On Thursday February 2nd 2012 a mere hop into the ever aforementioned final year of mankind, I decided to take the year by the horns so to speak and went to The Biltmore to check out Jakalope.

Admiral Akiba is an electro-rock band from Vancouver BC, made of Dan (vo/guit), Rhino (key), Ryan T, (bass), and Alfonso (dr). Formed and masterminded by Ray Bixon who is the godfather and the supreme leader of everyone at Valentine Records. Admiral Akiba is the brain child of this international playboy, war hero, ex-mercenary and music superstar. Playing this Friday Jan 27th at British Ex-Serviceman’s Association – 1143 Kingsway
$5 cover $2 beer Doors at 8PM

There is no secret Vancouver loves Folk music. This new duo from the east side of town is the newest example. If you are into folk/Americana, you cannot miss these guys when they play. Their next show is on January 28 at the Biltmore Cabaret and next month they will be touring the interior of BC. Check out their stuff here.

Vancouver´s indie pop band have won the Shindig competition last December. The music explores indiepop tropes with a backlog of literary, artistic and musical references to support the soulful lyrics. The group of friends came together in early 2010 featuring The Lion in Love on guitar, vocals with Julian Bowers on drums, guitar and Oliver McTavish-Wisden on keys. Having quickly amassed a selection of songs to be recorded 8 months later produced by Jherek Bischoff (The Parenthetical Girls, Dead Science), the music is now available on a limited cassette or download.

No Island delivers a new brand of rock that blurs the lines between genres and generations. With well-crafted original songs and a unique sound complimented by keyboards and saxophone, No Island’s approach to rock is catchy, powerful, and sophisticated all at once.
The five piece Vancouver band will play January 14th at The Railway Club with CRIMINAL CATERPILLAR, NO ISLAND, IVY LEAGUE BRAWLERS & DUBAI

When Shalini performs, the world stops to listen.

In December of 2011, Adrian released his new single titled ‘Crazy World’ produced by Pierre Joseph Armstrong. In December of 2011, Adrian released his new single titled ‘Crazy World’ produced by Pierre Joseph Armstrong.

Following the footsteps of Vancouver bands like The Stolen Organ Family Band, Two Apple Tobacco and Redrick Sultan comes Quit The City to play the Indie Pop Vancouver Series presented by CiTR radio and VanMusic on January 6th. Also on the bill Karen Fowlie and Mouthful of Daisy. The band was formed in Calgary two years ago by two musicians eager to play music. It seems that a lot of Calgarians are coming to town to become part of the musical movement that is happening right here in our city. This exodus of musicians is benefiting our community by bringing new sounds and new energy, Quit The City is an example of that. Don’t miss the electrifying experience of their reverberations of their psyche.

Vancouver BC’s Tim Readman is a musician, folksinger, songwriter, producer and music journalist, originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He is the former leader of Canadian Celtic/folk favourites Fear of Drinking and has played for years with The Arrogant Worms. He also plays guitar, sings and writes with ace Celtic fiddler Shona Le Mottee. He has produced a number of CDs for other folk acts. He writes for Canada’s folk roots magazine Penguin Eggs. He was the Artistic Director for the 2008 and 2009 CelticFest Vancouver and is still with them as performer, musical host and MC.

Mouthful of Daisy will perform at The Indie Pop Vancouver Series Vol. XII with Quit The City and Karen Fowlie. 1143 Kingsway. 5 dollar cover cjarge. 2 dollar beer. Mouthful Of Daisy is a unique blend of female fronted alternative rock. Their upcoming album “Twice Renewed” is laced with melodic guitars, catchy melodies and driving rhythms that will playback in your head for days. They are the band to discover in 2012.

Don’t miss Ben Wilkins playing LIVE on The Morning After Show on December 27th at 11:30 AM on 101.9 FM www.citr.ca
But this credo stuck with Ben Wilkins, and provided influence for what will surely be one of the most remarkable debut albums of 2011. His self-titled full-length utilizes his vast array of influences and experience, creating a timeless and incredibly flushed-out debut that brings to mind the ‘70’s, a time when grand and orchestrated pop music was celebrated.

Cole Petrone is an accomplished singer-songwriter who has been entertaining audiences all over the world. Combining a smooth tenor voice with an artistic finger-picking style, Cole has crafted a unique indie sound that has often been compared to that of modern James Taylor and Paul Simon. Widely acclaimed throughout the music industry, his original and catchy melodies include obvious influences from the Beatles, Neil Young, Burt Bacharach, and jazz standards from the “Tin Pan Alley” era. As a finalist in both the “John Lennon Songwriting Contest” and “Great American Songwriting Contest”, and as acknowledged on “Billboard Magazine” and radio stations throughout North America, Cole’s originals are truly heartfelt gems that resonate with authenticity. Listen to the podcast of The Morning After Show on CiTR 101.9 FM where Cole Petrone performs LIVE on studio and talks to host Oswaldo Perez Cabrera.

Infectiously catchy rock n’ roll laden with synth textures, dynamic rhythms, contemplative lyricism and luscious guitars – that’s the genius of Saskatoon’s post-pop rockers Foam Lake. The band released their long-awaited debut album, Force and Matter, last November 15th.

Michael Fraser mashes-up live Gypsy violin over House beats. His unique style is deeply influenced by his roots.

Forest City Lovers are nature-loving urban dwellers spinning lingering, lyrical melodies across the landscape of Canadian folk-pop.