Author Archives: Yuchun Yang

Unveiling the Glitz and Nostalgia of Indie-Pop with “Mirror on the Ceiling”

Posted on by
Reply

A dynamic four-piece indie-pop band on the Canadian music scene is FKB, a Nashville-based band influenced by the mystery, glitz, and excess of the 1960s and ’80s entertainment industry.

Formed in Bonnyville, Alberta, FKB is fronted by esteemed songwriter Drew Shalka and also includes lead guitarist Travis Topylki, drummer Derek Chalut and rhythm guitarist Alex Fedorouk ( Alex Fedorouk).

“Step into the Story: FKB’s Journey from Stage to Studio with ‘Mirror on the Ceiling’!”

Imagine this: You’re transported back to the innocent days of youth, where every moment feels eternal and every dream is within reach. That’s the essence of FKB’s latest single, “Mirror on the Ceiling” (2024), a nostalgic and reflective track that captures the yearning to hold onto those fleeting moments forever.

As Drew Sharka, FKB’s esteemed songwriter, puts it, “Mirror on the Ceiling is about innocent youth and the idea of wanting to live in those moments forever.” But this track isn’t just about reminiscing—it’s about connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. As you listen, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world of longing and reflection, where the music serves as a soundtrack to your own memories.

And the story behind the song is just as captivating as the music itself. FKB’s journey to “Mirror on the Ceiling” began after a victory at the Jim Beam National Auditions in 2023. Sharka recalls the whirlwind of events: “We played a show at 9 p.m., didn’t know we won until 11 p.m., and then had to rush to another show at 1 a.m.” But amidst the chaos, fate intervened, and FKB found themselves collaborating with renowned producer Shaun Frank and David Mohacsi. Over the course of two days, they poured their hearts and souls into crafting the song from start to finish—a process that was both exhilarating and exhausting.

But FKB’s dedication doesn’t stop there. In between writing sessions, they took the stage at the Toronto Indies Awards and the Canadian Music Week conference, sharing their music with audiences across North America. Since 2017, they’ve performed over 300 shows, forging connections with fans one performance at a time.

So, are you ready to step into the story with FKB?

Let their music take you on a journey of nostalgia, reflection, and endless possibility. After all, with FKB, every song is an invitation to connect, to reminisce, and to dream.

Loving Music, Performing a Colourful Life

Posted on by
Reply

There is a rising star in the electronic music scene who is not only a passionate and talented musician, but also a highly regarded multi-instrumentalist. Let’s take a closer look at the rising star Jody Quine, and how her music and acting talents have led her to a colorful life.

In the vast world of electronic music, one musician who stands out for her unique sound and style is Jody Quine, a Vancouver, Canada native who has become a fan favorite because of her musical talent and versatility as a performer.

Jody Quine first discovered her love of music on an open mic stage. In that moment, she closed her eyes and opened her voice, touching the heartstrings of the audience in attendance. Since then, she has embarked on her musical journey without hesitation. As the lead singer and co-writer of Balligomingo and Sleepthief, Jody Quine has conquered the hearts of countless listeners with her voice and musicianship. Her music is versatile, ranging from hoedowns to electronic dance music, and each song exudes her unique charm and emotion.

However, Jody Quine’s talent extends far beyond the realm of music. As a highly regarded multi-instrumentalist, her acting talents are mind-boggling. Having performed at Loose Moose Theatre Company and Second City, she has demonstrated a remarkable comedic flair and stage presence that has garnered rapturous applause from audiences. These experiences have provided her with a solid foundation for an acting career that has earned her recognition not only in the field of music, but also in the theater world.

Jody Quine further enhanced her acting skills and artistry through training at the Vancouver Film School in Canada. Here, she delved into the techniques and theoretical knowledge of film and television acting, injecting new energy and inspiration into her acting career. This invaluable learning experience has given her a more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the acting industry, laying a solid foundation for her future development. Her musical journey and acting career are intertwined, adding more color and meaning to her life. She has interpreted her inner world with music and her emotions and dreams with acting. Her talent and passion will continue to propel her to even greater heights in life.

Do you like her as such a multi-talented actress and singer? Leave your comments below.

