Author Archives: Kealyn Claridge

There’s Tons of Songs Named After Vancouver, Which One’s The Best?

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Vancouver can be a vast artistic city, and seemingly an inspiring one too! Musicians have come and gone and many haven’t left without writing a tribute or two. Here’s a comprehensive list of songs named after Vancouver and my opinion on each of them. Because I’m always right.

Mac DeMarco

A favourite artist among many Vancouverites with ironic moustaches and tiny toques. This is an ambient track that’s super guitar based, complimented by wood blocks. Really gives it that rainforest groove. Makes me wanna snap my fingers on a chilly day.

Snazzy.

7/10.

Jeff Buckley

Everybody loves Jeff Buckley. Well, expect me. Nothing against the guy he’s just not my thing. I’ve tried many times, he should be my thing in theory. I love a sad lyrically driven song but Mr. Buckley just doesn’t do it for me. I think we can tell where this is going.

It’s alright! I bet other people love it.

6/10.

Anamanaguchi

You may know Anamanaguchi from their work with japanese robot popstar Hatsune Miku, or maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about. This song is crazy. Sounds like something tragic happened to you in a digital world and you’re reeling from it but it made you stronger in the end. Also it makes me wanna run real fast.

Super cool.

8/10.

Subway Surfers

You know, like the mobile game. I hate this song. Nothing makes me more immediately angry than country-arena-dad-rock. I don’t see how this represents Vancouver at all. An abomination of all accounts.

Terrifying.

1/10.

Matthew Good

Not to be confused with ‘Matthew Good Band’ this is just the one guy. This song really picks up for me when the violins come in. Super intense song about how shitty Vancouver actually is under its luxury exterior. Super solid local rock song.

7/10.

They Might Be Giants

Such a silly energy tied to everything I’ve heard from They Might Be Giants. They sing like magicians, a very specific vibe to give off but they do it effortlessly. They have very good enunciation as well. Strange, but we all have our things.

Nothing crazy, but I like the vibe.

7/10.

Jacob Leger

Never heard of this guy before, this is the wild card Vancouver song. A nice acoustic ditty. I like the electric organ it’s a nice touch. Not really my thing but hey! Maybe its yours! Go on and give it a listen.

Thumbs up emoji.

5.5/10.

 

What’s your favourite Vancouver song? Did I miss any classics? Don’t be afraid to shout at me!

Which of Mac DeMarco’s ‘Vancouver’ Songs is The Best?

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Here in Vancouver we love Mac DeMarco. Especially in 2017 when everyone was wearing light wash blue jeans and pretending to enjoy drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. How kind and sweet of Mac Demarco to recognize the love we send to him from Vancouver and name not one but three songs after our lil city. Let’s check em out!

Mac DeMarco is known for his super chill out analog acid-folk style. He does a lot of songs with classic song structure of course but recently he’s pivoted to ambient wordless emotional tunes. His latest release is a 199 song nearly 10 hour long album of mostly ambient songs (except for the 18 tracks with lyrics, but you get the point.) Vancouver 1 through 3 is within that realm. Let’s embark on this ambient journey together.

The original, Vancouver:

The classic edition has a whimsical feel to it. Like you’re a sneaky woodland creature running errands. Where are you going?? To the chill vibe store, probably.

I give it 3 vibes out of 5.

Vancouver 2:

Version 2 has a far more melancholic tone. Like you finished your woodland creature errands and then it started raining and maybe you saw an old friend you don’t speak to anymore. It’s good pondering music.

I give it 4 raindrops out of 5.

Vancouver 3:

The final in the trilogy is very similar to the second, kind of a faster tempo version of it. It takes its time stepping down into the more minor notes. If we continue with the woodland creature metaphor, I would say this is when you would stop at a near by pond and eat a tiny loaf of bread (normal sized for you.)

I give it 3 tiny loaves of bread out of 5.

