#yvr music

[standing-wave-mag]

Let’s Hear It 2024 Showcases Vancouver’s Most Promising Musicians

On a cold March evening in Vancouver, 4 beloved venues heated up for a night of local talent. From the prestigious Fox Cabaret to the intimate winery La Fabrique St-George, people gathered from all corners of the city to taste a flight of 18 talented local bands in 30-minute increments.

While I wish I could’ve cloned myself and attended all 18 often overlapping shows, I was still able to discover a handful of music I didn’t know existed until that very night, which is something uniquely special. Every artist brought something new to the table that had locals hook line and sinker. Here’s a rundown of each show I was able to attend.

FOX CABARET – Parlour Panther, Haleluya Hailu

The night all started at the historic Fox Cabaret in Mount Pleasant, the former porn theater-turned-venue. Known as the hottest venue in the city (according to the MC, in temperature not vibes!) the space was surprisingly chilly. But the spirits were high as guests piled in ready for the first band to hit the stage.

Four-piece Parlour Panther opened the night, engaging the crowd with dreamy indie pop tunes. Lead vocalists and instrumentalists Frankie and Lee have been making music for a decade now, and this was evident as their chemistry filled the entire room. They promoted their new single “BLOOM,” a bass-heavy but light indie pop tune about self-change. Just observing from the floor, you could feel the intense love reverberating amongst the band members; this is what they enjoyed the most. They were the best choice to kick off the night on a positive note.

Following this was the quick-witted and feisty singer/songwriter Haleluya Hailu. Hailu, her drummer and guitarist all walked on stage wearing brightly coloured construction vests, with the singer waiving a light saber-esque red wand around the stage.

“We're here to construct sounds for you!” she joked.

The singer has a distinct R&B flavor with a trilly powerful voice that launches her music into new dimensions.

Hailu showcased singles such as the floaty “pinball,” and crowd favourite “MANIC PIXIE PACIFIST.” Using the infamous trope, the singer wants you to know she is a force to be reckoned with.

Boldly, she quips at the crowd to boo her. She gave out her next song “Useless” to all Vancouverites, defining her relationship with the crowd as one of love-hate (but mostly love, we can only hope).

RED GATE - POSH COAT, LEO D.E. JOHNSON, SLIGHTEST CLUE

Next to open its doors was Vancouver’s beloved DIY music and arts hall Red Gate Arts Society. Upon arrival, the venue felt like a closed down fire hall. But once inside, it opens a dimension where all music and art is free to thrive–it’s like a breath of fresh air from the larger shinier venues that have been popping up lately. From the holes in the ceiling, to the cartoon eye stickers placed on the speakers, this venue is brimming with charm.

We were just in time to hear Posh Coat's final song. The trio, hailing from nearby Victoria, has so much potential to be a superstar band, describing themselves as “a cold front of Arctic Monkeys from the north.” It is astounding they currently only have 3 singles out at the moment, but their standout talent and energy is evident. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them.

Following Posh Coat, powerhouse singer/songwriter Leo D.E. Johnson took to the stage, absolutely blowing everything out of the water. Simply accompanied by an electric guitar and a drummer, Johnson’s voice evoked such a primal appreciation for how transcendent music can be. Blending soul with rock n’ roll, the non-binary artist expresses intense lyricism involving identity and belonging, allowing his voice to be all-encompassing. 

He performed my personal favourite track “Beneficiary,” a 7-minute ballad featuring growling rock vocals in the chorus combined with softer soulful verses; this perfectly showcases Johnson’s versatility as a vocalist and lyricist. To me, Johnson is the most promising and talented new Vancouver singer and songwriter we have.

To complete my personal Red Gate sandwich of performances, 4-piece band Slightest Clue was up next. What piqued my interest was the background of each band member, and how they shouldn’t work: “a stage actor, a hook-obsessed recovering choir girl, an electrical engineer, and a guitarist who played for (and left) ten other bands before deciding this was the one for him.” Their biggest draw is how they really shouldn’t work as a band but somehow do, in a post-punk garage kind of way.

The Vancouver misfits were eager to play songs off their latest EP Carousel, chock full of drippy post-punk hooks and word-vomit ramblings between verses. Lively bassist and vocalist Hannah Kruse asks the crowd “have you ever had a crush like, really really bad? ‘Cause I have,” before launching into the heavy garage guitar obsessive single “Why Can’t I Call You.” 

