Author Archives: Quinn Taylor

33 Million Views and Counting, why Harkirat Sangha is BC’s Biggest Secret

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In the world of BC music, we often measure success by how many people show up to a concert hall to watch. But if you look at the actual data, the biggest star in the province might be someone you’ve never seen on a local indie poster.

Harkirat Sangha is currently operating on a level that most artists can only dream of. While the traditional music industry is still catching up, the Surrey based artist has spent 2026 cementing his place as a global Punjabi music icon. The statistics aren’t just good for a local artist, rather they are dominant on a world stage.

As of this week, his hit single “Donali“ has officially surpassed 33 million views on YouTube. To put that into perspective, that is more views than almost any other BC-based artist has generated this entire year. And it’s not just a one hit wonder situation, his tracks “Karnatak” and “Gucci Gabhru” are both sitting comfortably with over 16 million views each.

What’s even more impressive is his international footprint. His latest project, Interstellar, is currently appearing on the Spotify and Apple Music charts in India and Pakistan. It’s a reminder that the BC Sound in 2026 isn’t just one specific genre. Currently in BC there are over 350,000 citizens of Punjabi descent. So it’s safe to say that the market for a Punjabi music has never been higher in the province. Sangha’s music proves that the BC music scene is a diverse, globalized powerhouse that is reaching millions of people across the ocean.

We often talk about how hard it is to “make it” in the Canadian music scene, but Sangha has bypassed the old gatekeepers entirely. By leaning into the massive global Punjabi diaspora and focusing on high energy, high-production visuals, he’s built a career that is essentially “uncancelable.”

Whether you understand the lyrics or not, you can’t argue with 33 million people. Harkirat Sangha isn’t just an “up and coming” artist anymore, he’s the gold standard for how to build a global brand from your own backyard.



Guns n’ Roses set to take the stage at BC Place this summer.

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On August 29, 2026, Vancouver will be welcoming Guns N’ Roses back to the city that is a jungle. Guns N’ Roses are returning to BC Place, and the timing couldn’t be better. As the final major stadium rock show of the summer, it serves as the ultimate loud and heavy send off for the season.

While rock n roll critics have been trying to label rock as dead, the data for the 2026 World Tour tells a different story. In an era where many artists struggle to fill a theater, Axl, Slash, and Duff are still moving 50,000 tickets in a single night. Perhaps most surprising is the price point. 

Many BC rock n roll fans felt turned away when the prices for AC/DC in August were announced. But those folks shouldn’t worry, as for Guns N’ Roses we’ll see seats starting at $65.05, Guns and Roses is currently undercutting almost every other major stadium tour in BC, proving that “the biggest show in town” doesn’t always have to be the most expensive. 

If you’re heading to the show, the main draw isn’t just nostalgia, it’s the sheer endurance of the performance. On this 2026 run, the band has been consistently clocking in at over three hours per night. For the crowd, this is a chance to see Slash, widely considered one of the final remaining “guitar heroes” deliver solos that are as technically proficient today as they were in 1987.

Logistically, the August 29 date is a Saturday night, which means the Granville Entertainment District is going to be essentially one giant afterparty. Given that the band notoriously plays long past sunset, expect the energy at BC Place to peak around 10:00 p.m. when the stadium roof is open and the city is at its warmest.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just want to see if the legends can still hold a stadium captive, this is the one date on the calendar you can’t afford to skip.


PNE Amphitheatre new setlist revealed!

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Set to open June 5th 2026, the new PNE Amphitheatre (Freedom Mobile Arch) will bring a new state of the art open air venue to Vancouver. The theatre will hold a capacity of 10,000 seats and allow performers to share their talents under the iconic mass timber canopy. 

Of course, the amphitheatre will have to be broken in by music performers and fans. And Vancouver locals will get the chance to see that this August for the PNE’s Summer Concert Series. 

Yesterday, it was announced via a PNE press release the first five of ten performers for the concert series, with performers for people of all music tastes.