Embark on a Musical Odyssey with Dusknote

Posted on by
Reply

One of the most highly regarded musicians to emerge on the Canadian music scene is Adam Parent, and his musical project, Dusknote, is the culmination of decades of musical journey. The musician comes from quite a background, with his mother being a highly regarded folk/jazz singer-songwriter and his father being a meticulous sound engineer. Such a family background certainly laid a solid foundation for Adam’s musical journey.

At a young age, Adam joined the critically acclaimed heavy fusion vaudeville band Ninjaspy as a drummer along with his two brothers, thus establishing his foothold in the music industry. Through relentless touring and performing, Adam has grown into a freelance artist and has co-written with artists across genres, even collaborating with Juno and Grammy award winning producers. His musical travels have taken him all over the world, participating in festivals and performing in over 30 countries, expanding his musical reach globally.

Now setting his sights on new territory, Adam has created Dusknote, a musical project that blends the delicate folk sensibilities ingrained in his youth, pocket-liberation rhythms, and psychedelic-flavored intoxication into a true melting pot of sounds.

Dusknote’s music stems from Adam’s unbridled exploration of music, where every creation is a challenge and a breakthrough in the music industry. This exploration has only just begun, and Dusknote will continue to lead listeners to explore the infinite possibilities of music, bringing a new and stunning experience to the music world.

Music from Dusknote is not only a listening pleasure, but also a spiritual journey. Let’s follow Adam’s musical footsteps and explore the infinite charms of music! Whether it’s performing on stage or creating in the studio, Dusknote shows Adam’s rich musical talent and deep artistic heritage. Let’s join this musical journey and enjoy the wonders of music together!

As Dusknote continues to evolve, we have every reason to expect more amazing works from this Canadian musician as he continues to write brilliant chapters on his musical journey.

Let’s look forward to it!

Unleashing the Power of Rock Music

Posted on by
Reply

Rock music is an intense style of metal music known for its high energy, strong rhythms and tension-filled playing. It often awakens the excitement cells in the listener’s body, making them dance and sway involuntarily to the beat of the music. This style of music is not only a form of entertainment, but also a unique way of emotional release and expression.

The band I am introducing today is a Canadian rock band called Chase The Bear, a name that reveals a spirit of bravery, adventure, and chasing dreams, Chase The Bear’s music is full of energy and charisma, and they’re not only creators of music, but also performers on the stage, combining their music with their stage performances, bringing the audience a stunning show. Chase The Bear is a dynamic and charismatic band that not only creates music, but also performs it on stage.

Even if you’ve never listened to rock music, I’m sure that once you experience a Chase The Bear concert, you’ll fall in love with this style of music. Their music is not just a sound, it is an energy, a transmission of emotion that immerses you in the world of music and makes you feel the shock and liberation of your heart. Whether it’s the melody of the music or the connotation of the lyrics, all of them can touch the hearts of the people and make them have a deep yearning and love for rock music.

Chase The Bear has attracted countless fans with their unique musical style and stage performances, and their music has crossed borders and flown all over the world. They are not only a band, but also a symbol of spirit, a power to pursue dreams and challenge challenges.

Let’s follow Chase The Bear’s music, chase our dreams, release ourselves and enjoy every moment of our lives! They have played over 150 shows and toured everywhere. This includes the first show for The Trews at Vancouver’s iconic Commodore Ballroom, which was a sold out show that will always be remembered and people came back for more. The band is not only musically talented, but also has a remarkable stage presence that draws countless fans to their shows.

They started out as a small group of two, but gradually they found five like-minded friends and together they formed a six-piece band. They say, “We are as close as brothers, bringing our musical chemistry and infectious energy to audiences across Canada.” And that’s their vision.

“You guys have to check this band out. Let’s help them build a core base and make this their proper new home ….. …Chase The Bear were relentless from start to finish.” This quote aptly describes the hard work and struggle of Chase The Bear. More than just a performance, but a passion and a genuine love for music, their stage is full of energy and vitality that you can’t help but immerse yourself in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll.

Face book of Chase The Bear

Would you like a band like this if you like rock and roll? Leave the comment！

A song inspired by Covid 19

Posted on by
Reply

Remember COVID-19? It’s been four years now……

During that time, a band called Best Night Ever was forced to stop their shows and time seemed to be frozen in that moment. But it was during this time when they couldn’t move forward that they found a brand new inspiration – they wrote a song about the epidemic and filmed a corresponding music video. In these unprecedented times, Best Night Ever quickly mastered the art of digital artistic expression, as the four members were forced to work together remotely because they were separated.

