Author Archives: Volante Matheson

This is not an article about Todd Hancock.

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(Geared Up)

No, this is not an article about Todd Hancock. But stick around because he might make an appearance.

Todd Hancock is a part of the history of Vancouver music. A well-known radio persona on The Fox 99.3 for “damn near 15 years.” But that’s where this ends because as I said, this is not an article about Todd Hancock.

(The Sound Off Podcast)

I got into radio because it gave me permission to ask my friends about the story-telling facts of what makes them, them. You might be reading this like “Wow… no you’re so wrong I feel entirely comfortable asking my friends those hard editorial questions to get in to their root!”

But I’m a neurodivergent and sometimes there are social standards about asking invasive questions.

So I found radio, and eventually I found the Radio Arts & Entertainment Program at BCIT. After nearly a decade hiatus from school, and cohosting a show on Co-op Radio, I’d finally found something I was passionate enough about to spend that actual money on. I remember going to the orientation meeting night that was the year before the program would begin. My sweet Mama came with me, because my anxiety about doing round 2 of post-secondary and the fear that this might be a terrible mistake was about to make me back right out.

(Adobe Stock)

But I have an amazing Mother, and she recognized that my body was having a hard time understanding the difference between fear and excitement. The two physiologically feel the same you know. So she came as my buffer. I remember the professors starting to list off the things you’d be learning, the hard-work it would take to accomplish it, that if you didn’t have this hard-work demeanour you wouldn’t achieve what you needed to in this program. Sweat started to bead on my forehead, I was ready to leave. UBC had done such a number on my worthiness that I wasn’t sure I was ready to enter another environment like that.

They separated us into our factions, Radio, TV, and Journalism, and what was a room of 50 was now a more manageable group of 15. Todd Hancock was about to lead us through a tour of the Evolution radio station. I started to see the equipment, I felt the more relaxed vibe I was looking for, and suddenly the list of goals seemed fun. I’d introduce myself to Todd that evening. My boyfriend, a local Audio Tech at Vancouver’s Rock Shop, had met Todd previously through the music scene. When I’d said to my boyfriend that I was thinking of bailing out on the evening, he had reassured me that Todd (the only teacher he knew at the program) was a cool cat. Like the kind of people I was already surrounding myself with here in Vancouver. That if I said hello, mention his name – so I did. I doubt that Todd remembers that.

(Fog Fotág / Facebook)

Later as my first semester at BCIT was in tow, Todd would come to one of our classes and give a bit of a speech about what to expect when we’d see him next in Practicum. He told us more about his life. His time with The Fox, and his endeavour now with Toddcast Podcast. He’s throwing shows, made a career as a radio persona. This was the kind of trajectory I hoped for. This is what I was trying to do with No Apologies Necessary. Building my radio presence and learning how to throw epic fundraisers of music. At the end of that class I told him as much. I offered my volunteer services in any way if I could shadow him with the podcast. He noted this, but at this point I realized probably just how many of these requests he gets.

You see when your profession is in music, you meet a lot of faces all the time. You’re also faced with a large amount of those people wanting to get in on the magic. So I decided my words weren’t coming out as I wanted them to be heard and not to push the matter further.

Now we are in Practicum, you see, and coincidentally Todd Hancock is my mentor for all three parts. I’ve be able to learn more about him, the persona he’s cultivated, and how this comes across to the rest of the world. And I’d like to think he’s gotten to know more about me.

I’m not a shithead snot-nosed kid who is just trying to climb the ladder. I am authentically me, and just figuring out how to navigate that.

You see in this past year at BCIT I think one of the most wonderful things I’ve taken away from the Radio Arts & Entertainment program is my education of how to bring what is authentically me into my career. I don’t need to have a Work Volante and a Personal Volante, like something eerie out of Severance. I was both at once. Dealing with depression, now its part of my Digital Assignment. Struggling with world affairs, well that’s my topic for the next podcast. Fear of public speaking? Well there was a whole class to sort how certain events or subconscious biases made me that way. It’s like this whole program was a big kick in the affirmation of self.

(Adobe Stock)

So here I am with Todd Hancock as a mentor. I run in and out of his office during my Online Writing phase, “Can I say this?” “Yes.” “Can I write an article about this?” “Yes.” “Is it ok if I say the vocals bring you towards Satan.” “Totally.”

Somehow I had found myself in a space where each and every of my ideas were encouraged, and I was getting guidance in the right spaces. Sure Todd might have some dated colloquial sayings:

“Really /BLEEP played a wonderful game of fetch the dog on that one.”

