Author Archives: Mackenzie Eide

Featuring Concrete Vehicles (FKA Computer)

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What are your plans for the night of October 8th? It’s coming up pretty fast, just another couple of weeks until we are in the full swing of Canadian fall. I recommend stopping by The Rickshaw Theatre on the night of the 8th, you are guaranteed a long and exciting evening.

Beginning at 7pm, this seven-piece powerhouse takes The Rickshaw along with three other acts. You heard that right, this band has seven members in it, all with their own unique skillsets. Synths, saxophones, a lineup of percussion; imagine the incredible show that can be put on with this many moving pieces.

The band is called Concrete Vehicles, and if you’ve been in the local scene for a while you may remember them from their previous name, FKA Computer. What kind of a show do these guys put on to need seven members? I believe they have more active members than even a band like Slipknot who were notorious for being a group of nine in their heyday.

Concrete Vehicles started out as a duo but as their ideas grew more complex and too chaotic to perform live, they realized that they needed more than just a regular band. I cannot wait to see what kind of a performance Concrete Vehicles will put on. I urge you to take the night off, cancel some plans, and just make time to see this band of seven put on the show of your life!

Victor Freitas / Pexels

With that many pieces it’s nearly impossible to stick a typical genre to their name. Concrete Vehicles takes many forms, alternative rock, indie pop, industrial, hardcore. I think you’ll find yourself satisfied with their setlist on October 8th, it’s visual and cathartic and a perfect start to the fall.

Joining them, to keep the energy fast and exhilarating, are three separate acts: Hillsboro, WAIT//LESS, and LoLa. All distinct entities in their performance, Hillsboro follow Concrete Vehicles in their visual soundscape, a team of 5 with a reinforced rhythm section and a violinist, they capture the sounds of 90s shoegaze.

WAIT//LESS move fast with a loud, precise sound while LoLa is an experimental rock group native to Vancouver, with only four singles to their name. They’re most known for their performances, creating ethereal soundscapes through distortion and synthesizers.

I have never seen a lineup this strong to come out of The Rickshaw. If you haven’t either, I suggest grabbing a ticket online and stopping by.

Featuring Shiner

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In 1997 Lula Divinia was released nationwide. Have you heard of the band Shiner? A late nineties post-hardcore band, now a refined alternative rock trio.

Lula Divinia was the band’s second album yet biggest hit, with 13 tracks and over a million streams. Their sound and energy compare extremely closely to Dishwalla, another nineties rock band most known for their 1995 album, “Pet Your Friends”.

Fans of alternative rock must check out The Cobalt in Vancouver on October 8th. Starting at 7pm, Shiner will take the stage with Fotocrime and local trio, The Aversions. If you’re not familiar with The Cobalt Cabaret, it’s one of Vancouver’s oldest continuously operating venues known for punk, metal, and hardcore. Located at 917 Main St, the venue has capacity for 250 people and is committed to emerging artists and original music.

I have never been to a local show at The Cobalt. I think that is a part of the reason why there is so much anticipation towards Shiner’s set on October 8th, it is something new and exciting for yourself and many others. Would they be able to sell out a venue like The Pearl or The Commodore? Maybe not. But they have a massive fanbase that has been with them for over 30 years who will draw attention to their set at The Cobalt.

For the local acts performing alongside them, it’s a great chance for exposure. Have you been inside of The Cobalt Cabaret, or driven past it on Main Street? It’s a great little spot that definitely has something you’re looking for inside. There are two bands starting the night off, Fotocrime and The Aversions.

Geezer Amorim / Pexels

Fotocrime are an alternative, post-punk band with 5 Eps and 4 albums to their name. A powerhouse of a trio, Fotocrime has taken a guitar-focused approach into their newest album, Security. Featured on the album are artists such as Jay Weinberg, known for his time as Slipknot’s drummer, and Barney Greenway from Napalm Death. Definitely a heavier set for the night, but an exciting show you don’t want to miss.