Another highlight was the “Carousel” single, featuring a back and forth vocal war between Kruse and lead vocalist Malcom McLaren accompanied by screaming guitar solos. Despite their mismatched union, the band is quick to show that they work in such a unique way that draws any post-punk indie rock fan in (seriously, I can’t stop listening to their music, even days after their show!).

La Fabrique St-George - JADE LE MAC, CARA BATEMAN

The final venue to open its doors for the evening shows was the smallest and most intimate of all the venues: winery La Fabrique St-George. A small queue of people formed a line outside, as the venue was at full capacity for a short burst of time, showing just how much Vancouverites were flocking for the local talent. Eventually, as people trickled in and out, we were let into the narrow hall. Unlike the grandeur of the Fox Cabaret, or the boldly artsy halls of Red Gate, La Fabrique held a more sacred and somber tone. Concert-goers sat cross-legged on large colourful pillows  in front of a small stage, or around long tables drinking wine.

Jade Le Mac was next, perhaps the most popular and youngest of all the artists in the festival. Armed simply with her powerful steady voice and an accompanying guitarist, it’s easy to see why Le Mac is so renowned among teenagers and young adults; she is the voice of youthful angst. Her lyricism and bubbly personality leads me to believe she is Vancouver’s own Olivia Rodrigo.

It’s clear she’s passionate about everything she writes, sharing stories and background about each song before launching into it. For the short set, the singer jumped between albums “Constellations” and “Confessions,” showcasing just how versatile she can be in sound: from the starry-eyed softness of single “Constellations” to the pounding anthemic “You’re Not A God.” Le Mac has the spark to launch further into superstardom.

To round out the night, the final artist to hit the winery stage was the charismatic and compelling Cara Bateman. Described by her friend as a “35-year-old teenager,” the artist walked out in pink sunglasses, cowboy earrings, and a silver glitter top. What makes Bateman stand out the most is her ability to genre-jump: using a primarily singer/songwriter base she can flawlessly transition from country to punk.

The risk-taking singer launched into her latest single “Time To Be A Bitch,” an electric-guitar heavy anthem about setting boundaries and self-defining. But later, she seamlessly transitioned to the moody and jazzy “I Wrote This for You.” Each song was stripped down with piano and guitar accompaniment to match the low-key tone of La Fabrique.

To me, these two artists with their stripped down sets were the perfect way to end the night. Of course, many were headed to the late-night bonus shows at the Cobalt featuring more local artists such as NIKKAELA and PEAK. While I ended my night at the winery, I’m sure the aftershow was just as much fun as the entire evening.

MusicBC’s Let’s Hear It Festival is only in its second year of operation, but judging on how fast tickets sold out, it’s clear the people crave a glimpse into Vancouver’s newest and best local music. This is the festival to fill in the gaps, the perfect palette of music that allows local audiences to connect with emerging artists.

[thepermanentrainpress]

Gallery: Arctic Monkeys @ Pacific Coliseum - Vancouver, BC Date: September 23, 2023 Photographed by: Danielle Costelo

[stefantosheff]

I’m in another band. Shocking I know.

Weak knees

[rickchung]

Disney’s Aladdin x Queen Elizabeth Theatre x Downtown. (via Deen van Meer)

Broadway Across Canada’s touring production of the Disney version of the Middle Eastern folk tale highlights all the glossy fun of the Arabian Nights-inspired musical. It’s easy to see how the elaborate theatre design, ornate sets, and stunning costumes heightens all the fun character performances and showstopping song numbers. There’s a lot to like about the classic story of forbidden love, a magical genie, and three wishes. Marcus M. Martin’s magnetic performance as Genie highlights the show’s over-the-top scale and grandeur.

Cast: Anand Nagraj (as Jafar) and Aaron Choi (as Iago).

Running live on stage now until July 30.

[pennanbrae]

Downtown Vancouver on a snowy, winter night.

[abovethissilentworld]

Heaven

No one sets foot on Earth without dying

No one leaves Earth without living

The human experience is what’s missing

Human is the need to be.

God is the sum of all failure

That allows human to succeed

God judges what you aren’t

Human ascends what God isn’t.

Heaven didn’t create human.

Humans create heaven.

Transmitting the best they could offer,

Heaven unconditionally accepts.

In human form, love may be heaven -

But love itself is not heaven.

Choose love over everything

And heaven shall follow.

