Author Archives: Kamryn Hamagami-Postill

2025 JUNO Awards Coming To Town!

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Guess what Vancouver? The 2025 JUNO awards are coming to town!

Vancouver skyline

The 54th annual JUNO awards will be hosted live on CBC from Rogers Arena from Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30th. Last year the JUNO awards were hosted all the way in Halifax, Nova Scotia, but this year it’s heading to the West. It’s so exciting to have an event like this coming to Vancouver especially with Vancouver having a pretty lively music scene. And it won’t just be nice for the Vancouver music scene but also for the economy! The JUNO awards bring in around $12 million for the city that hosts! 

Right now the 2025 JUNO submissions are open! They close on Thursday, November 7 so you have 10 days left to get any submissions in. Don’t forget if you are submitting some music it would have had to be released from September 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024! Here’s the link to submit! https://juno.submit.live/home

The JUNO awards have sooo many categories that artists can win in! Some categories that stood out to me that weren’t at the top of mind were “comedy album of the year”, “underground dance single of the year”, and “traditional roots album of the year”. I’m really looking forward to seeing who takes these awards home! 

Alex Bird; a singer of course! Markham Jazz Fest.

My favourite category of the JUNO awards to see has always been “rap single of the year”, “alternative album of the year”, and “pop album of the year”. One Canadian artist who I’ve really been loving within the last couple of years is Calgary born, Tate Mcrae. Last year Mcrae was able to take home “artist of the year” as well as “single of the year” for her hit song “Greedy”. 

The last time the JUNO awards were in Vancouver was in 2018 when Burnaby born, Michael Buble hosted. Back in 2018 some notable wins was “breakthrough artist of the year” that went to Jessie Reyez, “fan choice” going to pop star Shawn Mendes from Ontario, as well as “album of the year” going to Arcade Fire from Montreal!

So, what can Vancouverites expect this year? Well the host of the event hasn’t been named yet but I’m sure whoever it is is going to be great as always. The awards will span over 5 days which will create an excitement in the air that everyone feels! I don’t know about you, but whenever an event comes to Vancouver everything just feels more special! 

Whether you are planning to watch at home with some buddies or even trying to head out to Rogers it’s going to be a great time. 

 

Local Spotlight: The Time We Died

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Finding new and upcoming artists is always something that excites me, especially if they are local! Today I am putting the spotlight on The Time We Died! https://linktr.ee/TheTimeWeDied 

Hailing from North Vancouver this rock band comprising of four young artists Linden, Issac, Jacob, and Connor are making a name for themselves in the Vancouver music scene.

You can expect all originals from this band! And they always get the crowd moving.The band’s newest released song Santa Barbara is about meeting that special one at the bar and not wanting the night to end! 

I got a chance to talk to drummer Linden Bucholtz who got to share some of the excitement with me and a bit about their journey so far. The band practices at home weekly and besides playing music they enjoy spending their time hanging out and at the gym.

The Time We Died will actually be performing this Wednesday October 30th at Vancouver’s famous Roxy. Doors open at 8pm and tickets will be $15 at the door or you can get them online here  https://www.vtixonline.com/best-in-vancouver/4578/ for $12. This is the perfect opportunity to get out and listen to The Time We Died and see what they got! Alongside The Time We Died, Zombie Roof, and Leyline Riders will also be hitting the Roxy stage, also both from BC. This would be a perfect way to get out with some friends and maybe even celebrate halloween a day early. 

The Roxy

However, this won’t be the bands first live performance, The Time We Died has played at the Roxy before and has also played at Portside Pub and they also got the chance to play at car free days in the Kitsilano area. 

Supporting local music is a great way to help get their name out there and even broaden your taste. I know when I rotate fresh music into my playlists it always puts me in a great mood! 

As of right now you can find The Time We Died on spotify!

 

Top Small Music Venues In Vancouver You Should Visit

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Vancouver has many small music venues where new local artists can share their work with the community. As much fun as big venue concerts are, there is something special about being in a cozy space where like minded people share the same interests, good atmosphere and good music, so let’s talk about the next spots you should check out when you’re looking to see some local musicians. 

Nestled underground in the heart of Downtown Vancouver’s Gastown is Guilt and Co. Open 7 days a week with at least 2 shows a night this cozy venue brings live music entertainment every single day! There is always an early show and a late show and there is food and drinks that you can indulge in while you watch the musicians. https://www.guiltandcompany.com/ 

This week there is a wide variety of talent hitting the stage from jazz to folk and more, Guilt and Co offers just about anything and everything. 

Recently, Guilt and Co released “Live at Guilt and Co” a collection of live acts that have performed and all of the proceeds go towards supporting Saint James Music Academy, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, and more! It’s so great to see this local small venue giving back to the community that it calls home. So far there has been over $120,000 donated to the Downtown Eastside, wow! 

guilt&Co

Just around the corner on Water Street is The 2nd Floor Cafe. This venue carries the authentic and historic Gastown energy and brings the community local musicians. It has a speakeasy vibe which leads you up the stairs where the performances take place. The 2nd Floor Cafe is also a venue for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, so if you are into jazz you could definitely catch a couple of shows here! https://www.waterstreetcafe.ca/2nd-floor-gastown

Gastown

Head east just down the street and you will stumble upon The Heatley. With weekly music events with a focus on bluegrass, country, to indie jams, The Heatley is the perfect place to sip on some drinks, munch on some snacks, and enjoy the live music. The next big act will be taking place on Saturday November 2nd starting at 9:00pm and there is a $15 cover fee. https://heatley.ca/calendar-events/g3c5ef6tnodob609v5hbbfn6759863 

Looking for something not in the downtown core? The Painted Ship in Kitsilano offers everything from fun music bingo events to attend with friends to live performances. And if you are looking to expand your music taste you should definitely head down on Wednesday nights as they have Irish music nights! Everyone loves St. Patricks day so why not keeping the green lucky energy going all year long! https://www.thepaintedship.ca/calendar-events/nadine-weldon-county-kits-irish-nights-e66cp-5npsh-s64r5-aap3e-ycgnh-da4bd-yrbyk-79jtw-rkhml-s88b3-yydth-bahbg-wt9bd-5my5a-gylxk 

 

Open Mic Nights In Vancouver

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Can you sing? Have you been looking to take your singing in the shower concerts to the next level? Well now is your chance!

Singer

The Savoy Pub in East Hastings hosts open mic night every Tuesday night! Now if you’re anything like me and cannot sing to save a life, maybe stay away from the stage but hey if you want to get up there, why not! https://do604.com/events/weekly/tue/open-mic-tuesday-fabxwkct 

Sign up is at 8:30 pm and the show starts at 9 pm and guess what? Sing or play three songs and you get a free drink. Sounds worth it to me! And all musicians are welcome, if you and your friend have a couple songs you have been working on or if you are a solo act it’s your time to shine!

If you are feeling the stage fright and want something a bit more relaxed but still want to break out your inner artist, it could be time to hit the karaoke stage. And in my opinion, the best place for a great karaoke night to sing the night away is no other than Sailor Hagar’s in North Vancouver. Now I have to say as a regular myself, it is quite a fun way to spend your Saturday night. Pick your favourite song and jam out with some friends! http://sailorhagarspub.com/ 

Sailor Hagar's Brew Pub, North Vancouver

If you have a new original song you are looking to debut, The Fringe Cafe https://thefringecafe.com/home also hosts a great open mic night. Every other Sunday starting at 8:00pm the stage is all yours. 

On the first Thursday of every month (next event November 7th) the Anza Club hosts an open mic night from 6:30pm to 11:59pm. Performers can sign up right at 6:30 and the show starts at 7:00 original tunes are encouraged! Each month there is a featured performer and a theme – November’s featured performer and theme is still yet to be announced but you can follow along for updates closer to the event here https://do604.com/events/2024/11/7/open-mic-tickets. The list is a first come first serve basis so get there quick!

Even if you don’t want to get up on the stage to sing, open mic nights are an awesome way to discover new artists from around your area or even just a good way to catch up with some friends over some live entertainment! Many big artists have been discovered from small gigs like open mic nights, who knows, this could be your chance to make it big! 

 

Tyler, The Creator: CHROMAKOPIA

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Big things are happening in the music world today, Tyler, The Creator has dropped his 7th studio album, CHROMAKOPIA 

Tyler the Creator

It’s been three years since his last album, so many fans are going to love this one after his small break. With 14 songs on the album there are many great featured artists including Willow Smith, Daniel Caesar, Lil Wayne and more.

With this album dropping there was also another huge announcement, Tyler will be going on tour with this album – CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR. And good news Vancouver fans, on this giant tour, he is set to make a stop here on February 28th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow Tuesday October 29th at 10:00 am. So set your alarms and be ready to jump on ticket master right at 10:00 because I am going to guess that these tickets are going to be highly sought after. 

The tour kicks off on February 4th in Minnesota then Vancouver will be his 11th stop on February 28th with just one night in the city and the tour will conclude in Perth, Australia making it his 64th show of the tour on September 4th which will be 8 months spent on tour!

Tyler is joined alongside artists Lil Yachty and Paris Texas for the tour and it’s really going to be one you do not want to miss. 

Now going back to the actual album itself, I’ve always liked Tyler’s music, however I am not a diehard fan of him but I was able to form some opinions about CHROMAKOPIA. The first song I listened to was “Noid” and to be honest I really liked it! My second favourite was “Rah Tah Tah” and ironically, it was also the second on the album. This one really sounds like classic hip-hop Tyler which I can appreciate. My third favourite on the album was “Thought I Was Dead”. This is the kind of song that I add to my gym playlist, up-beat, energetic, and powerful. Now time to be real, one song that didn’t really do it for me was “Like Him”. When I mentioned that I wasn’t a diehard Tyler, this is where that statement comes in – I have never loved the slower songs of Tyler. I know that is probably a hot take, but I said what I said. On every new album that drops and I listen to I always feel like there is one song that I don’t necessarily like or dislike however after a couple of listens I am all for it and on the CHROMAKOPIA album it’s “Take Your Mask Off”, I’m certain that in a couple days I’ll have this one on repeat. 

What are your thoughts on this new album? 

 

Halloween Music Events

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The countdown is on, we are officially just three days out from Halloween! Now if you’re anything like me and a last minute planner then I’m guessing you don’t have anything planned for the big night. But thanks to me you’re in luck because I’ll be sharing some awesome Halloween music events you can go to, to spice up your evening.

Our Pumpkins

“Damsel” will be playing live at the Hollywood Theatre with special guest performances from “The Loft” and “Mason Burns”. These three artists are going to pack a punch this hallows-eve with each bringing their own genre to the stage to get you dancing all night. The main act, Damsel from Vancouver, is going to be bringing some good rock tunes and high energy The Loft from Delta, will be playing some psychedelic rock and blues tunes while Mason Burns from Penticton, takes you back to 60s and 70s.

This Halloween show is presented by Live Acts Canada and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are on sale for $20 online but $25 at the door. Wear your best costume! It is Halloween after all, the one night of the year it is socially acceptable to wear whatever almost so take the advantage and head down to the Hollywood Theatre in Kitsilano to celebrate your Halloween. 

Hollywood Theatre

If rock isn’t your vibe and you’re wanting to dance to some female artists ranging from 70s hits to some of the latest greatest from Lana Del Rey to Gaga The Cobalt on Main St. is hosting a Halloween Dance party! With a special guest performance from @iamfevers aka Naomie Latreille and Maryze @maryzemusic both coming from Montreal, Quebec! It’s going to be a night of some French Canadian artists! 

Doors open at 9pm and the music will be playing all night long till 1am. Tickets are currently $18 and it is a 19+ event. Put on your best costume and spend your Halloween on the dance floor. 

The Biltmore Cabaret  is also holding a Halloween event! If Punk Rock is what you’re feeling DJs Pop Misfit, ETOH, and Jin will be spinning records from Indie Rock to Punk Rock all night. And to make the night even better and more Halloween-y there will be a costume contest and some Halloween themed drinks – yum! Doors for this event open at 10:30 pm and you can get tickets here https://community.admitone.com/events/66eb75b926655d33c0e9275a

So if you didn’t have any Halloween events planned and your night was looking a bit spooky I hope I was able to spark a bit of excitement and get you pumped for the scariest night of the year.