Author Archives: Patrick Pinter

Marianas Trench’ Bassist Releases Beautiful New Video for the Holidays

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It is no secret that Marianas Trench is very popular in the pop-rock scene. The Vancouver-based band has been releasing hits as early as 2001 and has been active and making songs ever since. This year the band’s bassist Mike Ayley took it upon himself to create a holiday hit during this hectic year that is 2020. On December 4th, Mike and his wife Emily released “The World Needs Christmas.”

The Ayleys waste no time in revealing what the song is about with the opening line. The tune opens with, “It’s been a long and trying year/Full of anxiety and fear.” Emily Ayley says that the opening line represents her thoughts while watching the news. “This year has been unlike any other one, and not being able to travel to see my family this year and do all the things we usually do is what inspired it. I’m from New Jersey, and that means it’s not happening,” said Emily.

It is an annual tradition around 604records for the musicians signed to the label to make an annual holiday son. Every member of Marianas Trench has done so previously, and this year it was finally Mike’s turn. When asked what the inspiration was to create a holiday song for 604 records, Mike said, “It came about around July when we had cancelled yet another trip to try and go see Emily’s family, and so I reached out to the label head Jonathan Simkin with the idea for the song, and he was like, ‘Let’s do it.'” Mike continued, “We recorded it in September and made the video that was recently released.

Emily had come up with the line that the world needs Christmas this year more than ever before, and we ran with that.”. Ultimately Mike and Emily wanted the song to be trendy and timely, so Mike included, “We decided months ago that Marianas Trench would do a campaign in support of the Make-A-Wish foundation from the song, the idea being that it’s good to help people that are less fortunate at a tough time.”

The music video for “The World Needs Christmas” can be seen on YouTube now, or you can follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhPKtTAXBIM

The 5oth Anniversary of the JUNO Awards

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Canada’s biggest music awards show, the JUNO’s, has gotten a new date. The 50th anniversary of the JUNOS will now be televised on May 16th, 2021. The prominent event organizers said that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly ruined plans to host the show in Toronto during 2020. Allan Reid, the head of the Candian Academy of Recording Arts, says the move allows for more time to celebrate the music created by bright Canadians everywhere during 2020 and “We also hope that the warmer weather will bring more opportunities for some unique outdoor programming.”.

The awards show returns to Toronto for the first time in nearly ten years! How the grand return might look is still concerning Reid because he is not sure any of the events or performances will be held indoors. Original plans for the 50th-anniversary show included a packed Scotiabank Arena with many past honourees and Canadian music hall of fame members in attendance.

The organizers have made zero announcements for what the Juno Week plan will look like because the normal concerts and pre-show performances that filled local bars or music halls will most likely not be permitted by the Canadian government due to the ongoing pandemic.

Noteworthy changes have been made for the normal statue-like trophies that are handed out to the winners. “A gold Juno will be given to Juno Award winners, while a silver version is for recipients of a special Juno prize, and a gold and silver variation goes to Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees.”. Reid announced that nominee submissions reached a record high but did not state an exact figure. Final nominees are expected to be announced within the first three months of 2021.

The 50th anniversary of the Juno Awards will now go down May 16th, 2020, in Toronto, Ontario, a month and a half after the original show date of March.

The Moonshinin Music Fest from the Rickshaw Theatre

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the lower mainland and leaves many of us without many pass time activities, the art of the live stream has really come alive. The Moonshinin Music Fest understands this, and for the first time, the Moonshinin Music Fest will be live-streamed online from the Rickshaw theatre for those who purchased a ticket to enjoy.

Tonight, December 6th, from 6 PM PST- Midnight, enjoy live performances from some of British Columbia’s bands and acoustic musicians. The organizer and founder of the event, Elliot C Way, is the lead singer of the band The Wild North who is apart of tonight’s stacked lineup; created the festival as a charitable event that can give back during the holidays. This year’s event is supporting 2 local charities, “Music Heals.” and Warm Clothing for the DTES (Downtown Eastside).