"An idiot admires complexity, a genius admires simplicity" - Terry Davis. I really just wanted to do away with the pressure of being 'artistic' with my writing and really just deliver a basic truth that most people, myself included, often forget. Vancouver, BC, Aged 28

[t-shirtprintingcompany]

Whatever makes you happy, we can put it on a #Tshirt. Let us help you spread some joy! #tshirtprintingcompany.com👕⁠⠀   #ScreenPrintingVancouver #ScreenPrinting

[jadelemacfanpage]

Elijah Woods w special guest Jade LeMac

Canada tour show dates feat Jade LeMac:

Vancouver, BC - October 9

Victoria, BC - October 10

Tickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15492718

[tutuandscoot]

As promised: Part two of VM Holding Hands-

*A (not by any means exhaustive) collection of VM handy holdy moment:

I’m sure I’ve seen this before but I only really took it in for the first time the other day and boy were my tear ducts put to the test! This is after their FD at Worlds 2011- only their 3rd competitive skate of the season and their first time competing this FD. It was so good! Like nothing ever seen before (as with basically every program of their- always innovative both in themselves and as leaders of the sport). The lifts were insane, the skating was deadly good, the DANCING they were doing. They get a score of 107.something- the highest so far that season was 103. Something. They were in the lead after the SD and basically all the commentators on this said how near impossible it would be for their skate to be beaten. It was THAT good.. yet.. somehow they were. As they wait for the score to come up here, they look so nervous, exhausted, almost pleading for it to be a high score. And in a way- well the way I’m interpreting it, they almost look a bit defeated already. The score comes up and he goes to find and then squeeze her hand without even looking at her. This feels like another one of those moments of S physically saying/expressing to himself ‘thank god I didn’t let her down’ and also a bit of ‘we did it kiddo, no matter what happens now, we did it, and I’m so freaking proud of you’ a little bit of that protecting her through reassurance. Then as they squeeze that look to each other.. I have so many feels about this but I don’t even know if I can put into clear worlds what I’m feeling.. so I’ll just leave it there. If you know what they were going through at this point in their lives you know what that hand squeeze means (and it means literally everything to them in that moment).

On a lighter note.. this is just super cute. As I said in the original (part one) post, during their final competitive season they almost completely abandoned using dance hold, for what exact psychological/emotional/competitive reason I don’t know. So this is almost like them being in on their own thing, that ‘hey we don’t do that silly proper dance hold anymore like those inferiors do, we’re cute and let our hands cuddle as we skate around bc we love to hold hands!’ They make a big thing of the it between themselves that they aren’t gonna use dance hold. He goes in and changes like a little ‘tricked ya!’ But no bc of course she knows and changes immediately.

An “I know, I’m here, I’ve got you” last lil squeeze. T in her beautiful, quiet way protecting him with the simplest of connections.

2 in 1: holding out his hand for what feels like a really long time for her to get to centre to take their bows, followed by a switching to handy holdy to go thank the person playing music -(as they so often would bc they are previous lil angels).

You can’t actually see the handy holding here but you know there are. The last few moment on warm up before leaving the ice, her cuddling his arm and him reassuring her that everything will be ok bc they have each other.

They switch so softly and so naturally. Like it just happens. They don’t even think about it. Earlier in their career.. like it was still natural, but it was maybe that there was something to intitiate them holding hands this way, but here it was just, it was like some kind of magnetic force that drew them to hold hands properly. Idk, but isn’t it beautiful??

Squeezing hands super tight while singing the anthem in YVR. “They were holding hands”- alma (thanks for shooting me in the heart a dozen times)

2 in 1:

1: soft little hand cuddle to his heart as they go to the podium.

2: *Captain Canada!, “wait where’s my wife kiddo”

I really don’t think this is bc her hand is cold I think it’s like a random nervous system tick resulting in expressing huge amounts of affection. (I’m the same I do weird lil physical things when excited that there’s no explanation for).

S: “hey kiddo”

T: “hey kiddo”

S: “you ready to have some fun!?”

T: “Yeah 😄”

*swings hands like the happy lil kiddos they are 🥲

[standing-wave-mag]

The Rural Alberta Advantage brings Prairie Nostalgia to Vancouver

I first fell in love with live music years ago while residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Back then, I coped with life by going to as many shows as possible, from shoebox restaurants along Whyte Ave to stadium events at Rexall Place,

When you live somewhere so long, there’s a certain pattern in the people and the culture at live shows that you begin to pick up on. Years later, even if you find yourself thousands of kilometers away, you can still see these familiarities in the right setting.

I wouldn’t call myself The Rural Alberta Advantage’s (The RAA’s) biggest fan, but their shows and the music that goes with them bring about all these familiar patterns and feelings I thought I’d forgotten.