Or,

“I’ll give you just enough rope to /BLEEP make a wonderful craft yourself with.”

But someone who might’ve seen me as just another ladder climbing fan before was being met with my genuine self and giving genuine self back.

So you see, this article is NOT about Todd Hancock. It’s about a funny series of events that surrounded Todd Hancock that ultimately led me to a spot where I am creating something that is genuinely me.

(Adobe Stock)

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

How to approach a band you like.

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(Adobe Stock)

First things first, you must always remember, when a band comes off stage they are TIRED.

They are decompressing from the stimulation of stage. They are packing up their equipment, maybe hopping in the van and headed to their next location.

So my first piece of advice, plan to keep it brief. If you just want to give them props for their show, do it. Put out feelers to see if they are open to more conversation, and lead with that. If you are seeking them out for an interview, KEEP IT BRIEF. If they seem inclined to do an interview with you then tell them you will send them a message on ____ social media. Wait the evening, and write to them tomorrow!

If you leave too many days in between when you meet them and when you write to them, the memory of your face could diminish. So write to them the day after!!

(Adobe Stock)

Here’s what NOT to do:

Do NOT send unthoughtful social media messages like, “Think ur cool, want to interview. Down?” Make yourself write like a human, not a robot. Spend a couple seeds of professionalism here. You might not be taken seriously if you don’t treat it seriously.

Don’t call them “underrated” without context. While you might think calling a musician “underrated” can be a compliment, focus on highlighting their strengths. “Their songwriting deserves way more attention” instead of “Why doesn’t anyone care about this band??”

Juraj Piško of Vancouver’s Rock Shop spends all day every day with different touring musicians. Of the variety of moods you might receive from a band, he’s seen them all. When asked for tips about approaching bands he had this to say, “Its important to treat musicians in the best possible way so they feel wrapped in a blanket of comfort in order to have the ability to perform their best.”

Although Juraj’s approach to musicians stems from an audio technician perspective, and his affinity to making sure every show runs smoothly. He makes a valuable point. If you’re going to approach a musician, its because their music is important to you. If you’re approaching a musician to josh their music, then this isn’t the article for you.

Point being, you want the musician to perform to the best of their ability. So check yourself if you are about to say something discombobulating about their music. Whether this is a deep personal story, or a critique about their riffs. Read the room and make sure now’s the time to get personal, or if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all!

Vancouver band Kitty & The Rooster have a whole song about all the stupid stuff people have said to them before and after the show, presented back to us the audience in a comical way.

So do your homework, keep it light and breezy, and be there to support them.

Other than all this, it’s now just about conquering that fear of taking the first step!

Good luck.

(Adobe Stock)

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

The Dang Package

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(Starbelly Jam)

Daaaaaaang. It’s sure been a while since I’ve heard some jammin beats from The Dang Package.

The Dang Package is a psychedelic rock trio based in Victoria, BC. Their sound is a blend of hard rock, soft rock, ambient rock, surf rock, funk rock, and country rock. A little bit of everything rock. “And other varieties of precious stones” says the band.

Their message is to create a space of introspection, cosmic curiosity, and playful musical diversity. In a short feature on Fernwood NRG, they describe their music as chemical and electronic alchemy. Brought together by the unknown, the spectacle of space travel, and the anomaly between sound and contentment. This trio are high energy performers with gorgeous instrumentals and psychedelic sounds.

The first and last time I saw them perform was at a house-party in Burnaby. Outside the music was booming, I knew exactly where I had to go, just follow my ears. I walked in to a teeny living room where the band took up 1/3 of the space and party-goers squashed into the rest. Barely room to dance as we were all shoulder to shoulder to get as close to the sound as we could. The windows were steamy. The band was happy, the audience even happier.

The band consists of Travis (T-Rav the Transformer) on bass, Kurt Loewen on guitar and vocals, and Stefan Lake on the drums.

I met Travis when he joined Mark Lingelbach to a interview with our No Apologies Necessary radio show. One of the things that rocked my world was his art. My art is experimental and psychedelic. Travis’ art is BIG, COLOURFUL, IN YOUR FACE psychedelic. My style of art is so weird, niche, and not like many others. But every so often I come across another artists style that has similar wavelength to what I create, and I am inspired. I try to figure out how they brain works to create that. Subconsciously its adding and storing ideas for the next time I make art. Travis was making murals, doing portraits, painting busses. Combining realism and psychedelic, smacked in the face with colour.