What I love the most about all of these tracks is the wood block sounds. Like little toads singing along to the song. Anything Mac DeMarco makes is wonderfully creative and thoughtful, I encourage you to explore his discography is you haven’t already.

Which is your favourite of the Vancouver trilogy?

ALBUM REVIEW: Junebug

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I talked a little about ‘Junebug’ by Molly Annelle in my last article “Local Pop Artists You Should Check Out During Taylor Swift’s Takeover”

That little blurb really wasn’t enough to give this wonderfully creative album the time it deserves.

‘Junebug’ has so many different sounds blended together under one roof. Disco synths, bluegrass bass lines, and just when you think you’re listening to a pop-country album ‘trophy wife’ keeps you on your toes with an R&B vaporwave dream pop twist!

The album opens with ‘all day, cowboy!’ it’s a super punchy track that sets you up for all the fun your about to have listening to this album.

The beat of this song keeps you moving forward, punctuated by these sort of Elton John-esque piano flourishes. “Welcome to the rodeo” Molly Annelle whispers at the end, its a very warm welcome indeed!

‘cherry brain pie’ has to be my favourite.

There’s a slight Chappell Roan sound to this one, but maybe it’s the steady synth that leads you to an explosive pop-rock chorus. This song is awesome, it’s fun, sexy, silly. I wish I had something more intelligent to say about it but it truly is just a super good song that’s made 10x better when you realize it was made by a Vancouver local.

It’s a good thing ‘cherry brain pie’ is so upbeat, you need it to get through ‘waterlogged’ a ballad about betrayal.

You can hear the resentment and sadness in every word. “I’m not stupid, I knew better.” Frustration towards yourself, frustration towards someone you thought you could trust. ‘waterlogged’ made me want to stare at the wall and ponder.

Every song on ‘Junebug’ is so full, there’s so many moving parts. You’re only left wanting more from Molly Annelle as an artist.

Molly Annelle writes honest complex stories and sentiments with sweetly simple language . I’d be shocked if she wasn’t the next enormous popstar on everyone’s mind.

Follow Molly Annelle!

Instagram

Spotify

Bandcamp

Local Pop Artists You Should Check Out During Taylor Swift’s Takeover

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The Eras Tour is upon us. People coming from far and wide to breathe the same air as Taylor Swift if only for a moment. The streets will be flooded with swifties as far as the eye can see. Hoards of them, reminiscent of a zombie apocalypse. Armed with friendship bracelets and rabid knowledge of a blonde woman you shan’t speak ill of, lest you feel their wrath…

I’m just joking I’m sure you’re all very sweet, swifities. I imagine you’re the largest fan population in the world so I’m willing to bet many of you were unable to secure tickets to a night at the Eras Tour. It’s not your fault! Taylor is just too popular!

Here’s an idea…there’s a bunch of real lovely local pop artists here in Vancouver. If you get in on the ground floor of their career, you can go to ALL of their shows AND have bragging rights saying ‘you knew them when…’

Let’s take a look at Vancouver’s finest popstars!

Molly Annelle

Molly Annelle has a gorgeous dreamy jazz-style voice she combines with what I can only describe as blue-grass-synth-pop-rock instrumentals on her latest album ‘Junebug’

Her lyrics are playful but still serious. You get toy pianos and groovy baselines. Molly Annelle has fun making music and you can hear the joy in every song.

Take a listen to ‘junebug’ the album’s namesake:

and here’s my personal favourite ‘cherry brain pie’:

 

Tidal Pink

Tidal Pink is a pop duo making highly modern electric bubblegum pop. I hesitate to call it hyperpop because you could definitely still relax and listen to Tidal Pink but they’re able to use a lot of traditionally hyperpop-type sounds without it being the onslaught of sound you’d expect.

It’s very Ke$ha meets Metric with a PC Music influence.