During those years in Alberta, I got to see them a handful of times. It’s always extremely intimate to hear a band sing about your hometown and encapsulate everything it meant to live there in a specific time. It’s not until you move away you begin to appreciate this intimate feeling as nostalgia for the home you once knew.

So here I was, years later in Vancouver at the historic Commodore Ballroom, finding myself back at one of their shows. It was like not a day had passed, and I was back in the shoes of that tumultuous young adult who knew what living in Alberta meant to her. But at the same time, I was not the same; this was simply a glimpse of a life I once knew.

What made the RAA special first and foremost were the fans. Everyone around me felt so familiar, creating an air of nostalgia in the venue that even the fog couldn’t drown out. In my mind, we were from the same home the RAA embodies, all yearning for that time and place: a medley of fans both young and old. 

As the venue screens above the bar and tables ceased showing advertisements, they were replaced by a black and white B-roll of Alberta, with the RAA symbol watermarked overtop. This felt like a (welcome?) takeover; as we were being transported to the band’s world that night.

As the show went on, lead vocalist Nils Edenloff reminisced about writing “Vulcan, AB” in northern Ontario with other Canadian musicians. The song contains one of my favourite verses they have ever written: “you and me and the Enterprise, stuck in Vulcan, telling lies.” The allusion of smalltown Alberta to the worldly Star Trek Enterprise ship can be universally understood, even if one has never stepped foot in Vulcan.

Another highlight of the show was the absolute power and energy that drummer Paul Banwatt brought to the stage. Just before the encore, I glimpsed him discarding his sticks just to absolutely fist-punch the final rhythms into his kit. While keyboardist Amy Cole and Edenloff brought their own energy to the stage, Banwatt was by far the biggest highlight to me.

The closing song was their ever-popular single “Terrified.” As a testament to fans who have been around for over a decade, the encore was one of the most special and unique I have experienced in recent memory. When the band left the stage, a movement started within the crowd; one person to my left, vocalizing the wordless melody found throughout  the track. Soon the entire  ballroom was filled with everyone chanting this melody over and over again. The band then returned to stage and picked up their instruments joining in to round it out until the end.

This was the pure magic that could only be found in the people, the supporters, the fans of this band who have stuck by all these years.

If you’re ever itching to find the specific embodiment of Albertan nostalgia, The RAA can bring it to you anywhere, any time, no matter where you are.

[thepermanentrainpress]

Gallery: The Aubreys @ Fox Cabaret - Vancouver, BC Date: August 16, 2023 Photographed by: Danielle Costelo

*Do not share without credit. If shared, please credit and tag both Danielle Costelo and The Permanent Rain Press on Instagram, and The Permanent Rain Press on Twitter.

[otakunoculture]

Drinkwater is Rich with Lots of John Hughes style References

The #80s #nostalgia and #music is rich in Stephen S. Campanelli's Drinkwater, a movie that's getting more love in #britishcolumbia with #arthouse and @cineplex theatre releases in #yyj and #yvr. Info and #moviereview at:

Oct 21, The Vic Theatre (808 Douglas St) Oct 25, Cineplex International Village (88 W Pender St) Mike Drinkwater (Daniel Doheny) fails at everything he does, and the only person Wallace (Louriza Tronco) trying to encourage him to do better, he’s completely oblivious to. This coming of age comedy, appropriately titled Drinkwater, is very adorable. It may well stem from how this surname developed,…

[pennanbrae]

Misty nights.

[seodriver]

Vancouver duplex rental short term attractive most beautiful and top facility

Vancouver, nestled on the west coast of Canada, is a prime destination for anyone looking to enjoy a vibrant city with stunning natural beauty. When it comes to booking a holiday rental on Airbnb, Vancouver stands out as one of the most attractive places in Canada. Here’s why:

1. Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Vancouver’s landscape is a mesmerizing mix of mountains, ocean, and lush greenery. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers an array of activities like hiking in nearby Grouse Mountain, cycling around Stanley Park, or kayaking in False Creek. An Airbnb rental here can provide breathtaking views of the mountains or ocean, enhancing your stay with nature's splendor.

2. Diverse Neighborhoods

Booking Short-term rental Vancouver

Vancouver boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own charm. From the historic and artsy vibe of Gastown to the vibrant, multicultural ambiance of Commercial Drive, there's something for everyone. Airbnb rentals in these areas offer a chance to immerse yourself in local culture and discover unique cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.

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3. Luxury and Comfort

Airbnb in Vancouver offers a range of accommodations, from sleek urban lofts with panoramic city views to cozy, luxurious waterfront homes. Many rentals feature modern amenities, stylish interiors, and often, unique touches like rooftop decks or private hot tubs. Whether you’re looking for a high-end retreat or a cozy hideaway, Vancouver’s Airbnb offerings cater to all tastes.

4. Proximity to Attractions

Staying in a Vancouver Airbnb puts you close to key attractions. The city’s vibrant cultural scene includes world-class museums like the Museum of Anthropology and the Vancouver Art Gallery. For families, places like Science World or the Vancouver Aquarium are popular spots. Plus, the nearby Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Sea-to-Sky Gondola offer unforgettable experiences just a short drive away.

5. Access to Culinary Delights

Vancouver is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, from high-end dining experiences to authentic street food. Booking an Airbnb in neighborhoods like Yaletown or the West End puts you near some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and markets. Fresh seafood, innovative fusion cuisine, and local favorites are all just a stroll away.

6. Green Spaces and Urban Retreats

Despite being a bustling city, Vancouver is known for its commitment to green spaces. Many Airbnb rentals are located near parks or waterfronts, providing easy access to tranquil spots like Queen Elizabeth Park or VanDusen Botanical Garden. This allows guests to enjoy the city's natural beauty while staying in the heart of urban life.

7. Cultural Experiences

Vancouver’s multicultural population means you can experience a range of cultural festivals, performances, and events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, or local street fairs, staying in an Airbnb puts you at the center of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

8. Ease of Access

With Vancouver International Airport (YVR) just a short drive from the city center, getting to your Airbnb is convenient. The city’s efficient public transport system also makes it easy to explore without needing a car, although some rentals might offer parking if you prefer to drive.

Choosing to book an Airbnb in Vancouver not only provides a comfortable and unique place to stay but also immerses you in one of Canada’s most dynamic cities. From its stunning natural surroundings to its lively cultural scene, Vancouver offers an unforgettable holiday experience.

[abovethissilentworld]

I.

In the pure, brimming rose of her hair I have lost myself, a perception of such intense eloquence that I ultimately forget to speak. This foolishly paralytic inaction has left me with no choice – I must leave myself behind, knowing now it’s only way I’ll ever find myself again.

II.

Proposition, stress, and pressure faintly looms behind the soft, urban sundown. Shimmering oscillations of radiant tones caress the overlap of the highway’s elegant curves with the oncoming horizon. When the winds cease to whir and the pavement rumble smooths to an echoless glass, the motion of the car becomes time itself. When all the probabilities of anything and everything start revolving around the impotent mastery of thoughtless automation, the world ceases to be physical. The tempest of forced decisiveness creates a vacuum where sensation turns evasive, leaving a trail of clues sporadically littered behind the façade of conscious thought, and only in the still of pure numbness may the detective be permitted to investigate them. Back in the days where neuronal overlap still produced new insights and motorists congested highways, the information race conveniently obstructed the perception of the natural order. Now, there’s nothing left but sound beyond the waveform, sight beyond the sky, and love outside the soul.

III.

The concrete sprawl emits an attitude of nonchalance with an oeuvre of silicon figurines rearranging themselves. Sliding, shifting, jumping, twirling, falling. Their amalgamation of childhood dreams are crudely sprayed across the silent cityscape, erected unassumingly under the cloudless sky. In the brilliant daylight of late August, the veins of Montreal course a tender anticipation for the sweat-laden fogs that enmesh sincerity with delusion. For now, though, the city remains silent. The loquacious Earth, hiding beneath my feet, is indifferent to the geography of my stance. She recodes throughout the world the exact same answer to every possible question. Thus, no city tells you anything new. No city truly speaks for itself. Each new world is merely an old world redressed in the flamboyant garments of difference, a diversion from the unassuming truth.

IV.

In the sonic periphery of my own internal monologue, some jangly guitar tone jumps ahead of the beat to elegantly stymy all other sound, allowing itself to leap gracefully across synaptic silence into the annals of my sensory memory. Periodically, this excerpt itches deep within the crevasses of life’s vacant moments, an unreachable irritant that aggravates the dissonance between function and meaning. These tiny fragments of music are a gentle fragility enhanced by a world of untamed longing, punctuating the spaces between self and other as though deprivation itself was a sentence spoken casually. The invisible entity that occupies the empty space directly in front of me is the sound of my own history. It plays to me the melodies of lamentation from decades past, sung by people I’ll never meet, inspired by situations I’ve not yet experienced. So distant from my own, these are the worlds that produce the only caress my heart has ever known, nurturing the deprivation as a substitute for feeling.

Variations on 2022's August, Richmond, BC and Montreal, QC - Aged 26.