(T-Rav the Transformer / Facebook)

I also found his music in a similar node to his art. Creative, mixing in multiple styles, playful at times. Kurt Loewen is also a phenomenal musician. His voice is melancholic and experimental, with beautiful ranges of high to low.

In the past The Dang Package has played as festivals such as Starbelly Jam Music Festival in Crawford Bay, BC and Convergence Festival on Salt Spring Island. If you want to catch upcoming show of The Dang Package you’re in luck, but you’ll have to go on a bit of a jaunt.

On May 9th, 2025 they play at The Waverly Hotel in Cumberland. Then they will also be making an appearance at the Dunn Folkin’ Around Festival which is a bit of a journey through the beautiful BC alllllll the way to Dunn Lake. This takes place on May 9th-11th, 2025.

Find out more about The Dang Package below:

Find their music on Bandcamp.

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Why its important for musicians to have an online presence. Even when we hate doing it.

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(Adobe Stock)

Here is the reason for this article: Because I want to write about you and there are certain protocols online writers need to compile information!!

There done. You need not read the rest of this article.

But if you decide to go further, here are all my reasons further affirming that YOU NEED AN ONLINE PRESENCE.

Now this goes for any craft or artist. Although today we will specifically talk about musicians. Gone is the time of schmoozing clubs and venues for your debut on the radio, or your chance at a label, or even to build your audience. We are in the internet age, and although this doesn’t ring like a genuine standard to us neurodivergents – an online presence is necessary in this day and age!

I’m going to start with the “Pros” of this Pros vs Cons list.

You know that one kid? You know the kid. That lives in the middle of a rural town… the types of music surrounding them perfectly cultivated by the society they live in. That kid who reaches out over this amazing connection device we call the internet – to see what else is out there? Maybe its small feelers at first… music that shocks them, it’s not their taste. Music that surprises them it even exists … still not their taste. Then finally they come across this one song.. the lyrics seem to reflect this life they’ve been living. The beats seem to inspire their soul. Finally they’ve found something that makes life seem less mediocre. They click some more and find the rest of the musician’s work. But how can they be part of this more? How can they integrate this more into their life rather than a fleeting piece of joy they plug in and out of each day.

(Adobe Stock)

So they click on albums similar to. They start building a repertoire of what exactly is the kind of music that makes them feel most them. Where do these musicians even play? They find the musician’s origins, where they are playing their shows next. On the musicians social media they see clips of their lives shows. They can mentally prepare to dive into this music Wonderland with everything they see. They decide to take the leap and be there for the next show. Their life is forever changed by the personal growth it takes to put yourself into an environment with their peers. They look back at the younger-them who was in a different life before they found THE music.

This person should be entirely what you need to put your shyness to the side and put yourself out there. A message in a bottle to whoever needs it. Because they need it. That one person needs to read the book, or see the art, or feel the music that makes them feel comfortable enough to take that reach too.

That one person.

Lucky for you the pros list stretches on because each “one person” is connected to a web of people that they want to also experience the things they love. This is made immensely easier in the internet age because press “Share” and you can send it right to them. Or at the very least they can put it on their feed for that “one person” who follows them that needs it.

Here’s one of the cons.

Creating an online persona in the Influencer Age can feel vapid and disingenuous. As we are a baby civilization with our technology and our WWW we are going through an interesting phase of the curated, inauthentic, plasticized online scrapbook.

(Adobe Stock)

AT THE END… and you know what’s interesting? The whole next generation of journalists are going to have so many voices to choose from. So many videos and sound clips to refer to. We are still a baby civilization.

Here’s some tips and tricks to push through that bit of creative block that stops you each time.

  1. Recognize that most creative people are neurodivergent. Forcing ourselves to do something we HATE is like lugging huge bags of groceries up 11 flights of stairs (I did this today… thanks faulty fire alarm on Floor 29..). It’s tiring… its gruelling… and why isn’t there just an elevator to make life easier?
  2. Make it as simple as you can. The block lots of us feel is because you want to cultivate a online presence that completely represents you. You want it perfect, and that strive for perfection ultimately blocks you from just starting. Just make it simple. One picture and one song is better than none at all.
  3. Practice self-compassion. Who you are as a person changes every day. What you post today isn’t the end all of you. If you decide you don’t like it tomorrow, change it! Picture your first post like a baby draft … it is open to edits and change as much as you like.
  4. Ask for help. We live in a city of SO MANY CREATIVE PEOPLE. Yes asking for help might seem like you gotta cough up some finances to the best Social Media Curator out there, but this isn’t so. You might have a friend that just feels joy in making the posts that you can find so gruelling. Maybe there’s a funky BCIT student out there that needs some practice and resume building – and would lend you a hand just because you asked! But they will never know unless you ask.