 

BEEBOMB

BEEBOMB is my most exciting and silly pop discovery. They have kind of a B-52’s thing going on, but maybe I’m just saying that because of their surf-rock undertone. BEEBOMB is keeping it weird, keeping it super fun, and keeping the Vancouver power pop scene ON LOCK!!!!!

They were formed in the UK and then later relocated to Vancouver so if you hear a British accent don’t be alarmed.

Here’s one of their latest releases ‘1000 Inflatable Obstacle Course’

Bit of a departure from the bubblegum-girly-pop theme I had going but I just couldn’t help myself.

 

Enjoy your new favourite artists!

(And stay safe if you’re going to The Eras Tour this weekend!)

The Ultimate Vancouver Dance Party Calendar

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Dance parties or themed music nights seem to be all the rage these days! I can’t scroll Instagram without getting one or two ads promoting some kind of Hannah Montana rave or Charlil XCX remix night.

It’s a sweet concept. The DJ plays a bunch of music in a theme, everyone dresses up, much fun is had by everybody.

There’s a whole bunch of parties going on all the time in this city but fear not, I have a wonderful list for you to refer to and plan your next night out.

Dec 6th: Teenage Dream: Taylor’s Version – Fortune Sound Club

A one stop shop for Gen Z pop hit nostalgia. You can expect songs from Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, One Direction, Selena Gomez. Even Disney channel classics from High School Musical or Camp Rock.

Tickets are $10, doors are at 10pm.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Dec 6th: Party Rock: A Tribute To The 2010s – The Fox Cabaret

The greatest music of the 2010s in one night. Recession pop, indie sleaze, and lofi hip hop. Put on a weird chunky necklace and brightly coloured skinny jeans (maybe even a vest if that’s your thing) and head over to The Fox Cabaret.

Tickets are $13 online, $18 at the door. The party goes from 10:30pm-2am.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Dec 13th: Pump Up The Jam: Throwback Dance Hits – The Fox Cabaret

Let’s get physical! Dance music of the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Anything from Aqua and Deee-lite to Fatboy Slim and Cascada. Let out the groove in your heart.

Tickets are $13 online, $18 at the door. The party goes from 10:30pm-2am.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Dec 27th: Emo Night Vancouver – Hollywood Theatre

When you’re at my house, every night’s an emo night but I understand some people need an occasion to get their emo on. Flat iron your hair within an inch of its life and put on some fingerless gloves, emo night is upon us. You can expect to hear songs from classic bands like Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, ETC.

Tickets are $15, doors at 10pm.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

 

Hopefully that’s enough to keep you occupied for the next couple of weeks. Parties like these keep our favourite music alive! Have fun!

ALBUM REVIEW: tragedy as catharsis

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I love loud violent music. Screamo, metalcore, the works. Believe it or not it really helps me focus and calm down. Something about the violent tragic shouting just helps my brain shut the hell up. It’s also nice if you have a lot of repressed rage…I would imagine…

It can be hard to find good solid loud, screamy, emotional, exciting music that scratches that angry itch, which is why I’m pleased to present to you: drive your plow over the bones of the dead.

Drive your plow is a DIY screamo band based in Vancouver. I found them roaming around Bandcamp as I often am, where their latest release ‘tragedy as catharsis’ was waiting for me.

The album art is what drew me in, it’s killer. Listening to this kind of music brings me right back to being a teenager stuck in a small rural town hating my life. This farm-type eerie scene really sets the stage for what’s to come.

First thing I noticed during my first listen through was there’s no down time on this record, which is awesome. You get a little break on ‘malediction’ (wicked track by the way) but it’s not down time in the sense that it’s filler you’re waiting to end, it’s a breather. Time to think after getting hit over and over agin with these powerful tracks that transition into each other seamlessly.

I listened to this album back to back three times. I just couldn’t get enough! It’s relatively short too, which is nice. You’re left wanting more, trying to absorb as much of it as you can while it’s in your life. It was very difficult to pick only a couple tracks to tell you about but I did my best.

