Talel McBriar is a singer-songwriter currently based out of Victoria, B.C. The first time I saw her perform live was at a SoFar Sounds show in Vancouver, where she beautifully showcased her songs and blend of traditional folk with alternative rock references.
Talel is no stranger to performing, having toured extensively in B.C. and in Eastern Canada. This summer, she and her band have been keeping busy with a slew of Western Canadian tour dates, including these upcoming shows:
July 24th – Nelson, B.C.
July 25th – Revelstoke, B.C.
July 27th – Kimberley, B.C.
July 31st – 100 Mile House, B.C.
August 1st – Williams Lake, B.C.
August 2-4th – Wells, B.C.
August 10-11th – Fort St. James, B.C.
August 16th – Rossland, B.C.
Read ahead to learn more about Talel in her own words.
Q: Introduce yourself!
Talel McBriar: Hello! My name is Talel and I am a singer-songwriter and indie folk musician. I am originally from Nelson, B.C. but I am now based out of the Coast. I grew up playing classical piano and flute, but began playing guitar and songwriting when I attended a bluegrass music workshop in my early teens.
My single ‘Not a Machine’ was released this past March and I will be touring around B.C. to festivals and venues this summer with my band and solo. I’m so excited!
Q: How would you describe your music to a first-time listener?
TB: A lot of different music was always playing in my house growing up, from The Be Good Tanyas to The Tragically Hip to Norah Jones to Metallica. So I think my songs are little mixtures of all the influences and sounds that I have absorbed along the way.
But to sum it up, my sound definitely leans heavily into the alternative folk genre. My favourite thing about songwriting is crafting lyrics and forming new ways to explain my observations and experiences, so I would also say that my songs are very lyrically based.
Q: What is your favourite music venue in Vancouver?
TB: I really love Green Auto! It was one of the first venues I performed at when I moved to the Coast just over a year ago and it was such a good experience. I’ve met some of my bandmates there and seen some great shows at Green Auto. I also really love The Heatley and have attended and played some really fun and intimate shows there!
Q: If someone is listening to you for the first time, which song would you recommend they start with?
TB: I would say my new song ‘Not a Machine’! It was just released this past March and I feel like it encapsulates the sound I want my next album to have. I would also recommend checking out the music video of us recording ‘Not a Machine’ at Neighbourhood Studios in Langford, B.C.—it’s up on YouTube!
Q: What was the last live show you attended?
TB: I recently saw Ora Cogan at Oxygen Art Center when I was home in Nelson. It was such a beautiful and inspiring show; wonderful songwriting and an amazing band. I have been listening to ‘Cowgirl’ on repeat lately!
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Learn more about Talel over at: https://talelmcbriar.com.