So be patient with yourself. Don’t hate on yourself. Don’t assume that anything you post is going to be hated on by others.

Just remember that one kid who might need that one post to ultimately change how they view the world. Your posts might not feel life changing, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t life changing to that one person.

(Adobe Stock)

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Punk, one genre that is always addressing the issues.

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(Alien Boys / Bandcamp)

Alien Boys are a punk band based in Vancouver, BC. It began when members Lindsay (drums) and Alex (rhythm guitar) began jamming together in 2015. They began as a duo, but as time went forward they welcomed Megan on bass and Sarinn as lead vocalist. Sarinn brought in tow a background of slam poetry that would contribute to the development of the band. The band has created a strong political voice within their music, addressing issues like addiction, marginalization, grief, and resilience. They have strong embodiment similar to bands like Propaganda, The Rebel Spell, with emotion like Fugazi and Against Me!

While their audio is more refined and cultivated than their punk predecessors, The Dishrags, it still holds all the weight, smack, and grit that you find in wonderful punk music.

The thing I love most about punk music is its ability to create social change through a medium of raw frustration and in-your-face not-going-to-hide-it lyric ability. In their song ‘Bender’, a jam that has MANY MANY listens from me on Spotify, they speak a vivid truth about addiction. It creates a narrative around substance use and the emotional turmoil that goes hand-in-hand with the cycle of mental health and substances. The lyrics seek to tamper the agony of living through substances that seem to help only temporarily, but undoubtedly unfolds the whole other mess of consequences that follow. In “Wine, Weed, and Whisky”  the conversation surrounds the use of substances as a coping mechanism for hopelessness and despair. It calls out the normalizing of substance use in social settings and societal structures that perpetuate these behaviours. Finally in their song “Shrinkwrap” it again sheds light on the mass amount of societal expectations and internal struggles that lead to substance abuse.

These types of conversations are more important than ever with the climate of Vancouver’s DTES. Due to poverty, trauma, colonization, housing insecurity, mental health, and systemic failure – Vancouver is witnessing one of the most heartbreaking public health crises in Canada. In fact tourists will ask to drive through the streets of Tent City just to gawk at the zoo of other-izing being created. Drug and substance use in our DTES has been displayed as such a struck of luck issue that only affects “certain humans” when in fact substance abuse rings throughout our communities to person of every walk of life… and can even be seen in our clubs and music venues.

Therefore it is a refreshing change of tactic for a musician to talk about the power of substance use, the traits that trigger it, and the society that reinforces it in such a blunt manner.

(Alien Boys / Bandcamp)

Alien Boys have played at notable Vancouver venues such as Red Gate Arts Society, Green Auto, The Fox Cabaret, The Rickshaw Theatre, The Wise Hall, and The Commodore Ballroom. Almost every single niche alt-music venue you could think of here in Vancouver! In fact in 2024 Alien Boys opened for DOA and Wait//Less at the Commodore Ballroom.

The next show you should keep your eyes on is June 20, 2025 at Red Gate Arts Society. There they’ll be sharing the stage with Kids of Fire, Contra Code, and Brasser. Tickets are a mere $15!!! Easy peasy. While this is not an all ages show, Alien Boys are active in the Vancouver punk scene and show their support by performing in all ages shows and grassroots venues. The maintain involvement in harm reduction and activism that is affecting all of us here in Vancouver, BC.

For more about Alien Boys click the links below:

alienboys.ca

You can also find their music on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Logan and Nathan

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(Logan and Nathan)

Meet Logan and Nathan. A Vancouver music duo that blends folk music, with gorgeous lulling vocals, and beautiful guitar. They are a mash of folk, jazz, soul, and cosmic country.

Take a bit of Nathan Turner’s West Coast “salt-water swagger” and Logan Thackray’s “wild Rocky Mountain meltwater” and blend those colours with guitar, banjos duels, and shared vocals. Often they will be accompanied by other musicians on drums, cello, and saxophone. They have been partners in both music and life for nearly a decade. Their lyrics play on themes like intimacy, longing, self-doubt, and critical thought.