The series opens with two Canadian rock group veterans. 

To lead off, Blue Rodeo will take the stage. They’ll be followed by The Guess Who, who are set to reunite members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman on stage for the first time in over two decades. An old school vibe for the start with two bands who helped shape Canadian music now helping launch a brand new venue.

But the programming quickly shifts into newer territory.

The Beaches bring their modern alt-rock energy to the stage, while global hip hop icon Nelly headlines the following night with a catalogue of early 2000s hits. And although the amphitheater is outdoors, Nelly will surely find a way to make it “Hot in here”. 

Electronic producer Zedd closes out the announced slate so far, adding a more dynamic and unique sound to the series .

On paper, it’s a lineup that spans decades and genres. In practice, it will gather a broad diverse crowd to the venue’s first concert series.

Fair admission included in every ticket and prices starting as low as $49. The concert series hopes to position itself as one of the more affordable ways to see major artists in the city, while also getting the chance to experience the rides and games inside Playland. The PNE’s model combining amusement park energy with live performances creates a different kind of concert experience. It’s less formal, more flexible, and built around a full night outing rather than a single show.

Stay tuned as the PNE has announced that they will be announcing the next five performers sometime this week, with rumours circling that there could be some even bigger names.

 

Winona Forever a must see in the BC indie scene

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If you’ve spent any time in the Vancouver indie scene over the last year, you’ve definitely heard the name Winona Forever. They’re a band that gives off a vibe, a kind of band that makes you feel like you’re living in a coming of age movie set right here in the Pacific Northwest.

One of my biggest gripes with a lot of indie bands is that they’ll often try way too hard to be dark and mysterious. Whereas, Winona Forever leans more into their authentic selves. Their music is this perfect blend of jangle-pop and sophistic pop, it’s catchy enough to hum along to on your first listen, but musically complex enough to keep you coming back.

They aren’t afraid to play everywhere, from tiny DIY spaces to bigger stages. In 2024 they went on their first tour, going as far as Fresno California. 

They have this incredible ability to capture the specific feeling of being young in BC right now. Their songs are often an emotional roller coaster with lyrics like “I’ve never been so into someone talking about gardening. Isn’t it weird” It’s that mix of glass half full and glass half empty that relates so heavily to younger adults.

What’s really cool is seeing them get the recognition they deserve outside of the province. Just this past year, they’ve been picked up by major tastemakers like KEXP and have been a staple on CBC Music. It’s proof that you don’t have to move to Toronto or LA to build a global following, you can do it right here with a loyal local fanbase and a sound that feels authentic to where you’re from.

If you’re looking for a band to soundtrack your drive up the Sea-to-Sky or your next afternoon at Spanish Banks, this is it. They represent the best of what the BC indie scene is right now, talented, unpretentious, and consistently great.

Next time you see their name on a poster at the Biltmore or the Rickshaw, buy the ticket. They’re one of those bands that you’ll want to be able to say you saw “before they were huge.”

 

The nightclub that shakes the city

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If you say you’re a fan of the BC music scene and have never been to, then you’re actually lying. 

For the people who have gone, there’s always the same reaction. It’s usually about three songs in, the headliner drops a heavy beat, and suddenly the entire floor starts moving.

I’m not talking about the crowd jumping, I’m talking about the actual floor beneath your feet genuinely bouncing like a trampoline.

If you’re like me, the first time you felt it, you probably wondered if the building was about to collapse. But that “bounce” is actually a piece of Vancouver history that almost didn’t survive the 90s.

The secret is that the Commodore has a “sprung” floor. Back in 1929, the builders used an innovative technique of layering the shiplap dance floor atop a bed of tires stuffed with horsehair to absorb impact. Today, it’s one of the last of its kind in North America. It’s the reason why a show at the Commodore feels ten times more energetic than a show at a sterile arena like Rogers.