This is not an easy task for a band whose core focus is collaboration. They were isolated from each other, unable to communicate face-to-face, but connected to each other through digital technology. This process not only tested their professional skills, but also their trust and tacit understanding with each other. They use music to speak their minds and explore the loneliness and confusion brought about by the Covid-19.

The song weaves together a tapestry of deep emotion and reflection, with its breezy melody embracing poignant lyrics—a compositional approach that’s truly original. As you listen, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world where distance can’t sever the bonds of music. In the music video, you’ll see four split images, each one showcasing a different member of the band. It’s as if the video is reminding you that even though they may be physically apart, their hearts remain tightly knit together.

But what really tugs at your heartstrings are the childhood photos that pop up throughout the video, offering glimpses into the past of each band member. These snapshots make you pause and marvel at the passage of time, reflecting on the countless memories of growing up. They serve as a poignant reminder of the journey they’ve been on together, and the unbreakable bond they share.

‘Remember The Days’ is more than just a song, it’s a strong statement of team spirit and camaraderie. The song also brought new members to Best Night Ever and inspired a new way for the band to work together. They continue to learn to adapt to new work environments and collaborate with artists from different parts of the world, making their music even more colourful.

During this special time, Best Night Ever showed the world their resilient team spirit and endless love for music.

Do you have any thoughts after listening to this song? Leave a comment!

Call me Maybe–Carly Rae Jepsen

Posted on by
Reply

“I threw a wish in the well

Don’t ask me, I’ll never tell

♪ I looked to you as it fell ♪

And now you’re in my way

I trade my soul for a wish

Pennies and dimes for a kiss

I wasn’t looking for this

But now you’re in my way”

If you’re a regular tiktok user, you’re no stranger to the lyrics, and some of you can even sing along as you read them. This household song is from B.C. singer Carly Rae Jepsen.

As a singer who debuted in a reality TV variety show competition, Carly has distinctive qualities, and she has demonstrated excellent stress tolerance, and in 2007, in the “Canadian Idol“, she managed to win the public’s recognition and love with her third-place finish. According to her, it was her high school drama teacher who convinced her to audition for Canadian Idol. In the audition, she sang her original song “Sweet Talker”. In the competition, she came in third place, and looking back, she thinks that was for the best. Surprisingly, her talent was also spotted by another famous Canadian singer, Justin Bieber, and for a time she was tapped and nurtured by him. By that time, Justin Bieber was already a household name, and such an opportunity was undoubtedly rare and valuable for Carly. In the summer of 2011, Carly recorded material for her second studio album with Josh Ramsay, Ryan Stewart and Tavish Crowe. The song “Call Me Maybe” was released in September 2011, which Crowe co-wrote with her. The song was promoted by Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber. Upon its release, “Call Me Maybe” reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100 singles chart, making Carly the fourth Canadian artist to top the chart. In the U.S., the single spent nine weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was named the “Song of the Summer” by Billboard magazine. It was also the best-selling single of 2012 worldwide, topping the charts in 19 countries, including the UK, where it was the second best-selling single of the year.

From 2015 to 2019, Carly’s music career continued to grow as she released a string of music and toured around the world. This period of hard work and perseverance has laid a solid foundation for her success. Her unique style of music and her songs are full of energy and infectious energy and are loved by her listeners.

At this time from his debut to the burst of popularity in just four years, four years to say long is not long, to say short is not short, but only she knows, these four years of accumulation, precipitation and hard work in exchange for her success. This success belongs only to herself. In this four-year journey, Carly Rae Yepsen is not only a singer, but also a person who is brave enough to pursue her dreams relentlessly. Her musical talent and resilience have earned her the love and respect of countless people. Whether on the stage of the Canadian Idol competition or on the music stage where “Call Me Maybe” has taken the world by storm, Carly has demonstrated her unique charm and strength.
In the future, you and I are looking forward to more great works and wonderful performances from Carly Rae Yepsen, because Carly Rae Yepsen is the queen who writes her own legends with her music.

 

Grammystar brings show to Vancouver

Posted on by
Reply

Maybe you know about jazz pop? It’s a special genre.