Logan is a multifaceted artist who majored in Anthropology for her Bachelor of Arts. Her first artistic outlet was an abandoned guitar she found in a dumpster in the Rocky Mountain town of Canmore. She now dives into printmaking, leather work, painting, drawing, and most recently stained glass. Her art as well as her music are all meant to reflect her experiences as a human trying to navigate the world.

Nathan is characterized as a songwriter and traveller. He hitchhiked across the western stretches of the Pacific Northwest and toured Canada, the US and Uk with his other bands, Red Haven and The Honey Tongues. At Vancouver’s Monash Studios he received an education in engineering records and now produces, mixed and engineered dozens of recordings, including songs for the Logan and Nathan duo.

Logan and Nathan honoured us at No Apologies Necessary radio by performing in one of our first Co-op Radio Station fundraisers. What was meant to be a full roster hosted at the now lost Cafe Deux Soliels turned into a wonderful, earthy, and classically East Van backyard music jam. Here I got to hear the beautiful, echoing, lulling and gentle voices of Logan and Nathan. Their love for each other shone through every song they performed and every picture I took of them. It was beautiful.

(Fog Fotág / Imgur)

As a rule of thumb I’ve learnt that musicians who are romantic together should not make music together. Because an untimely demise of a relationship can have major repercussions to the music attempting to be created. But this is not the case with Logan and Nathan. In fact having the pleasure of seeing this love displayed on stage and through carefully cultivated and thought of lyrics made you feel like you were privy to the truth and genuine nature of their relationship. With lyrics expressing longing and connection, seeing this great love between them further amplified what they were saying in song.

Logan and Nathan have performed at many local venues in Vancouver, BC including The Backstage Lounge, The Heatley, Cafe Deux Soleils, and Trees Organic Coffee. The have participated in and performed at BC Festivals like Canmore Folk Festival, Tiny Lights Festival, and Robson Valley Music Festival.

Unfortunately there are no scheduled upcoming shows. But you can find more about Logan and Nathan through the links below:

loganandnathan.com

You can also find their music on Bandcamp and Spotify.

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Punk star to city council

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(Alternative Tentacle Records)

“Oh ya well he’s a running political party in Burnaby!” – Friend

Ok, well I know DOA, but I didn’t know that der buddy.

Whenever I pitched a DOA song, my cohost on No Apologies Necessary would chime “He’s actually running a political party in Burnaby!”

My cohost is accustomed to making polysci statements in jest. But I think we could both agree that this is actually a pretty impressive feat for a punk music kid to progress to. From screaming into a mic their frustrations of the world, to growing up a wee bit, then making change through actual political moves. I mean I doubt that most punk kids are dreaming of growing up and following suit – but it’s pretty amazing.

DOA is a punk band from Vancouver, BC. What started out as a band called The Skulls, fizzled out and evolved into DOA (Dead On Arrival). The original members Joe Keithley (Joey “Shithead”) on guitar and vocals, Randy Rampage on bass and vocals, and Chuck Biscuits on drums. They debuted with the single ‘Disco Sucks’ in 1978, a bold statement against disco culture, and setting a stage for politically charge music. Their 1981 album ‘Hardcore ’81’ has been credited with defining hardcore punk and influencing bands like Green Day, Nirvana, and The Offspring.

(Sudden Death Records)

The band advocates for anti-racism, environmentalism, freedom of speech, and women’s rights. Their slogan “Talk – Action = 0” sums up their ethos perfectly. Don’t just talk about change, take action. Here DOA takes action through meaningful music. Over the years dozens of members have come and gone through DOA. But this isn’t seen as turnover, but more evolution through change. This further embodies scrappy punk ethos. No polished formula and no corporate packaging.

DOA’s “final” show was held at the Commodore Ballroom December 1, 1990. This concert featured crazy performance, including a chainsaw used during “Lumberjack City.” The show ended with multiple encores, which just shows the band’s dedicated energy and loyalty towards their fans. In fact, due to overwhelming demand they would schedule a second farewell show on December 13, 1990 (a notable day in this writer’s life!)

The band later came back for remembrance performances. Taking part in Fight Back Festival at The Rickshaw Theatre in 2018. This event had two stages with ten bands and street performers, promoting grassroots democracy and activism. Joe Keithley would talk about the need to fight back against racism, sexism, and greed. Values that have held true within the band since the very beginning and continuing on long after. They would also perform again at The Rickshaw Theatre in 2021 for a 40th anniversary of ‘Hardcore ’81’. This was a sold out show that featured local bands like Bishop Green, The Spitfires, and GRRLcircus.