But we almost lost it. Back in July 1996, the venue actually shut down due to a lease dispute. For three years, the most iconic stage in the city sat silent and assaulted with graffiti. People genuinely thought it was gone forever. Aaron Chapman, who wrote the book on the venue, noted that those were “desolate” years where major tours skipped Vancouver because there just wasn’t an appropriate room to play.

Thankfully, it reopened in 1999 with a performance by Blue Rodeo, but it serves as a reminder that we can’t take these local spots for granted. It’s honestly a guaranteed night of enjoyment. There’s a reason why legends like U2 (who famously played “I Will Follow” twice in 1981 because they didn’t have enough songs) and The Ramones call it one of the best places to play in the world.

When you’re there, you aren’t just watching a concert, you’re part of a tradition of BC nightlife that survived the Great Depression and a three year dark period in the 90s.

Next time you’re there and you feel that floor start to give way, don’t worry about the structural integrity. Just lean into it. There’s nowhere else in the province that feels quite like it.

Barnside Harvest Festival 2026 Brings Marianas Trench, Kim Mitchell, and Smash Mouth to Delta This September

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If you’re like me and are an enjoyer of local music festivals, then look no further than the Barnside Harvest Festival, as it has officially unveiled its 2026 lineup, which includes stars from multiple genres such as Smash Mouth, Big Wreck, Tom Cochrane, Kim Mitchell, and JJ Wilde.

It was announced April 14th that the lower mainland event will return to Paterson Park in Ladner from September 11-13th.

This year will be the fourth year that the festival has taken place, and each year has seen a rise in popularity. Last year the festival saw over 3,0000 attendees over the three day event, with a total of over 8,0000 since its inaugural year in 2023. The festival has rapidly become one of the lower mainland’s most significant events, with organizers even going as far as saying that this year will raise the bar once again, with two headliners scheduled each night across the three days.

The general manager of Barnside Brewing Co raved about the upcoming event, and mentioned how grateful she and her staff are to the City of Delta for supporting the event.

“We’re thrilled that Barnside Harvest Festival has been so well received for three consecutive years, so we’re raising the bar and presenting two headliners each night. With thanks again to the City of Delta, city staff, plus the many sponsors and supporting organizations, we’re truly excited about the 2026 lineup and look forward to celebrating with the community.”

The festival will be set to open on a Friday and will open with one of Canada’s most awarded pop-rock bands, Marianas Trench. Known for having multiple platinum records as well as seven Juno Awards the band will be a must watch to open the event on the first night. It won’t only be their first night, as other big names like JJ Wilde will join the band on stage.

Over the past three years of the festival, Saturday has always been the largest attended date, with last year seeing nearly 13,000 music fans.

This year’s Saturday will see a star studded crew with the likes of globally recognized band Smash Mouth and well known rock band Big Wreck.  Although having American ties, Big Wreck is known to acknowledge their Canadian roots with lead vocalist and guitarist Ian Thornley having grown up in Canada.

For the closing Sunday, the festival will see two Canadian rock legends in Tom Cochrane and Kim Mitchell. Cochrane, known most for his hit song Life Is a Highway. The rock n roller has been on tour all of 2026 and will be finishing performing for the year and the Barnside Harvest Festival. Kim Mitchell, a three time Juno Award winner as well as a Canadian Song Writers Hall of Fame inductee, will be a large part of the finals day headline as the event will focus on classic Canadian rock identity.

Beyond the headliners, the festival features a wide supporting lineup spanning rock, country, and roots artists, along with local attractions including the BC Craft Beer Corner, artisan market, food trucks, and community programming. Stages include the Barnside Brewing Main Stage, Dueck Cadillac Stage, and City of Delta Stage.

Tickets go on pre-sale for newsletter subscribers ahead of the general on-sale April 17 at 8 a.m., with early bird discounts available and free admission for children 10 and under.

With its mix of legacy acts and rising talent, Barnside 2026 continues to position itself as a festival that bridges generations bringing classic rock icons, modern Canadian acts, and local BC culture together in one weekend.

