I think it’s time to introduce the world to Lloyd.
Read MoreLive: Foxwarren at the Biltmore Cabaret
Andy Shauf is the beloved indie icon of the Canadian prairies. In many ways his is Canada’s version of John Craigie; a guitar slinging folk star whose live shows blend poetic folk tunes with humorous storytelling.
Read MoreLive: Ocean Alley at the Commodore with The Morning Yells
Three bottles of liquid awaited each member of Australia’s beloved surf band, Ocean Alley on the stage at Vancouver’s Commodore ballroom last Friday. A bottle of Corona, a bottle of 33 Acres of Life, and a bottle of water.
Read MoreLIVE: KT Tunstall at The Imperial
KT Tunstall kicks of her North American tour in Vancouver at the Imperial. The Scottish singer-songwriter charmed a captivated crowd, and an adorable couple shared a heartwarming story of how her song “The Universe and You” ended up being played at their wedding.
Read MoreLive: Mt Joy and Wilderado at the Imperial
I was outnumbered at the Imperial on Sunday evening. Standing in a room full of people singing to every word to every song, I was definitely in the minority. But discovering two new bands that I really like was a nice ending to a really strange week.
I feel ashamed to admit it, but I wasn’t all that familiar with the music of Mt Joy, and I knew nothing of the opening band Wilderado, a foursome out of Tulsa Oklahoma. I would now consider myself a fan. Led by magnetic front man Max Rainer, they kind of sound like existential cowboys - a little mournful, a little hopeful, digging a little deeper into the highs and lows life. Totally my jam.
Mt. Joy is a band that needs no introduction. Even I know the song “Astrovan”, the hit single that put them on the indie music star map. The highlight of the evening for me was watching guitarist Sam Cooper. He had a few technical difficulties early in the set and for a few songs it looked like we were going to miss out on his bright, flowy riffs.
What a shame that would have been. Not just because without him Mount Joy is the musical equivalent of a burger without fries, good on it’s own and satisfying in a pinch, but still not a complete meal. Cooper also has a commanding stage presence. Just as Matt Quinn puts all he’s got into his raspy vocals, Cooper puts a healthy dose of emotion into every strum. And it shows. Literally.
So I stood in the middle of this celebratory crowd and fought with the infamously un-photographer friendly lights to get a few decent images. I lost myself somewhere in the collective melancholy of the performance. It was meaningful and connective and sometimes jubilant and often a little rebellious.
Like all shows I cover, it was just what I needed. It pushed me creatively and I found myself thinking about my future in this industry and where I want it to take me. All the avenues I’ve wanted to explore from the beginning and haven’t gotten around to yet.
By the end of the evening I was left sorting through images of musicians soaked in magenta and blue lights. I ended up with my first black and white gallery, something I’ve always shied away from in the past. In all honesty, it wasn’t what I was hoping for, but black and white images force you to focus on composition and exposure.
All in all it was a great night, I’m glad to have two new bands to add to my playlist.