The Aversions are one of Vancouver’s hidden secrets, a post-punk band blending in elements from 80’s post hardcore. They remind me of Joy Division; I spent a while listening through their singles trying to figure out the familiarity behind the music.

The Aversions aren’t built around traditional rock rhythms, they’re dark, atmospheric, and energetic. I am most excited to see The Aversions play; I need to see how they play a show with music as melodic as theirs is.

Which band are you looking forward to seeing on October 8th at The Cobalt?

54-40 Returns to The Commodore

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Have you ever been inside The Commodore? It’s the most intimate experience you can have with a famous band. Sometimes, when I will go see a show at a major stadium like Rogers Arena or BC Place, I can feel that something just isn’t right. The whole time, all I can think about is how much better of a show it would have been in a smaller venue; some performances are just meant to have that level of intimacy. Although I’m sure that band would much rather have the stadium booked, venues like The Commodore have a special place in the hearts of their communities.

On October 9th and 10th of this year, 54-40 are playing back-to-back shows at The Commodore.

54-40 (@fiftyfourforty) • Facebook

54-40 / Facebook

Earlier this year I was running a radio show contest, giving away tickets for this very performance. I played into the segment with “One Day in Your Life,” and was instantly hooked.

What really sold me on this band though – and not that they need any selling, 54-40 have been performing for longer than I’ve been alive – was when I got a chance to collaborate on an interview done with Neil Osborne, the vocalist and primary songwriter of the group.

It was a great time, he told us about his career, his music, the usual old rock star reminiscing. It’s safe to say Neil did not let a second of his life slip by with the stories he had to tell. He plays every show like it’s his last and the upcoming Vancouver dates will be no different.

Are you going to see 54-40 perform on October 9th or 10th? Their most popular tracks are “Ocean Pearl” from 1994 and, “I Go Blind” from their self-titled 1986 album.

You will love them if you like artists such as R.E.M, Grapes of Wrath, or even The Smiths I think could be a close comparison.

54-40 is a gritty, alternative rock group with bass-driven melodies and a recognizable Vancouver/Pacific Northwest sound. The Commodore is the perfect venue to see them at. If 54-40 is not your thing, I recommend attending just to feel the connection with the band at the venue, you might get a feel for what I mean. Seeing 54-40 at The Commodore will be a thousand times better than seeing them at a major stadium.

It’s going to be an amazing couple of nights with 54-40 taking the stage in October.

Featuring Talel McBriar

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What are your thoughts on rural BC? Maybe you live out there, maybe you’ve passed through.

I spent most of my life in the rural forests of British Columbia and can attest to the strong music scene found throughout. You’ll hear more folk than rock n roll, more blues than RnB. Perhaps it is due to the age demographic – most people in my hometown have been there for generations, their kids may have moved away, but they don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

Raised in rural British Columbia, the music created by Talel McBriar has captured the exact spirit of the area. Listening to her traditional folk and alternative indie-rock evokes emotions of nostalgia and the essence of adolescence.

Music | Talel McBriar

Talel McBriar / Bandcamp

Now she performs as a solo act, but Talel originally got her start as the duo, “Ella and Talel”. Their 2018 single October earned them the Kootenay Music Award for Best Original Roots Song in the same year. Since then, Talel has performed all across British Columbia, acting as an authentic voice to speak for the rural identities in British Columbia.

If you’re looking to experience this for yourself, Talel frequents folk festivals across the province. The Khatsahlano Street Party, Campell Bay Music Festival, and Tiny Lights Festival are all recent stops of Talel McBriar.

I go to the Mission Folk Festival every year. It brings in acts from all over the province and there’s something about sitting on the grass late into the evening while acoustic guitars ring out in every direction that feels right. That’s one thing about rural British Columbia; they love their folk festivals – and Tragically Hip cover bands.

You can’t get more British Columbia than Talel McBrair.

She has yet to release a debut album. Her discography on Spotify includes 8 singles, however; a tease for something upcoming was released this year. Two singles – Sour and People to Know.  Both great picks for singles, they remind me of the group Big Thief in regard to style and songwriting. My favourite track from Talel McBriar is her 2024 single Not a Machine. I admire the purposefully unpolished production; rough guitar mixed with her dreamy vocals.