 

Winona Forever a BC indie band

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If you’ve spent any time in the Vancouver indie scene over the last year, you’ve definitely heard the name Winona Forever. They’re a band that gives off a vibe, a kind of band that makes you feel like you’re living in a coming of age movie set right here in the Pacific Northwest.

One of my biggest gripes with a lot of indie bands is that they’ll often try way too hard to be dark and mysterious. Whereas, Winona Forever leans more into their authentic selves. Their music is this perfect blend of jangle-pop and sophistic pop, it’s catchy enough to hum along to on your first listen, but musically complex enough to keep you coming back.

They aren’t afraid to play everywhere, from tiny DIY spaces to bigger stages. In 2024 they went on their first tour, going as far as Fresno California. 

They have this incredible ability to capture the specific feeling of being young in BC right now. Their songs are often an emotional roller coaster with lyrics like “I’ve never been so into someone talking about gardening. Isn’t it weird” It’s that mix of glass half full and glass half empty that relates so heavily for young adults.

What’s really cool is seeing them get the recognition they deserve outside of the province. Just this past year, they’ve been picked up by major tastemakers like KEXP and have been a staple on CBC Music. It’s proof that you don’t have to move to Toronto or LA to build a global following, you can do it right here with a loyal local fanbase and a sound that feels authentic to where you’re from.

If you’re looking for a band to soundtrack your drive up the Sea-to-Sky or your next afternoon at Spanish Banks, this is it. They represent the best of what the BC indie scene is right now, talented, unpretentious, and consistently great.

Next time you see their name on a poster at the Biltmore or the Rickshaw, buy the ticket. They’re one of those bands that you’ll want to be able to say you saw “before they were huge.”

 

Canada’s sweetheart, BBNO$

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Out of the 40 awards handed out each year at the Junos, the Fan Choice Award is the only award where the winner is chosen by the fans.

Most years the award has tended to be given to an artist who transcended borders or had the most hit songs. But, in the past two years it has gone to BBNO$, an artist who is not only known for his music but also known for his unique yet relatable personality, that keeps Canadian music fans intrigued. 

It’s no secret BBNO$ has a polarizing personality. With over 4.9 million followers on Instagram and 10.4 million on TikTok, his persona transcends music as well as the borders that so often restrict Canadian artists from reaching global popularity.

For the Vancouver native it hasn’t been much of a struggle. Bursting on to the scene in 2019 with his hit song “La La La”, it was clear to listeners and viewers that BBNO$ not only had a different sound from the rest of the music industry but a quirky personality that could be seen through his lyrics and unique sound that listeners heard..

His breakout hit “La La La” alone has surpassed 1 billion global streams, making it one of the most successful viral songs to come out of Canada in the last decade.

Since, BBNO$ has built a catalogue with over 5.8 billion total Spotify streams, cementing his place as one of Canada’s most streamed independent artists. 

So, when it comes to an award that fans get to vote on, with the description of the award being “An annual award presented by CARAS that allows the public to vote for their favourite Canadian artist or group, highlighting artistic popularity and cultural impact.” there is no doubt who Canadian music lovers voted for.

Over the past two years BBNO$ has won back to back Fan Choice Awards at the Junos. After his first win there was a sincere sense of gratitude in his acceptance speech.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting to win. This is really sick that I’ve won a Juno in my hometown (Vancouver)”

His first acceptance speech was much more articulate in contrast to his 2026 win. Although he wasn’t able to attend the award ceremony held in Hamilton, as he is on tour, he posted a video to his instagram reacting to the win. 

“Lets go! Lets go! Lets go!” Shouted BBNO$. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXVCEmAS1l8/

As BBNO$ continues his world tour across Europe right now, he will look to become the first threepeat winner of the Juno Fan Choice Award in 2027.



Is Sophia Stel the new face of the BC indie scene?

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Too often, I’ll be listening to new music and be quickly turned off by the overly produced slop. Too many artists have their creative process taken away from them and aren’t able to make the music they feel is best. Well, that’s exactly why myself and over 400,000 Spotify listeners listen to Sophia Stel.

