LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: SARAH JANE SCOUTEN
Sarah Jane Scouten is a folk-country singer-songwriter originally from Bowen Island and currently based in a tiny village called Moniaive in southwest Scotland.
INTERVIEW: The Crystal Casino Band
The Crystal Casino Band have made a name for themselves in their hometown of Washington, D.C., and now they’re ready to take on the world.
INTERVIEW: Michaela Slinger
You could say that Michaela Slinger’s music career started off with a moment some would refer to as being what dreams are made of.
Q&ASAP: Plastic Picnic
Plastic Picnic is here to remind us that there is duality to everything in life. To start off, the four-piece band is based in Brooklyn but has roots in the Pacific Northwest. They’d describe their sound as a ‘sunset cocktail of sad music to dance to’ – reflected beautifully in their debut full-length record, ‘As Long As You Need’. Last but not least, their music is a reminder that there is always room for hope, even in the worst of times. Plastic Picnic will be kicking off their West Coast tour next week, starting with a show in Vancouver at Fox Cabaret on September 19th.
Q&ASAP: anders
To say that anders has had a busy year might be an understatement. The Mississauga native has added a few notable accomplishments to his resume this year, including an artist ambassador role with Puma, a new deal with Warner Music Canada, and completed a national headline summer tour.
INTERVIEW: Vance Joy
When a Vance Joy song plays on the radio, there is something both timely and timeless about the moment. It feels serendipitous, like you’re the main character and it’s on the soundtrack of your life. I was fortunate to spend some time in real life to chat with the lovely James Keogh before he played his biggest show yet in Vancouver at Rogers Arena.
Q&ASAP: Field Guide
There’s a quality to Field Guide’s songwriting that earnestly draws you in. There’s a feeling of nostalgia and comfort in his songwriting that makes listening to his music feel like being wrapped up in your favourite blanket. Field Guide was kind enough to answer a few questions for us via email ahead of opening a trio of shows for Bahamas in Halifax.
Q&ASAP: Mauvey
It always comes back to love. UK and Vancouver-based Mauvey is on a mission to distribute love through his music. This intention comes through in the creative narratives in his songwriting, which has received acclaim from BBC Introducing on Radio 1, Exclaim! and other outlets.
INTERVIEW: Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
When we’re living in uncertain times, one of the things that we can hold onto is hope. Michael Bernard Fitzgerald’s latest release, Love Valley, is a timely fit for these uncertain times when all we can do is go with the flow.
INTERVIEW: Juke Ross
Discovering new music in a day and age where thousands and thousands of songs are added daily onto streaming platforms can feel overwhelming. But when the right algorithm comes into play and brings you a voice like Juke Ross, everything just feels right in the world in that moment.
INTERVIEW: Erik Hassle
Erik Hassle has found the groove in his sound. The soul-pop singer has been making musical waves since the release of his first single, “Hurtful”, in Sweden back in 2008. Hassle’s music has gone through a natural evolution through the years, while maintaining the soulfulness and lyrically wearing his heart on his sleeve. I had the opportunity to chat with Erik last week, just before he hit the stage at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver, and before he found out he was on top of Taylor Swift’s playlist.
INTERVIEW: Becky G
Becky G has the keys to success – drive, determination, and passion. At the age of nine, Becky had a moment of realization amidst a rough patch that her family was facing, as they were forced to sell their home and relocated to her grandparents’ garage. She wanted to find a way to relieve the financial stress of her parents, pursuing small entertainment gigs including voice-overs and commercials. It was not only passion that was there, but also talent. Her cover of Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “Otis” captured the attention of Dr. Luke, known for his work with Katy Perry and Ke$ha to name a few, who immediately signed Becky to his label Kemosabe Records. He has referred to the singer / songwriter / rapper / model / actor as the total package – and he may be onto something. I had the opportunity to chat with Becky G just ahead of the first stop of her first headlining tour in Canada for Family’s Big Ticket Summer Concert tour in Abbotsford yesterday.
INTERVIEW: Jon McLaughlin
Jon McLaughlin is gearing up to release his new album Like Us on October 9th, and will be supporting the release with a US tour. We had the opportunity to chat with him about his musical inspirations, songwriting, and what to expect from his new album.
INTERVIEW: Tyler Shaw
Tyler Shaw is ready to show the world what he’s made of. Since winning a cover contest held by MuchMusic and Coca-Cola back in 2012, Shaw has established himself as a talented singer-songwriter. His debut single “Kiss Goodnight” was certified gold, and his latest single “House of Cards” has been heating up on the charts. This October, Shaw has secured an opener slot on Kelly Clarkson’s Piece By Piece Tour with Nick Jonas. I had the opportunity to chat with Tyler about the upcoming tour and the fans.
INTERVIEW: Sam Weber
There is a sense of sincerity in Sam Weber’s music that is as equally mellowing and captivating.