2018 also marked the year that frontman Joe Keithley transitioned into politics! He joined the Burnaby Green Party and was even elected to Burnaby City Council in that year’s municipal election. In 2022 Keithley would be re-elected to the council again maintaining his position as the sole Green representative on the council.

(City of Burnaby)

Now with everything we’ve learned so far about DOA this transition seems so fitting. These values held true throughout the bands career and now Keithley would further make change with action at the source. While some people chuckle at this career choice – I think it is an incredible advocate to the power of music and the drive to create a better world with the tools you have.

For more about DOA click the links below:

Find their music on Spotify.

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Charlie Kerr and Hotel Mira

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(Hotel Mira / Facebook)

The next floor of our music tour belongs to Hotel Mira. An indie, alt rock and post-punk revival group from Vancouver, BC. Hotel Mira is a big band these days around Vancouver. Playing at venues we know and love like the Fox Cabaret, Vogue Theatre, Commodore Ballroom and the Biltmore. They have even performed at the Khatsahlano Street Party, a free summer time event with kiosks, music, food trucks, artisan products, and so much more! A staple for everything “Vancouver” and this year taking place on July 5th, 2025.

For those who have yet to hear Hotel Mira, picture some glam rock swagger. Energetic guitars, catchy hooks, and lyrics that go deep. Almost a trickery of a good time but catching us with the narrative identities of mental health, love, and self-destruction. This band originally emerged under the name of JPNSGRLS (pronounced “Japanese Girls) – formed by vocalist Charlie Kerr and guitarist Oliver Mann. It went under several lineup changes before settling into Hotel Mira in 2018. The official band today is made up of Charlie Kerr on lead vocals, Mike Noble on bass, Clark Grieve on guitar and keyboard, and Cole George on drums.  If you don’t recognize JPNSGRLS then maybe you will remember the original original name this band started as “The Beauties”. This is actually where my personal story comes in to play, as this was the first band I knew that Charlie had started.

(Hotel Mira / Facebook)

Charlie and I in fact went to high school together. He a mere year older than me. But his older brother and my older sister were close friends for many years. Before Charlie and I ended up at the same high school together, I remember my sister introducing me to her friend’s little brother as some kind of ease for me into a new school environment. Charlie and I would continue our high school The paths separate from the very beginning. But I was privy to see the transformation of young kid, to high school rocker, to where he is now.

Charlie and I are from a high school in Vancouver that is slowly growing some noterity. Point Grey Secondary School. It was also home to Seth Rogen (who in fact was in the same year as ANOTHER one of my sisters), and now to the likes of Charlie Kerr – paving his way through the music world through a sound he’s been growing and cultivating since I’ve known him.

My first interpretation of Charlie was that he was shy, gentle, authentic, and kind. In fact as he started to grow up, dawning a leather jacket here, performing in theatre, and starting to make music – the nerd in me resented that he was becoming cool. “He’s losing that genuine edge and just becoming another cool kid!” I remember thinking. And he was! I just had a deep distaste of anything considered “cool” and “everyone liked.” I liked the cool that NOBODY liked. I thought it was cool BECAUSE nobody liked it.

Then as high school ended and everyone started to build their actual lives, I watched as his band turned from The Beauties, to JPNSGRLS, and now to Hotel Mira. Our paths only crossed once in the time since high school past – and this was at the first ever Cancel Canada Day celebration at the Vancouver Art Gallery. This was back in 2020, just as COVID hit, only a couple months after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis by the racially unjust police department. Systemic racism was at the forefront of all our minds, sitting isolated during COVID and watching the misery that has been constant for … eternity… had boiled over to the point that we couldn’t just sit quarantining and watch. I hit the road with my camera for Vancouver’s BLM protest. I was passionate about something I was seeing infront of me that I felt powerless to fix… the only thing I had in my power at the time was my photography and storytelling. So that is what I’d use.

(Fog Fotág / Imgur)

The first rendition of Cancel Canada Day was happening. It seemed laughable that I hadn’t been aware of the Indigenous population’s feelings towards Canada Day. I had felt so naive. Canada Day is the celebration of Canada’s independence, the day we became our own sovereign country. A day where there was red and white everywhere, pancakes and bacon, maple syrup, celebrations in every sunny spot around the city – it was meant to represent collective joy. But what I had been so naive to was that this was a celebration of Canada’s release from the British Crown. This was a colonial celebration of colonizers releasing from the ultimate colonizer. This didn’t represent “everyone in Canada”, this represented those select WHITE few that identified with the power of the Crown. This didn’t represent the numerous immigrants who’d come to Canada and made it their home. And this DIDN’T represent the Indigenous population who had been there before us.