Donations can also be made to support the Rickshaw Theatre, which will host tonight’s festivities. The Rickshaw has been Vancouver’s Eastside music venue of choice since 1971 and has hosted some of the best indie bands and local musicians ever to grace British Columbia. Tonight’s live stream will feature ten great performances that spans all genres of rock and indie music. Some featured performances include The Wild North, Dead Quiet, Bob Sumner, Scott Smith, and the “Moonshinin Man” himself Elliot C way. Once again, the Moonshinin Music Fest will go live tonight from the Rickshaw Theatre in East Vancouver.

Tickets can still be purchased from https://rickshawtheatre.ticketspice.com/moonshinin-fest-2020 for a general admission cost of $15.00. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Music Heals and Warm Clothing for the DTES. Separate donations can also be made on the website, like buying a virtual beer for $5 in support of the Rickshaw Theatre. The Moonshinin Music Fest goes down tonight at 6 PM, and tickets are still available for tonight’s stream.

90 Years of the Commodore Ballroom: A Brief History of Famous Shows that Happened Inside

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The Commodore Ballroom celebrated its 90th birthday yesterday, December 3rd. With that, the rest of Vancouver celebrates Commodore Ballroom day, so in honour of the Canadian legend that is the Commodore Ballroom, let’s revisit some of the most iconic bands and artists to perform live inside. Kurt Cobain and Nirvana opened for Mudhoney and the Screaming Trees on March 8th, 1991. Nirvana at the time was still a small band and had not changed rock history yet as the iconic album Nevermind would release on September 24th of the same year. However, this opening performance is a piece of Canadian rock history as it is the only time Nirvana ever opened at the iconic ballroom. A recorded version of the performance is available on YouTube, or you can follow this link here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBh0onCowww.

Vancouver got its first taste of the Red Hot Chili Peppers on December 30th, 1988. Followed by 4 other performances within a year at the Commodore. The band has not returned to the Commodore Ballroom for a performance since September 8th, 1989. Showing just how big the band became in the 1990s. Chris Cornell and Soundgarden played the Commodore two times, once in 1990 and once in 1992. Chris played a solo show at the Commodore in 2009, which was the last time Cornell blessed the commodore with his presence. Some of rap’s biggest names have played at the commodore as well. Snoop Dogg started it off by performing at the Ballroom on June 19th, 2008, and the rest was history. 

Names such as Ice Cube, Mac Miller, 2 Chainz, and Public Enemy have all performed inside the Commodore Ballroom. With 90 years of rich Vancouver history inside, the Commodore Ballroom located at 868 Granville St will forever be embedded in Vancouver’s music culture. Once the pandemic is finished, it will resume its place as Vancouver’s most coveted music hangout. 

 

Jay Z Celebrates 51: A Look Back on Some of the Times Jay has come to B.C.

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The Brooklyn, New York icon Shawn “Jay Z.” Carter celebrates his 51st birthday today. From selling drugs as a teen to being rap’s first billionaire, there is nothing Jay hasn’t accomplished in his career. To celebrate the revolutionary man that is Jay Z, let’s look back at some recent times the rap mogul has been to town. His most recent time visiting the 604 was in October of 2018.

He and wife Beyonce were in town to perform the final stop on their record-shattering tour On the Run II. Vancouver was the only Canadian stop on this illustrious tour. After it was all complete, the two were seen dining and celebrating at Vancouver’s coveted sushi restaurant Miku in the private room.

In 2017 Jay arrived to perform at Rogers Arena for his 4:44 tour on December 11th. The insane stage presence and animatronics followed up with the packed Rogers Arena made for quite the event that night.

Jay has shown love for more than just the lower mainland in his career. Jay Z was the headlining act on Sunday, July 27th, 2008, at the inaugural Pemberton Music festival. His most recent venture involving B.C has nothing to do with music at all! He invested five million dollars into Kelowna based company Pela, who has designed the world’s first compostable phone case. Being one of the biggest names in hip hop Jay Z was accustomed to smoking the finest cannabis worldwide. Like many rappers, he has praised British Columbia’s cannabis market for decades, well before the thought of legalization.

In his 2008 interview with Narduwar, the Human Serviette Jay Z jokes about how Canadian Border Patrol needs to lighten up, alluding to the fact the man wants some good old B.C. bud to bring back south for all of Rocnation to enjoy. Happy 51st birthday, Jay Z, and thank you for making British Columbia apart of your Canadian ventures.