If you don’t know the genre, then I can explain it to you in a superficial sense, as a lazy, relaxed style of music that combines traditional jazz and pop music. I’d rather explain it as the merging of slightly too traditional jazz music with modern pop vocals, and by adding the modern instruments of bass, electric guitar, etc., and the violin and orchestra often found in jazz to form a huge orchestra. Of course, it’often the lyrics and vocals that can take the whole thing to the next level.

One of the singers I’d like to introduce to you today, as she kicks off the first leg of her jazz tour in Vancouver, is Chinese-Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, a recent Grammy Award winner and a powerful female singer-songwriter.

Born and raised in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, Laufey’s interest in music was evident from an early age. She began studying piano under the influence of her parents and quickly showed a remarkable musical talent. Growing up, she was exposed to a wide variety of music genres, from classical to pop, jazz to folk, all of which provided her with a solid foundation for her future musical endeavors.Laufey has experienced many challenges and opportunities in her musical career. She rose to prominence in the Icelandic music scene and then decided to take her musical talents to a wider stage. She moved to the United States the following year and began pursuing her musical dreams in Los Angeles. She also has a twin sister who joined her on the tour, shining as the grand finale.

Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre Laufey kicked off her solo “Goddess” tour on April 7th in Vancouver, in the drizzling rain. It’s a powerful album.

Listen to Goddess’ self-titled title track here:

Laufey’s music is influenced not only by local jazz music, but also by her upbringing in Iceland and China. This cross-cultural approach makes her music more unique and engaging, and breathes new life into the BC music scene. Her music tour is not only a musical feast, but also a cultural exchange event, allowing people to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of musical expressions from different cultures. Laufey’s tour has not only created a music boom in Vancouver, but has also brought a new energy to the BC music scene. As a multicultural city, Vancouver has always been a place where various music styles meet, and the BC music scene is even more colorful, with musicians from all over the world and unique musical performances.

I was also lucky enough to be able to go to the concert live at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, which is the perfect venue to listen to live music, as only a venue with such high ceilings can capture the magic of jazz music unobtrusively.

Chinese Pop Music Venues in Vancouver

Posted on by
Reply

On March 7th, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena hosted a highly anticipated music event when Joker Xue, a famous singer from China, held his solo concert. Xue Zhiqian (薛之谦), born July 17, 1983 in Shanghai, China, is a Chinese mainland pop male singer-songwriter, lyricist, music producer, film and television actor, and a graduate of the Institut de Gérard de Gérard Hospitality.

As an influential pop singer, Joker Xue has been touching the hearts of millions of music fans with his unique musical style and heartfelt lyrics.

This is also the first time since the outbreak of the epidemic that Xue has come to Vancouver for a concert. For local Chinese students and the Chinese community, the concert was undoubtedly a long-awaited event. Many fans said that it was a chance to reconnect with the music of their hometown and an opportunity to experience the beauty of cultural integration.

At the concert, Xue Zhiqian conquered the audience with his unique and charismatic voice and wonderful performance. His tension-filled music and heartfelt lyrics made people feel as if they were in a music world full of emotion and passion. What was even more touching was that Xue shared his experience of studying abroad with the audience during the concert, encouraging the international students in the audience to be strong, positive and stay happy.

Xue Zhiqian not only showed his outstanding musical strength in the concert, but also conveyed his concern and appeal for environmental protection in a unique way. The stage set and performance format of the concert were carefully designed to highlight the theme of protecting the earth, conveying to the audience the urgency of cherishing the environment and protecting the earth. From the stage set to the performances of the actors, everything reflected Xue Zhiqian’s commitment and passion for environmental protection.

This concept of concern for the environment was well received by the audience, making the whole concert not only a music feast, but also a positive dissemination of the concept of social responsibility and environmental protection. While enjoying the music, the audience was also inspired to pay attention to and protect the earth’s environment, adding more meaning and value to the whole concert.

In this concert, Xue Zhiqian not only showed his musical strength, but also conveyed the concept of caring and responsibility through music, bringing the audience a musical feast full of moving and inspiring messages. His concert was not only a musical enjoyment, but also a realization of life and thinking about the world.

Music festivals that you don’t want to miss

Posted on by
Reply

 Music festivals are events where young people go wild, a special event in pursuit of music and liveliness.