Cancel Canada Day was a protest to bring this point to light. Not to take a day of joy and turn it into a day of hate. But instead spark the conversation of how to make Canada Day something every person in so-called Canada could find themselves in. Through the speeches we educated ourselves on first-hand stories of systemic racism, voices that haven’t been given the clout they deserve, and a reintegration of what we should call this day. “Multicultural Day” was the goal. After the gathering around the Vancouver Art Gallery and awareness march through the streets, there would be a new event held at Trout Lake Park that encompassed ALL the people who live on this land. All cultures, all traditions, all walks of life. Not just the Crown.

I was one of the first gatherers at the Vancouver Art Gallery this July 1st, 2020. Low and behold, there was a pair of eyes and particular stance I recognized under the mask. “Is that you Charlie??” I had to give the formal “It’s me! Volante!” As I was also unrecognizable under my mask.

It made me proud to see that two people who had known each other as something so different in years past found ourselves at the same place, same time, with the same values.

It was a mix of all these things that led me to write an article about Charlie and his band Hotel Mira today. Researching how the band came to be, how the sound developed and found its hook, and most particularly the messages behind the songs. It all rung true to the same values I hold today. Hotel Mira is a strong advocate of many social causes. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and mental health awareness. Charlie has used this platform he’s created to shine the values he holds true to the rest of the world – and see what it does to change the world. I admire musicians who not only explore their innermost creative, but who use their craft and their passion to make the change they want seen in the world.

I applaud you Charlie and Hotel Mira. I think you will continue to grow and spread your message, and with all the hard work you’ve done to create it – I think its exactly what you do.

Grow on.

For more about Charlie Kerr and Hotel Mira click the links below:

hotelmiramusic.com

You can also find their music on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

Its a liquor-selling industry, not music-selling.

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(Adobe Stock)

COVID really changed a lot of things for people. The sudden isolation. Figuring out how to be alone with your thoughts. For a lot of people this really made them check their substance intake. The government had considered liquor stores an “essential business”. What an interesting insight to just how much alcohol affects the body.

Suddenly take it away and you have a huge part of the population suffering withdrawal. And alcohol withdrawal DOES exist. We facade it as a hangover one day, and then just odd tiredness in the days to come. But each time it enters the body, it takes longer to get out than you think. Agitation, trouble sleeping, shaky… I used to just brush it off as normal, smoke some weed, and stabilize out.

Kinda smacked me in the face to be given this information (that feels almost redundant but needs to be heard) that I was in an endless cycle of one thing to help the other. Paradoxical action.

A lot of people during COVID were able to take this sudden realization of their relationship with alcohol the other direction. They were seeing how much it was drowning out their joy, and they were using this opportunity (of being directly with yourself always) to kick the no good feeling.

This was a point of topic that I had enjoyed hearing on the No Apologies Necessary radio show before I was welcomed as a co-host. Eventually we worked together to stop asking questions about COVID to our guest musicians, because the pandemic overload seemed like so much and we didn’t need to add another stick to the pile. But before this happened we got a surprising mix of reviews. Some of the musicians found themselves face to face with themselves and got deeper into their substance. Some musicians found the strength to absolve substances all together. No “Sober October” but raw genuine getting a clear look at what something is doing to you. The next question became what would it be like when bars, clubs, and venues opened and it was back to being a liquor-first, music-second world??

(Adobe Stock)

Here’s the facts. Venues survive on drink sales, not ticket sales. In fact lots of bands are paid in drink tickets and exposure. When a fan comes up to a musician post-show, the way lots of them want to show gratitude is by buying their idol a drink. Bands even partake in pre-stage drinks to loosen each other up and get psyched to go on stage. It affects who gets booked, how long sets are, and even the crowd venues cater to. The epicentre of what SHOULD be music is actually about drinking.

Redundant to some. But others need to see it spelt out like I did. It was an “aha!” moment that I cannot be unaware of.

Now these days, with COVID assisting a lot of people towards sobriety… the question comes into play of how will they continue on sober in this drink-forward society? It’s not just about playing music, its about selling the vibe. When finances are tailored to it, your career means being surrounded by it, it is a very real difficulty for musicians to start or maintain sobriety!

Unfortunately this is not a question I have found an answer for. Addiction therapy says eliminate the temptations. But when music is your life… then what? It takes some pretty insane willpower that I commend anyone who has it, but I imagine it feels like a big dumpster of something you wish you didn’t have to deal with.

