US and earned Henderson and MacLeod a Juno Award for Producer of the Year.

Founding member Lawrence departed from the band in 1972 while Miller, Turney and Froese left the band in 1979. Throughout their years they welcome in other contributors such as John Roles (rhythm and lead guitar and backing vocals), Rick Taylor (drums), Brian Macleod (rhythm and lead guitar, keyboard, backing vocals) and Ab Bryant (bass). Chilliwack was also the birthplace of other spinoff acts like the Headpins and Bill Henderson’s solo career.

Bill Henderson has been a constant for the group while continuously pursuing his own independent programs. The band took a hiatus from 1988 to 1997. Their current members include Bill Henderson (lead guitar and vocals), Ed Henderson (rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals), Jerry Adolphe (drums) and Gord Maxwell (bass, backing vocals). Chilliwack was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2019.

Most recently, you would have seen Chilliwack performing at the BC Lions Home Opener on August 19th. Although the BC Lions might not have won the football game, fans rocked out to the Chilliwack’s halftime show and were glad to attend a live music performance and sports game once again!

Sam Roberts Band Cancel Canadian Fall Tour

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“Knowing that we are taking away a night’s work from anyone in the live music business at this time makes this decision all the more difficult” -Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts Band at World Cafe Live 150306

Raphaela/Flickr

 

Could 2021 get any worse? Apparently so as the world-renowned Sam Roberts Band sadly announce the cancellation of their fall tour which would have brought them to Vancouver in late November.

Amid the fourth wave of the Pandemic in Canada, the band took to social media to announce the cancellation of their tour devastating fans across the country. However, the decision was far from easy the band says writing, “In the long history of our band (family), this is far and away from the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make and something we hoped never to have to do.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUC1sInLM3c/

 

The Fall tour would have seen the five artists go on to perform in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal later this year. The Monowhales, a Canadian 3 piece alt-rock band who burst into the music scene in 2017 with their first hit single “Take it Back” was set to support each night throughout the tour.

Are you like me and already purchased your tickets? Don’t stress as the group confirmed that all tickets will be eligible for automatic refunds, with additional information on their tour schedule provided by the one and only Live Nation.

While the news is incredibly disheartening, and the thought of attending a concert live and in person seems like a memory of old don’t give up just yet! With vaccinations rapidly increasing across Canada there is finally an end in sight…I hope.

Until then, take the extra time to memorize all the songs of your favourite Canadian band, so when the time comes, you’re ready to rock the house down!

Imagine Dragons coming to Vancouver in 2022!

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Imagine Dragons // WayHome 2017

Nick Tiringer/Flickr

You read that right, the band that brought alternative rock and high energy vocals back to the mainstages is returning to Vancouver for its Mercurial tour on March 4th. Fingers crossed the pandemic stays far, far away.

Imagine Dragons announced the tour in celebration of the release of their latest album, Mercury-Act 1, which is sure to bring you back to 2012 when the world was actually supposed to end. The band’s highly anticipated fifth album found the artists teaming up with highly sought-after producer Rick Rubin. Together, they created a masterpiece in which they say abandons metaphorically charged lyrics and instead embraces emotional extremities, holding nothing back.

The album couldn’t have come at a better time. Having had the world shut down for what seems like forever now, songs like Lonely, Wrecked, and It’s Okay, show that the pandemic even affects the minds of alternative rock superstars. I don’t know about you, but it sure makes me feel at least a little better.

To purchase your tickets click here.

Keep scrolling if you want to see my top 3 favourite songs by the one and only Imagine Dragons.

1)‘Its Time’ (Night Visions,2012)

The song that started it all. The band’s very first LP single is certainly a headbanger. With a Catchy hook and thoughtful lyrics, this is a song the band will be playing across the world for the rest of their careers.

 

2)’ Radioactive‘ (Night Visions, 2012)

For many fans, this would be their number one song and believe me it was a tough choice. There’s a reason this electro-rock influence masterpiece stayed on the Hot 100 for 87 weeks. Everyone has heard it a million times and the still timeless song speaks for itself to this day.

 

3)’ Walking the wire’ (Evolve, 2017)

My favourite piece from their newer work. Walking the Wire is only what I can describe as an enormous song that was way ahead of its time. Reynolds triumphant and bright voice fused with a perfect guitar solo definitely earns the number three spot.

 

Think another song should be on the top 3? Reach out, I’d love to hear what you have to say.

Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination for Surrey’s Pat Chessel.

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PAT CHESSELL HIGH RES

Pat Chessell Band/Flickr

With so much musical talent across the world sometimes it’s easy to forget about what’s right in your backyard, and Vancouver’s Pat Chessel is no exception.

The Surrey-based “Celtic Canadian” performer is up for Traditional Singer of the Year honours, along with the very talented Sophie Lavoie, Nicolas Boilerice, Ewelina Ferenc and Ray Schmidt.

Chessell, a frequent performer at venues across Surrey, is among six B.C. based artists nominated for the 2021 CFMAs which are to be held in April. Now I know what you’re thinking, who listens to Folk music these days? All I can say is listen to what your parents told you and don’t judge a book by its cover.

While his early originals fall solidly under the large spectrum of “Celtic”, Pats range is colossal and all-embracing. Equally skilled at delivering a powerhouse rock tune as a soft touching ballad, you never know what the multi-talented artist will create next. His lyrics vary from thought-provoking to dance-inducing and high-spirited, but most importantly, Chessell is relatable.

The singer-songwriter has quite an impressive resume as well but don’t just take my word for it. While headlining his own shows, he has also opened for Jim Byrnes, The Town Pants, Derek Warfield, and was featured in the Irish Pavilion at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He’s released 5 albums over the last decade.  I’d recommend starting with his latest I Confess (2018) and working your way up to The Road Not Taken (2020) to get an idea of his true sound.

The Road Not Taken has a modern folk-pop sound that Chessell has made his own. His new sound combines his Celtic roots with a Country twang that unravels an optimistic and upbeat indie-folk fusion. Give it a listen for yourself,  you’re not afraid to like ‘Folk’ music, are you?

Arkells to Rock Rogers Arena February 2nd

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Arkells

Katelyn Patty/Flickr

Another concert to add to your list of things to look forward to amidst a time where all musical dreams have seemed lost. Fingers crossed the pandemic stays far away from this pop-rock family or else I’m getting my 3rd vaccine.

Live Nation has just announced that the Arkells will be landing in no other than Vancouver’s Rogers Arena in February of next year.

The pop-rock band from Hamilton, Ontario led by lead singer Max Kerman, will be showcasing their electric masterpieces from its sixth and newest album, Blink Once, which was released last month.

The band is incredibly eager to get back to the mainstages and share their music across the country. However, they aren’t taking the opportunity for ‘granted’ as they understand better than anyone else how hard times have been for artists and music lovers alike.

“We snuck in a few shows this summer and it was an amazing feeling,” says Kerman in a press release.” “The chance to bring concerts back to Canada with music lovers across the country is something we won’t take for granted.”

In case you have been living under a rock for the past thirteen years the Arkells are an alternative rock band that has an impressive catalogue under their belts. Accompanied by Last Gang Records they have released six albums, two EP’s and a number of singles that have consistently topped Canadian charts. Did I mention consistently creating Juno Award-winning albums such as Jackson Square, High Noon, Morning Report, and Rally Cry?

The Arkells are committed to constantly chasing a new sound. It’s no wonder why they have remained on top of the Canadian rock charts after all these years.

Haviah Mighty

The Come Up Show/Flickr

If you think the concert couldn’t get any better think again. The opening act will be Toronto rapper Haviah Mighty to keep you pumped up before the Arkells hit the stage.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday (October 7) click here to find them.

Billy Talent Rocks Vancouver on February 14th

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Billy Talent

Kim Erlandsen/Flickr

Live Nation announces Billy Talents’ return to Vancouver next year.

The Canadian rock legends will be showcasing tunes from its sixth studio album, Crisis of Faith, that will be coming to rock enthusiasts everywhere as of January 2022. They say patience is a virtue, but I think this latest album will definitely be worth the wait.

The 10-date tour will have two acts; the first brings the band to the West coast with special guest PUP, while the second has the band headline five shows with fellow punk rockers Rise Against. Tickets can be found here, and for a full list of dates go to BillyTalent.com

Never take an opening act for granted, you might just find your new favourite band. Pups‘ three albums Self-Titled (2013), The Dream is Over (2016), and Morbid Stuff (2019), were finished meticulously. So much so the guitarist of the band Steve Sladkowski admits “we’ve all individually and collectively lost our minds in the undertaking that is our creative process.” Nods from outlets like the Rolling stones prove that there is a method to the madness and not to overlook their obvious talents.

I don’t think the rock quintet needs an introduction, however, not all parents had the greatest music taste so just in case… here are just a few of Billy Talents’ achievements.

Billy Talent is no doubt one of Canada’s most successful bands. The nearly 4 million albums sold worldwide speak for themselves, not to mention the 7 Juno Awards also under their belt. The band has been nominated more than 20 times, including the mentions for their most recent album Afraid of Heights (Group of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, and Producer of the Year). They have also taken home the MMVA Awards 10 times and created some of the most timeless rock songs of our generation. I know that’s a bold statement but I’m a millennial so cut me some slack.

Hopefully, I will see you at the PNE’s forum on February 14th!

Vancouver’s Rising Star Selena Sun

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If you are looking to expand your music repertoire and are tired of listening to the same song on repeat, you definitely came to the right place. Music BC’s member of the month Selena Sun brings an angelic mix of indie-pop and ambient soundscapes that soothe the soul.

Here’s everything you know about the amazingly talented Vancouver artist.

https://www.instagram.com/p/COBDOUTnHX3/

 

Serena Sun is a Vancouver-based singer, songwriter, and producer. She uses her unique melodies and honest lyrics to share her experience in navigating the ultimate rollercoaster of what we call life. Through her music, Serena shares with her fans the uphill battles she faced living as a first-generation Chinese Canadian, going through painful heartbreak, and learning how to live life, while seemingly carrying the entire weight of the world on your shoulders. If we just listen, there’s much to learn from this rising star.

Serena spent 10 years of her life in Countries like the U.S., China, and Chile trying to find herself. However, her lack of belonging left her pondering life’s most important question. Who am I? Serena took her thoughts and turned them into lyrics, and seemingly by chance, a star was in the making.

It won’t be long until Selena becomes a household name in Vancouver and her single “Something More” proves that. Created with local music producer and songwriter Nathan Chiu, Something More is about seeking a greater purpose in life when it feels like everything around you is falling apart.

Selena has been incredibly busy the past year creating lyrical masterpieces such as “Idk How to Stop,” “Release Me,” and “Everyone I Run From.” Her emotionally driven lyrics make you feel like you are living through her. She is incredibly relatable and makes you feel like you are not alone. In a world where being anyone but yourself is okay, Selena is much more. She is authentic.

Check out her newest single “What you Wanted” streaming now on all platforms.