These events are usually held in specific locations and last for several days or even weeks, offering a variety of musical performances in various styles, such as pop, rock, and folk, and attracting a large number of music lovers to gather together. Music festivals usually feature multiple stages, allowing the audience to choose from a variety of performances according to their interests, and the seatless setup allows the audience to move around freely. In addition to musical performances, large-scale music festivals often set up outdoor peripheral activities, such as camping areas, creative bazaars, and extreme sports experiences, to provide participants with richer entertainment options.

Looking back at history, it can be said that the concept of modern music festivals can be traced back to the Woodstock Festival in the United States in 1969. At that time, there was a wave of anti-war and anti-mainstream culture in the society, and the theme of the festival was “peace, anti-war, fraternity and equality”, which influenced the entire music industry at that time and became one of the eternal themes.

If you’re a fan of lively music festivals, then Las Cafeteras with San Pedro Cinco at the Rickshaw Theatre on May 11th is an event not to be missed. R&B, funk, punk, and rock, giving their music a passionate energy. San Pedro Cinco, on the other hand, is a five-piece band made up of well-known Vancouver musicians who perform a variety of style.

They say on their personal website:

We also play some covers by jazz musicians such as: Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery to name a few . The band is J.P. Carteon trumpet, Tony Wilsonon guitar, Robin Layneon marimba & percussion, Russell Sholberg on bass & Liam MacDonald on drums and percussion.

Rickshaw Theatre, as the venue of the festival, not only provides excellent sound equipment and a comfortable viewing environment, but also creates a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere for the audience. Here, people can feel the charm of music to the fullest, forget all the worries and pressure, and enjoy the happiness and pleasure brought by music.

For the people participating in this festival, it is not only a musical journey, but also a spiritual baptism and spiritual sublimation. They walked through the sea of music, felt the power and charm of music, and spent a night full of passion and vigor with the band members.

Therefore, if you are also a music lover, why don’t you seize this opportunity to participate in this music festival, immerse yourself in the sea of music, feel the joy and pleasure brought by music, and spend an unforgettable night with the band members!

If you participated in this festival, share your best experiences by leaving a comment below!

Carnival Band: A Bright Decade of Community Music

Posted on by
Reply

At the Britannia Community Centre on Commercial Avenue in Vancouver, a musical team has been bringing endless musical joy to local residents for a decade. The community music program, called the Carnival Band, is led by musical directors Ross Barrett and Tim Sars. The Carnival Band brings together a wide range of musical talents in a variety of performances covering all instrumental genres, including brass, woodwinds, drums, percussion, accordion and voice. They also incorporate bass, guitar, violin, banjo, piano and keyboards into their stage performances, showcasing a variety of musical styles and expressions.

One of the Carnival Band’s favorite tunes is the members’ original compositions, and in addition to that, they play a variety of musical styles such as samba, calypso, swing, Afrobeat, jazz, funk, disco, and more, immersing the audience in a sea of music. This is unlike many other bands; they are competent in any style and versatile in general.

Going back to the history of the group, in 1999, musicians Ross Barrett and Dan Vee organized the first workshop of the “Carnival Band”. Soon after, they invited musician Marcos X to join the group as percussionist and co-music director. The workshops grew in popularity and became a regular weekly event at the Britannia Community Center.

As time went on, the band’s activities became more varied, and in 2002, Dan V. raised federal funds to bring in composer Gregg Moore for a three-week music and performance workshop, and in 2006, Dan V. had to take a break from his work as a father, and handed over management responsibilities to the entire group. Marcos X took over as Managing Director, while longtime guitarist Devon 8 handled the booking and promotion of the band.

Juggling several jobs was the norm at the time, but the group members didn’t let it discourage them or give up.

The Carnival Band is a heartwarming story of a band that has experienced challenges along the way, but has always maintained their love of music and dedication to their community. Membership changes and team building are issues that any band will face, but it is their tenacity and unity that keeps the band growing and moving forward. Their story tells us that as long as you have a dream in your heart and a love for music, you can overcome all difficulties and achieve your goals. I sincerely admire them for their perseverance and hard work, and look forward to more brilliant performances in the future, bringing more musical charm and cultural exchanges to the community.

Today the Carnival Band has become one of the highlights of the Britannia Community Center, and their music has brought endless joy and wonderful memories to local residents. In the days to come, they will continue to use the power of music to bring more cultural exchange and artistic enjoyment to the community.