A favourite track of mine is lucky number 13: ‘baleful solitude.’

SO powerful. The guitars being punctuated by the wailing gets me GOING! From there it just descends into wonderful chaos until the end where every sound involved is a constant and it peaks as the instruments start screaming too.

The main single off the album is ‘spirit incantation.’

This is also the opening track on the record, and for good reason. It starts out super fun and exciting, then it chills out a little in the middle and turns into a pained battle cry for what’s to come. Pretentious description, I know, but when you’re listening to such evocative music it can be hard not to bring it to such a place.

Before we wrap up here I’d love to mention track 6: spiteful enemy

It’s short and so very sweet. It makes me want to run around the forest. You’ll know what I mean when you listen.

This is an amazingly impressive first full length album. If you are at all drawn to screamo, metalcore, skramz, emo violence, or any other genre under the umbrella that keeps you out of the sun, you HAVE to check out drive your plow over the bones of the dead.

plow over the bones of the dead is playing a show at Grey Lab on December 6th, check their Instagram for details!

Where can you find drive your plow over the bones of the dead?

Instagram

Bandcamp

Spotify

P.S. I used Spotify links to individual tracks but please consider supporting local artists on Bandcamp/buying physical copies straight from the source.

 

Need Concert Tickets But Have No Cash?

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When you’re living in Vancouver you don’t typically have a ton of extra money laying around waiting to be spent. This combined with the ruthless scalper epidemic we’re living through, it can be totally impossible to get concert tickets.

Enter: your local radio stations.

It can be easy to forget about the wonders of radio when streaming rules the world but the radio has one thing Spotify and Apple Music could never have. Contests and giveaways.

You don’t have to be in the dark anymore. Bask in this list of local stations waiting for you to put your name in the hat to claim some awesome tickets.

SONiC

Over at SONiC 104.9 they’re giving away some HOT commodities for those of us who wore a lot of eyeliner in high school.

SUM 41

The final tour. Rogers arena on January 11th. Former emo teens (or current emo adults) come together to celebrate your angst. Don’t let cost get you down, leave it up to fate!

ENTER HERE

Tickets will be drawn on December 19th. Sum 41 will be joined by punk bands PUP and gob.

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

The be all end all of emo music is on tour once again. Seemingly re-hashing their magnum opus ‘The Black Parade’ you CAN’T miss this once in a lifetime concert before they go back into hiding. I maxed out my credit card for this, don’t be like me. Try and get ’em for free instead!

ENTER HERE

Tickets for their Seattle show will be drawn on December 8th. My Chemical Romance will be joining forces with Violent Femmes, to create the ultimate concert.

 

THE PEAK

102.7 The Peak has a bunch of contests going on at the moment but we’re only here for the music. Who cares about groceries.

PEACH PIT

Vancouver’s own Peach Pit! If you’re a born and bred Vancouver local, going to a Peach Pit show is like, your birthright.

ENTER HERE

The show is at Deer Lake Park on June 6th. It’s a double feature with Briston Maroney. Twice the fun! Deadline to enter is December 1st!

 

Z95.3

Zed isn’t gonna make it as easy on you as sonic and the peak, you’re gonna have to do a little more than enter your email.

KATY PERRY

If you want to win tickets to see Katy Perry then I hope you have a horrendous breakup story (no offence.) If you’ve been blindsided on your birthday or killed their goldfish, let ’em know! Breakups are hard, but maybe worth it if you can get some concert tickets out of it?

ENTER HERE

If you manage to snag the seats, clear your calendar for July 22nd at Rogers Arena.

 

You would be a fool not to enter these contests. Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Long live the radio contest!

Mosh Pits 101

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Punk shows are objectively the most fun shows to go to, but if you aren’t prepared you might be a little caught off guard. Best case scenario you’re confused, worst case you get seriously hurt.

Here at Evolution we believe in having fun, but we also believe in staying safe! Welcome to Mosh Pits 101!

Don’t be a dick: Punching people can be fun, we all know this, but read the room! It’s not a free pass to start wailing on people. On the flip side of that, don’t get angry if someone accidentally hits you or steps on your foot, you know what you signed up for.

Protect others: Be aware of your size in relation to your fellow moshers. You don’t wanna take out a tiny dude who would’ve never seen your enormous punches coming. and while we’re on the topic, if someone falls PICK THEM UP. You wouldn’t want to be trampled to death by a bunch of people in heavy combat boots, don’t let someone else meet that fate either. Speaking of which…

Boots: While you’ll definitely want to look the part with some solid combat boots, you’ll also not want to break a toe (or five) in all the excitement. Not a vital organ for sure, but nice to have around.

Protect yourself (outside): If you see someone’s about to dive towards you, get your arms up if you care about your neck. You should also consider bracing your neck or covering your head if things are getting crazy and you care about your skull.

Protect yourself (inside): Now you know how to avoid breaking your bones it would also be super cool to not pass out, right? Stay hydrated my friend (no, beer doesn’t count.) Speaking from experience, not drinking enough water before exerting yourself in a hot room full of sweaty people can hit you super hard and fast.

Respect: The venue deserves your respect! Don’t trash the bathroom more than it already is. Get rid of your empties in the appropriate spots. You are a guest in someone else’s house, be nice to its staff. If you’ve been asked to leave it’s probably for a good reason. Take it with dignity and get out of there.

Don’t be a dick pt. 2: Moshing can be super intense if it’s not your thing, don’t drag people into the pit. If they’re not in it already, they definitely weren’t waiting for you to pull them into a circle of wild flailing limbs.

This concludes Mosh Pits 101. I hope you learned a thing or two, stay safe out there!

Who’s coming to Vancouver this summer?

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Even though winter has barely begun it’s never too early to make summer plans!

What kind of fun can you have concert-wise in Vancouver summer 2025? Let’s find out!

June 6: Peach Pit

If you were a Vancouver indie teen in 2017 then you’ve definitely heard of local band Peach Pit. They’re known for their 2018 song ‘Alrighty, Aphrodite’ (which you should totally check out, if you haven’t.) They’re touring their latest album ‘Magpie’ next year, take a look at the title single!

They’ll be at Deer Lake Park with Briston Maroney. If you know anything about Deer Lake Park you know it’s all general admission so there’s tons of tickets to go around, and more importantly tons of room to dance it out.

June 26th + 27th: Pixies

Pixies! A radio station classic, or a dad rock classic (depending on how sad your dad is.) If you don’t recognize them by name, you’ll know Pixies from their 1988 hit ‘Where Is My Mind?’ Their latest album ‘The Night The Zombies Came’ was released in March, take a listen!

Pixies will be at the Orpheum theatre for two whole nights so you should be able to get tickets no problem. Whether you’re a fan of rock music or a fan of the closing scene in Fight Club, you’re bound to have loads of fun.

July 22nd: Katy Perry

What a treat! An icon of bubble gum pop coming to town for the first time since 2018. Katy Perry hasn’t been on tour in years because she’s been in Vegas residency, but now is your chance to hear classics like ‘California Gurls’ and ‘I Kissed a Girl’ in your very own backyard. Her newest album ‘143’ will be the main event though!

Rogers arena is your destination for 2000s pop nostalgia this summer. It looks like there’s no opening artist so it’ll be all Katy all the time.

August 4th + 5th: Tate McRae

An up and coming all Canadian pop star! Tate McRae has been the talk of TikTok town for awhile now. She’s known for her song ‘Greedy’ but her new album ‘So Close To What’ is dropping on February 21st. Listen to the single below!

Tate will be at Rogers arena this summer for not one but two nights, so if you find yourself caught in the trenches of TicketMaster hopefully you’ll have more than one chance to get tickets. Opening the show will be Zara Larsson.