While the old guard of the music industry is still trying to figure out what can sell, Sophia is busy building a cult following from her bedroom. She’s the perfect example of the new Vancouver sound, it’s moody, it’s a little bit weird, and feels perfect for late night in Vancouver.

What makes Sophia different from your average “TikTok artist” is the depth of the music. Her EP “How to Win At Solitaire” dropped late last year and it completely shifted the vibe of the local scene. It’s got this haunted warmth to its songs that feel like they’re glitching out one second and then hitting you with a massive pop hook the next.

But it’s not just about the songs, it’s the whole aesthetic. She pioneered this thrift shop fashion trend look that has every indie kid in the city hitting up the Value Village trying to copy her style. Even the big UK magazines like Wonderland are starting to take notice, calling her one of the “Wonders to Watch” for 2026.

She commonly plays at the Fox Cabaret, and the energy in the room is different than a typical indie show. It’s not just people standing around with their arms crossed, it’s a community of fans who feel like they’ve discovered a secret.

In an industry that can sometimes feel a bit cold and corporate, artists like Sophia Stel are making uncool cool. 


Cameron Whitecomb is having his Juno moment and BC is taking notice

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For the majority of Canadian artists, the Juno award show feels like a milestone moment. For Cameron Whitcomb however, they feel more like a turning point.

Whether it’s the nominations, public appearances, or coming home with some hardware at this year’s Juno award show, Cameron Whitcomb is quickly climbing the ranks and becoming one of Canada’s most promising young country music stars. 

Although his rise to fame has been nothing but ordinary.

At the age of 17 before pursuing his musical dreams Cameron was working construction in Kelowna BC, far removed from the life he lives now. Whitcomb, a Nanaimo native, made his breakthrough in the music industry in 2022 when he reached the top 20, in season 20 of American Idol. 

Cameron has always prided himself on writing lyrics that resonate with his experiences struggling with addiction and sobriety. Cameron was only 13 when he was first introduced to alcohol and drugs, and quickly became addicted. Spending a large part of his teen years battling with the disease that is addiction. 

Cameron speaks about how witnessing one of his best friends recover from two overdoses and follow through with recovery inspired him to sober up and focus on what’s most important to him. For him music was a way to express the challenges he was facing in his life. 

“At the start [of my career] I was trying to be honest and writing about things that meant a lot to me, and I think that’s kind of where I found my niche. The more honest I was about things, the more people could resonate with what I was trying to say.”

Now, the 23 year old is getting nationwide recognition as a top artist in Canada, and has the awards to show for it.

Last month’s Juno Award show saw Cameron take home the hardware as well as perform in front of the crowd of Canadian artists. 

Cameron took home the award for Breakthrough Artist of The Year. In his acceptance speech Cameron acknowledged how far he’s come as well as his love for Canada. 

“I’ve been finding myself asking ‘why’ lately, like, why I get to do this, why I’ve been blessed with this opportunity, and honestly, I still don’t know,” 

“What I do know is I will not squander this opportunity. I love you guys, and thank you so much. I’ll keep working hard, and I’ll stay sober, and thank you so much for everything. I love you guys…I love you, Canada.”

Winning Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Junos puts Cameron on a prestigious list of past winners. The list includes, Michael Bublé, Drake, and the Weekend. 

Cameron also won Country album of the year for his 2025 album The Hard Way. 

Cameron’s night wasn’t over there however, as he participated in a performance alongside Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell, honouring Joni Mitchell with the Lifetime Achievement Award Tribute Performance Presented by the National Music Centre.

Yesterday, at the Vancouver Canucks last home game of the season, Cameron was honoured on the jumbotron and given a round of applause by the crowd as well as a custom Canucks jersey. It’s safe to say that Cameron Whitcomb is a name that Canadians will soon become accustomed to.


https://www.instagram.com/p/DXI1mkaIPTx/