Something that brings me ease and hope is tapping into my sci-fi/speculative fiction brain. What would a society look like where alcohol wasn’t such a driving force? Tbh I think that it is albeit a name, but a concept that would ring true through the multiverse.

(Adobe Stock)

I am sure there are many ways to the correct answer of how to deal with this. I am sure there are many more ways for all the different lives and how they experience it. But ultimately I hope it brings relief that this live music lifestyle was designed around alcohol. It will take that knowledge to find the tools you need to navigate through it.

For help and free resources Vancouver check out the links below:

Access & Assessment at VGH

RAAC at St. Paul’s 

Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment Program at BCIT

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca

PUNK ARCHIVES – The Dishrags

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(It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine)

I wanted to explore Women in Punk in Vancouver, BC. After a little research I was able to find one name that was a legacy for the history of punk in Vancouver.

The Dishrags. The Dishrags were an all-female punk band from Victoria, BC from 1976 to 1980. They made the switch to Vancouver because they just weren’t getting the gigs they wanted with what Victoria had to offer. Vancouver is and was an upcoming music scene where they could build a community with music of their type. The Georgia Straight has labelled them as “Ground Zero” for Vancouver punk. The original band was called “Dee Dee and the Dishrags”  formed by then teenage Jill Bain (Jade Blade) on lead guitar and vocals, Carmen “Scout” Michaud on drums, and Dale Powers on bass.

(CBC News)

I’ve always identified with punk music growing up. I think it was the closest anarchy music I could get away with listening to. It was something the kids I was hanging around with listened to.

It was the kind of music where I didn’t have to like the same band as my friend, I could have my own weird sound and I was cool with it.

I’m still learning to write about bands that I don’t have a personal experience with live, just an experience listening to them online. My experience listening to The Dishrags was raw, raspy, and really unmixed in their audio. But that is what punk is about. Not caring what is sought after, expected, or “easy on the listeners”. It was purely themselves on a tape.

Klemen Breznikar says in their article about The Dishrags, “[They were] diving headfirst into a scene that barely existed yet – before riot grrrl, before “women in punk” was selling point. No slogans, no rockstar bullshit, just real snot-nosed energy.”

(Times Colonist)

The Dishrags emerged just as the UK punk music scene began. To have that raw vulnerability to make punk music of any kind in Vancouver is an interesting feat. Punk music is purely a space to vent your frustrations with the world when no other place will hear it.

The 70s were a different time, and punk music so uniquely marks that separation from suburban colonization. For how long have we been taught that complacency and the nuclear family are our predetermined dreams? I mean imagine how that notion would’ve felt in the 70s. The Dishrags received a lot of flack in their career from male counter bands and even being tokenized in the media.

To step out of your skin and say to the world exactly how you felt, in exactly that winge-tinge tone that a lot of punk singers seem to have – off key but it damn works. WHILE having the biases of said parents at the time. WHILE having the media and fellow music makers scoffing at your gender. Brain melt. I love it.

In fact, these three teenagers got the reciprocation they deserved when they opened for The Clash at The Commodore Ballroom in 1979 Vancouver, BC. They were seventeen at the time. Bain recalls in a CBC news article hanging out with the Clash pre-show. They were nervous because these were their idols, and The Clash was excited to explore Vancouver because it was their first North American tour. Here’s a picture of The Clash at their Commodore performance:

(Don Denton)

As their career progressed The Dishrags opened twice more for The Clash, and even The Ramones! What an experience for a bunch of teenagers making their way through with music.

Although there is not much information about their families and growing up, Bain says in an article by It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine, “The area we grew up in, while physically beautiful and mostly an agricultural community, was a deadly dull place to be a teenager. The band became both our obsession and our ticket out.”

I wonder about the environment they grew up in and if their families ever came round to support their alternative choices. Because their risk definitely paid off! I only question because I love my family to bits, but we are still unpacking certain cultural biases about tastes, clothes, weed. My Mom in particular has beyond blown me away with her acclimation to my “rogue” choices, and in fact supports me even though she is still born in the era she was born. Imagine being these teenage girls, taking the risk, and having it pay off in the best way. I hope their families support them.

(Vancouver Island History)

What a fairytale triumph. Something I am proud was cultivated in Vancouver.

While there are no links directly to The Dishrags, check out their music below:

Written by Volante Matheson, BCIT Radio Arts & Entertainment

Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca