This is the first band of a series of what I like to call Vancouver intelligent music bands. Their style is a mix of jazz, improvisation, experimental and instrumental music that goes beyond traditional pop or rock music. They bring noise to the combo a la John Zorn and they are not alone, there are a wide variaty of bands like them in Vancouver and here through Van Music I want to bring them to your attention. Post rock, experimental music, desolation in the forest, grey skies, landscapes of solitude and yes Vacant lots, everything in this CD. If you want to get out of the ordinary and experience a true world class movement go check these guys. They have a new CD out called A Vacant Lot and it is fantastic. They will be realeasing it officially on May 27 at 917 Main street. The album is on Drip Audio records, a label that is realeasing all this advanced music for the delight of everybody

Poor Young Things need no sympathy. The rock ‘n’ roll band, made up of five resourceful focused musicians, gave up a contented life in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and headed for Toronto without knowing a soul. Within a year, the band had recorded with their dream producer Jon Drew (Arkells) and signed a deal with Bumstead Records. Poor them, indeed.

Rob Fillo prefers to infuse his music with equal parts mystery, passion, and wit.

In this climate of cynical performances and scientifically produced pop-music, Rob Fillo is a rare musical creature. The heartfelt music of this folk-rock underdog cuts through the fog of the typical boy-meets-girl song to the true complexities of love and life in the real world.
While possessing all the experience one would expect in a brash, balls-out rocker, Fillo prefers to infuse his music with equal parts mystery, passion, and wit. The raw acoustic arrangement of many of …

Local Rock band Static in the Stars unleashes their electrifying brand of rock and roll with two Vancouver shows next week, sharing the stage with some of Vancouver’s best up and coming bands. I’m inquiring about press opportunities surrounding these shows

An eclectic two-person band from East Vancouver, British Columbia. With a wide variety of influences, ranging from traditional blues to folk to rock & roll, this pair has a unique style of music that appeals to many tastes. Their raw, stripped down sound and soulful melodies bring a refreshing simplicity to today’s music scene.

Photography by Carrie Day. Their musical style has been compared to Sabbath, Sleep and Witch etc, but their influences tell a slightly different story. A better description would be more along the lines of Tony Iommi and Neil Young getting drunk at a Hank III show in Seattle circa 1994 while Elliott shoots up in the bathroom.

By Nick Pannu
Shalini is performing on February 12 at Falconettis on Commercial Dr. February 17th at the Indie Pop Vancouver Series at 1143 Kingsway. March 9th at the Woman’s special show at The British Ex Servicemen Association.
Shalini is a consummate writer. Moreover, her songwriting articulates the turmoil coming out of real life experiences. Her ballads will evoke empathy within listeners as tracks on her debut album, Shalini delves into issues dealing with loneliness, shyness and pursuing one’s dreams.

One of the newest Fraser Valley bands is about to release their first EP in March, but in the meantime the band just released their single, “Vacation”, a catchy rock pop song that flirts with punk.

The single is available on their bandcamp page, and if you like the tune, there are four versions of it for your enjoyment: A studio version, a raw demo, an acoustic and a Live Action Fezz remix, (which is very trippy by the way). The band is very interesting, while it is a new project, their members are “veterans” of the Vancouver scene ( You Say Party! We Say Die!, On No! Yoko, and GSTS!). The single with all its versions just makes you curious to see what their EP will have in store for the listeners. I can’t wait.

Influenced by singer Tom Waits & songwriter Daniel Johnston, “Jack Antonio” brings a fresh and original approach to song writing. Its raw and honest, with strong moral messages and high levels of wit and intelligence. There are also strong northern references and themes in the lyrics as Jack resides in Canada’s Arctic (Yellowknife!).

We had a few bands drop out this week so we are taking last minute submissions.
To submit bands just need to email  bandfight@activemindsproductions.com with their information and links to their music. And the prize for first place is a full radio ready song recorded, mixed and mastered at a $6000.00 value, plus a marketing session.
Presented by Activeminds Productions and Donnelly Group Public Houses, Band Fight will be held at Library Square Pub every Wednesday from February 22nd to March 14th. The event is presented as an authentic boxing match, with a real …