Tanner Olsen Band to Premiere New Video During Rotary Christmas Show

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The reigning Ray McAuley Emerging Artist of the Year award recipients, the Tanner Olsen Band, has announced it will debut its new music video “Neon Mistletoe” tomorrow, December 5th. The Tanner Olsen Band won the emerging artist award at the 44th annual British Columbia Country Music Association awards back on November 29th, 2020. The Chilliwack natives were ecstatic to receive the award claiming “that award is the first award we’ve gotten as a group.” and “It’s surreal that our peers and fans have started to notice us. Getting recognition and validation is absolutely crazy.”.

The band’s recognition comes at a perfect time as they prepare to launch their new single “Neon Mistletoe.” at the Rotary Christmas Show, an online Christmas spectacular that is replacing the annual Rotary Christmas Parade for pandemic purposes. The band says organizers of the show approached them in November asking if they would like to be apart of the show. Tanner Olsen (the band’s lead singer) recounts, saying, “OK, We will write an original song and do a video in five days.” knowing how great the exposure would be for the band.

Tanner lived up to his band’s promises and had the new single and music video ready to go within five days. On November 20th, the band recorded their individual parts and sent them to their lead in Armenia to produce and edit it. On November 22nd, the crew shot the video at the Chilliwack Corn Maze. Everything was finalized by November 25th, and the video was finished in the 5 days guaranteed window. When asked what the song represents to the community, Olsen is quoted as saying it represents the “ever so popular 23 (pronounced two-three) party at Major League Pub.” a party, the band members, have attended before. However, the Tanner Olsen Band ensures the grander meaning of “Neon Mistletoe.” is about “getting back to your roots and being around family and friends at Christmas,” which is something everyone can enjoy this holiday season.

The video premiere is scheduled for 7 PM PST during the Rotary Christmas Show, which can be watched on http://ChillTV.ca.

PNE Winter Lights a Time to Sing and Celebrate

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Cheer up this holiday season and get out of the pandemic blues. The PNE is bringing back the Winter Lights exhibition that Vancouver knows and loves, but this time families will be able to enjoy the lights from the comfort of their vehicle! Starting December 11th, bring your family, your date, or just yourself to 2901 E Hastings St. To reserve your tickets visit https://www.pne.ca/winterlights/. The admission rates will vary on the vehicle’s occupancy, but rates start at $25 and end at $49.

The setup will be something Vancouver has never seen before, “The Merry & Bright Forrest.” will be lit up in stupendous colours while the animatronic animals play in the snow. Lovely melodies will be playing throughout so you and yours can sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes, “Caroloke” style.

This 2-kilometre journey will wind and weave through 9 majestical lands in the ultimate adventure to find Jolly Old Santa. Every square inch of this 2KM trail will be covered in beautiful multi-coloured lights, with your favourite elves, reindeer, and other holiday-inspired performers that will take your breathe away.

Feel the cool arctic air as you arrive in Pole North to be greeted by polar bears and penguins that will guide you through the igloo caverns. Discover the Teddy Bear Brigade that will help create a real-life dreamland for the children to enjoy.

The Vancouver famous 50 foot purple Christmas tree will point you in the direction of where Santa can be located! Once you have arrived at Santa’s hideout, his magical will take you directly to him.

To ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable during this experience, the PNE asks that anyone over the age of two (2) please wear a mask or other facial covering. Before leaving, make sure to treat your family to a delightful dinner from one of the participating drive-through food trucks.

Colin James Live From Inside: The Commodore Ballroom’s 90th Birthday Bash

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With the lack of concerts and live musical performances in Canada right now due to COVID-19, Jim Beam Bourban saw the opportunity to bring Canada some long lost joy for the holiday season. The Jim Beam Live From Inside Streaming Sessions is live concert events starting today, December 3rd and will have shows on the 4th, 11th, and 15th in some of Canada’s most iconic music venues. The kickoff show will feature non-other than Regina born legend Colin James.

Colin is also honouring Vancouver’s most beloved music venue, the Commodore Ballroom, as it celebrates its 90th birthday on Granville street. Colin will host and perform two live shows inside the Commodore starting at 12:00 PM PST. The second show will begin at 6:00 PM PST. Tickets can be purchased on https://livefrominside.ca/ for $18. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Greater Vancouver Foodbank so that everyone can have a happy holidays.

This will be Colin’s 33rd time performing in the illustrious ballroom on Granville. Although he is a veteran inside the Commodore, he is always dumbfounded when allowed to headline at the venue. When asked what it will be like to perform in such a weird time going on in the world, Colin said, “Places like this are increasingly rare and an irreplaceable part of any city’s entertainment history. It has been the Vancouver choice for established and breaking bands for years and has played a huge role throughout my career. I am so profoundly happy that my star on the B.C. Walk of Fame is only steps from its iconic doors! I can’t wait to play there again soon, and I hope to “virtually” see you there!”

Today’s 90th birthday celebration for the Commodore Ballroom and concert one of Jim Beam Bourbon’s Live From Inside goes down today at 12:00 PM and will showcase legendary rocker Colin James performing his famous hits along with songs from his new upcoming album.

Folked Unlocked an Ultimate Opportunity for the Folk Enthusiast

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Folk Unlocked, the ultimate Folk music festival, will be returning for 2021, this time virtually! Running from February 22nd-25th, attend virtual conferences, performances, and seminars all from the comfort of your own home! MusicBC is looking for 2 performers for their set at Folk Unlocked, and the deadline to apply is tomorrow, December 3rd, by 11:59 PM PST. This is an unfathomable opportunity for any upcoming Folk musician and/or band to display their talents to the largest Folk community the world has to offer.

The Folk Alliance International is a proud sponsor for this event and operates vastly in North America. FAL is proud to operate in large parts of Canada, and the United States and now is even prouder to operate in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Global expansions are planned to include Europe, Asia, and Oceania in the near future. Folk Unlocked is a renamed version of the annual Folk Alliance International Music and Arts Festival; thus, the need for creativity is at an all-time high for the performers this year.

The folk community estimates that Folk Unlocked will be the largest gathering of Folk fans in the festival’s history. All programming for this year’s festival will be pre-recorded or live streamed. “Unlocking” the doors like never before to the Folk world. Webinars hosted are aimed at the audience for self-improvement in the performing world, from growing a sustainable career to getting the best quality sound for your streams. There will be a webinar for all levels of Folk performers.

The deadline to be apart of this spectacular event is December 3rd by 11:59 PM PST. Info on the opportunity to perform for the MusicBC team is available at https://www.musicbc.org/uncategorized/18089/. The Folk Unlocked Festival will run from February 22nd-25th, 2021 and will feature some of the community’s most influential members to network with. For all information on the festival or how to join such an illustrious community, visit: https://folk.org/unlocked/.

Theory of a Deadman Launch New Podcast

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Fantastic news “Theory of a Deadman” fans, lead singer Tyler Connolly and guitarist Dave Brenner have announced they have started a new podcast! Episode one of Band Meeting is now live on all streaming services, and it features Mark Tremonti, the lead guitarist of Creed, Alter Bridge, and Tremonti.

The two Canadian rock icons have delightfully paired up to bring us stories from their music experiences, whether it be stories from a tour or what it’s like to form a band to create rock music. The podcast will not strictly be musical guests; in an intro video posted to the Band Meeting podcast Instagram page, both Tyler and Dave give the rundown on the podcast’s goals, missions, and dreams. In the video, they ask what guests people would like to bring on to share a powerful story involving music.

In the intro video posted to Instagram, Tyler says, ” We’re going to have guests from all walks of life, not just musical guests but we are going to talk to them about music and how it has shaped their lives’, their journeys,’ their careers.'” Since this is a startup podcast, Tyler and Dave have asked for the fans’ opinions on what guests, topics, or stories they’d like to hear. To submit your ideas to the Band Meeting podcast, you can email them at bandmeetingpodcast@gmail.com.

For fans of B.C. rock groups, this announcement comes as a treat as the two multi-platinum artists are the first to launch a podcast with such a vast history in the Canadian rock scene and music industry. Theory of a Deadman is internationally recognized, granting both these men the power to tell incredibly captivating stories.

I hope the two will detail what it was like to record the 2006 anthem to WWE’s Survivor Series pay-per-view or work with talents such as Nickelback, Alter Bridge, and Motley Crue. The Band Meeting podcast is once again live on all streaming platforms for your “rockaholic” ears to enjoy.