I hope the next time you drive through a rural spot in British Columbia you stop by for the music, and listen for Talel McBrair.

Featuring Bealby Point

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It’s been two months since Music BC announced its participants for the 2026 ARC cohort, have you seen the list? One of them selected to join the program which offers mentorship and acceleration in the music industry is the trio Bealby Point, out of North Vancouver..

Attached to their own independent label, this band has sold out venues like The Pearl and The Horseshoe Tavern without having an album to their name. Quite an achievement, yet also telling of the way the music industry operates now. Nonetheless, Bealby Point performed at the Barnside Harvest Festival in Ladner last week, under headlines Smash Mouth and Tom Cochrane. This was in anticipation of their debut album, “Happiness Frontier” releasing on October 23, 2026.

Bealby Point (@Bealbypoint) • Facebook

Bealby Point / Facebook

I think the musical style of Bealby Point can be compared to The Strokes mixed with The Tragically Hip. Gritty instrumentals with hook-driven lyricism and the right amount of voice modulation.

Metastasized is the recent release from the group, an EP containing three songs. The first song on the EP, self-titled, is a well-produced and refined track. The lyrics are quick and concise. Bealby Point knew how to add emotion and movement into their lyrics by controlling the speed, length, and order of each one. I’m comparing this track to their most streamed 2021 release “I’m So Bummed Out Right Now”. Their musical style has been audibly nurtured throughout the years, with Metastasized showing a maturity only honed through time. It is gritty, dark, and reminiscent of the early 90s Canadian indie sound.

The second track on the EP, “Storm In a Teacup” has bright synths and light vocals. Very similar to their early work, I actually find Storm in a Teacup to be something I would add into my rotation of regular listens. It reminds me of the Arctic Monkeys, with their use of distortions and mastery of delay.

The final track is titled, “Double Disco“ and is exactly that: a bright synth and bass focused indie ballad. The lyrics have a much slower place, with longer verses in each phrase. It makes for a great ending to Metastasized, wrapping up the entire EP into a song that showcases who they are as a band.

Bealby Point have already shown themselves to be capable of succeeding in what they do, and the release of Metastasized has definitely built excitement towards their debut album releasing in October.

The Newest to BreakOut the West

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You’re going to a festival with multiple stages, how many sets can you see in one night? Do you bounce from stage to stage or do you stick to one the entire night. I try to see a little bit of everything but sometimes you must make a decision, and that can be really hard. For us in Western Canada, that decision is about to become reality.

BreakOut West Festival 2026 is approaching fast, beginning September 30th. 10 venues, 55 bands, in 3 days.

Lisa Fotios / Pexels

You can see and hear everything you want, from glittery rock and roll to the fresh faces in Canadian indie, nobody will be left out. Let’s break down BreakOut West to get the most out of your trip.

What is it?

BreakOut West at its core is a music festival hosted by the Western Canadian Music Alliance. As a standout, it includes a 4-day music conference on top of its 3-night festival. Each year, BreakOut West performs in a different city across Western Canada and this year, it takes place in Victoria, British Columbia.

For us in the Lower Mainland, it’s just a matter of braving the BC Ferry terminals – I suggest leaving a day early to prepare. One wristband grants you access to the entire event, running a flat rate of $30 without taxes. If you enter during the day, you can engage in one-on-one meetings with Canadian music industry professionals, 40 different industry panels, and networking mixers. If you’re just here for the music, the show starts at 6!

On October 1st at Studio 919, the Blu Beach Band starts off the night while the other venues prepare to open their doors. A half hour of blended 70’s yacht rock and indie pop to start off an incredible 3 day showcase of the best Western Canada has to offer. The first night ends at midnight, spanning across 6 of the venues. Things will begin to pick up on the second night, with all 10 venues juggling performances leading into the early morning. To end it all, on Saturday October 3rd once the clock hits midnight at the Encore Music Club, the 2027 handoff party celebrates another successful year of BreakOut West.

The entire festival is 4 days long, beginning on a Wednesday and ending on Saturday to give you Sunday off to recharge. Venue hopping is inevitable and part of the experience.

Check out the full lineup this year.

2026: The Year of Performance

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It’s been six years since the pandemic began, have you noticed concert etiquette declining over those six years? What happened between 2019 and 2026 to the local concert scene? It seems like the pandemic dismantled the way events have been operating for years and they’re just now beginning to build themselves back up.

The Six / Pexels

BC Place is a 43-year-old multi-purpose stadium that needs no introduction. Vancouver has earned itself a permanent spot on an artist’s touring roster, the only of the three Canadian cities on the list that isn’t in Toronto. If you look at the numbers for a stadium as big as BC Place from last year, 2025 only had 3 major events performed; you can blame FIFA for soaking up the budget.

As opposed to Rogers Arena, BC Place doesn’t have a permanent stage. Each set needs to be built and planned ahead of the artist arriving.

If you revisit the beginning of the problem, pre-pandemic BC Place saw four major events a year, all but one I’m sure being an Aerosmith farewell tour. Artists are choosing to set up shop in a city, play a number of shows consecutively, and then move onto the next stop. 2024 broke the record with a total of seven major events yearly, yet the number still plummeted to 3 a year later.

But now? Where does this leave us post FIFA?

In 2026, BC Place has broken its own record with 10 major events booked for the year. Some artists spend an entire week in the city while others are passing through. The end of summer saw a rock band and an indie-folk artist sharing the steel. Guns N’ Roses and Noah Kahan played back-to-back of each other and came up with a stage agreement that would fit them both for the two nights. With less than 24 hours in between sets to rebuild the stage for the specific performer, BC Place needed all hands-on deck.

This is an incredible year for live music, BC Place is bringing in the same level of bookings as Wembley Stadium in London and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The evenings in British Columbia are going to be filled with music in the coming years as Vancouver becomes a regular stop for touring artists.

Who are you seeing next?

 

Featuring Sea of Lettuce

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If there were ever a mascot for the Canadian indie music scene, it would be this band. When you think of an indie band, what do you hear, better yet – what do you see.

It is probably these guys:

Sea of Lettuce (@seaoflettuce) · Vancouver, BC · Instagram photos and videos

          (https://www.instagram.com/seaoflettuce/)

They’re called Sea of Lettuce, an indie band out of Calgary. They’ve made a name for themselves already, with 237,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Just recently celebrating their 10-year anniversary, the band was formed in 2016 in a cold basement somewhere in Calgary and now, they’re coming to a colder basement near you!

Tomorrow, Friday, September 18th at The Wise Hall in Vancouver, Sea of Lettuce plays alongside Post-Modern Connection and Blue Rivera. The Wise is a quaint little spot, I saw Brass Camel perform at a Black Sabbath tribute, Van Sabbath Vol. II, in July and it was a great time. It is two floors of live music, cheap drinks, and free pool. I couldn’t imagine a better venue to see Sea of Lettuce perform; it sounds like their perfect element.

I wonder how many songs by Sea of Lettuce you’ve heard, maybe you know some but haven’t been able to place a name on top of the music. “Leave You Alone,” is the band’s hit single off their 2018 album, “Photos.” Racking up over 24 million streams on Spotify alone, that song has found its way into every single “indie road trip song” playlist made in the last 6 years.

Chances are, you’ve heard it. Or been looking for something like it.

I gave a listen to their newest release, an EP titled, “Open Doors”. It is a three-track EP, and I think it is a great release for their 10-year anniversary, contrasting their basement beginnings perfectly to modern day. My favourite song on it is “Day by Day“, a soft, melancholic, acoustic song and a great ending to the EP.

Tickets for the event are still available but going fast. Doors open at 8pm and starting the night off are Post-Modern Connection and Blue Rivera, both local, indie groups with a cult following online.

Take a listen to some of their tracks before you go to make the most out of the show. And enjoy the venue, it’s not every day you find yourself at The Wise Hall.