Vancouver has produced a number of high quality bands and the latest one to come across our desk is no exception. Elias generated some good buzz when Spin.com chose them as one of of “Eight must-hear bands from B.C.” alongside well-known acts such as Black Mountain, The Organ and You Say Party! We Say Die!,  Comprised of Brian Healy (vocals/ piano/guitar), lead guitarist Rob Tornroos and drummer Stefan Tavares, Elias have won over their fans with their dynamic live performances, and mysterious, unique and eerily comforting recorded rhythms. Their latest album, Lasting Distraction, released earlier this month, was produced by all-star duo Sean Penner and Aaron Nordean (Hot Hot Heat) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Franz Ferdinand, ACDC). We had a chance to ask Rob Tornroos a few questions about their home town, touring and influences.

What local Vancouver band are you guys really diggin on right now?

Rob: My favourite local band/artist at the moment would have to be Hannah Georgas. Having played a few shows in her band I had to learn all of her old and new songs and now I can’t get them out of my head if I tried. Her songs are so catchy and quirky and her vocals are just phenominal! Also recently got the Dan Mangan CD (from himself on the side of the highway outside of Canmore BC when we stoppped to meet up for 5 minutes) and I must say the first song”Road Regrets” is the song of the moment for me. It is truly a “gem” of an opening track!

What’s your favorite part of touring?

Rob: My favourite part of touring is getting to leave the everyday routine at home and not having to do the same job day after day that I have done for the past 6 years. Having just got back from a short tour I still don’t know what day it is nor do I care. Things get fun when everyday feels like a Friday! 

What’s you favourite Radiohead album and why?

Rob: Tough question! This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer. Every Radiohead album represents a specific time in my life and I feel very nostalgic when listen to each. The Bends is the first album I ever became obsessed with. It was my bible back in 1995 and to some degree still is today. It sums up perfection to me. But this question is still so tough because everytime they release an album it becomes my favourite to some degree. Every album is so smart, unique and mindblowing it has people saying “why didn’t I think of that?” Some of it is so simple but so genius…. The way they have introduced new instruments into mainstream music is just incredible. I think my favourite at the moment would have to be “In Rainbows”. In kind of represents a perfect album to me; it has everything I would wish my own album would have….

What’s the best and worst part of the Vancouver music scene right now?

Rob:
Best: The best part of the scene right now is how close knit it all is. For the first time in along time, everyone is friends and there to support eachother. Vancouver use to be uber competitive so it is great when you can go to a show or a house party and run into members of Said The Whale, Hey Ocean, Dan Mangan, The Zolas, Adaline, The Painted Birds, Hannah Georgas etc.. all there having a good time together. It’s a pretty fun time……
Worst: The constant closure of music venues. This problem has been spoken of a lot over the past few years but it’s getting worse and worse….If we were a starting out band there would be no clubs available for us to play and learn how to get comfortable on stage. It is a huge problem in Vancouver at the moment. I think a major change needs to occur or else the city will lose its identity and be over run by generic rock radio nickleback bands…….. which would kill any credibiltiy that Vancouver had gained over the past 20 years….. Matt Good speaks a lot about this issue, check his blog and see what he says……

If you could steal anything from a girl’s closet what would it be?

Rob: Skin Care Products! Working outside in the sun constantly, stressing out to the max and wearing a constant frown has given my face some premature wrinkles so I would love to steal some rejuvinating lotions and creams to smooth out my crows feet and give me that tight wrinkle free complextion you see in all those biore commercials.

Written by: Isis Graham

If you haven’t heard of DirtyPhonics it’s because you haven’t been paying attention. This five man super group from France consisting of members: Playte, Capskod, Pho, Pitch In and MC Youthstar dish out the future of drum and bass with their live performances. Their live shows and follow up productions have earned them big time spots on stages all over the world and gained them the “Best Newcomer Producer” award in the 2009 Drum & Bass Arena awards. You can expect all five guys twisting knobs and jackin tracks on MPCS, samplers, turntables and mics for the entire show. It’s nothing less than a hype mixture of the dirtiest drum and bass, dubstep, hip hop and even some 4/4 tossed in for extra flavour for the dance floor. Their next smasher release “The Shadow Knows” is expected to drop on Ram records by the end of this year. Check out their self titled promo video on Youtube to get a little dose of what they’re all about and we will see on the dance floor for their first ever North American performance on September 23rd at the Warehouse Nightclub. This is an 18+ show and tickets are available at Giant 45, aluminum planet, and grassroots! Don’t sleep on this people, come get dirty!

IG: What does it mean for Dirtyphonics to win the “Best Newcomer-Producer Award?” in 2009?

DP: Well, for one we are all really happy to have won the award!

It’s great to know that we have the support from so many people, and being recognised for ” best newcomer producer” means that people are really into what we are doing, which is always good motivation to carry on and push forward!

IG: Do you get more attention from the girls now or are all of you guys tied up in relationships?

DP: You know, the stage life in general demands attention all on its own, we just add to it coz we’re 5 great looking guys, “haha”!

But yeah, some of us are in relationships and the ones that aren’t have got twice the choice!!!

IG: It has been said in other interviews that Dirtyphonics performances “leave their competitors in the dust”. What is it about you boys and your powerhouse show that is more innovative and powerful than others?

DP: The thing with our LIVE, is we wanted to bring something different to the table that had not been done before. A mix between the DJ, the MC and machines. The idea is to deliver the energy and filth of a Rock show in an electronic environment. We don’t like to tie ourselves down to any one style of music, we try and broaden our horizons and leave the doors open to any new ideas, which in turn reaches out to a much wider audience.

IG: Where do you see Dirtyphonics in 2 years?

DP: To be honest, that is always a question that gets us, I mean, so much has happened for us in the last year alone, we really cant say apart from that the sky’s the limit!

IG: What is the Parisian translation for “Hey girl I like your socks?”

DP: “Hey mademoiselle, j’aime tes chaussettes !” But to be honest, we reckon that must be a Canadian chat up line because if you dropped that line to a French girl, you are not gonna get anyway hahaha!!!

IG: For all the gear-heads who read our magazine, what kind of gear are you using and what is going on behind the scenes to deliver the live-show?

DP: On stage we use 4 CDJ 1000, A DJM909, a DJM800, 2 MPCs, a Moog filter, a Kaos Pad. None of this equipment is synced so everything you hear is played live !

To deliver the live show, we obviously rehearse a lot and then it’s a lot of communication between us when playing. We like to improvise new stuff at every gig and surprise each other so each show is unique in it’s own special way.

IG: If you could recommend one or two of your own personal favourite producers or Deejays to someone you just met who would they be?

DP: There are so many producers now days it’s hard to cut down to just one or two, but we would have to say guys like “Subfocus”, “Noisa” production wise and DJ’s like “Andy C” & “Spor”.

IG: This is your first Canadian tour, when you think of Canada what comes to mind first?

DP: Snow, Maple Syrup, Hockey and the funny French accent of Quebec!

IG: Nike or Adidas?

DP: Both

IG: When can fans anticipate your next album release?

DP: As soon as possible, but we are so busy at the moment with our finger’s in a whole lot of pies. An album is definitely in our sights, so keep your ear’s to the streets for the end of 2010.

IG: The funniest thing that has happened to you on tour so far?

DP: Too many to mention, all we can say is wait ’till we hit Canada…

… check back on Thursday after the show for some photos from what is sure to be an amazing performance!

Clea Anaïs has collaborated with many of Calgary’s top performers including, Woodpigeon, Dojo Workhorse, Thighs, Brock Geiger and the former Consonant C. Her solo work is delicate and soothing in voice, kissed with cello and piano. She performs at Higher Ground at 9pm this Thursday.

You have been involved in so many significant musical projects in town, as well as your own solo work; who inspired you to take the plunge as a performer?

Well, really I have performed since I was little. I started playing cello when I was 3, and performed and competed in various capacities during my entire childhood. I still get nervous though. I would say my mother, Dulcie Foo Fat is a big influence on me because she is so dedicated to being an artist. I guess this year I owe a lot of credit to Mark Hamilton and Brock Geiger, who have helped me gain enough confidence to play my own solo stuff.

What Calgary artist would you like to see more people aware of?

Well yikes. Calgary is oh-so full of amazing artists, to pick one wouldn’t be fair. Right now I am super into FreeNudeCelebs which is Jordon Hossak from Azeda Booth. Also I am in constant admiration of Laura Lief when she plays. Brock Geiger just released an awesome album and is doing super creative new things. Jacqueline Bell and Chris Dadge are working on a record for the project called A Relative Distance. They are a killer duo. That’s the tip of the iceberg, if you want to know more awesome Calgary musicians just find me and ask!

What is your favourite way to spend a sunny afternoon in town?

I love biking to spots by the river and laying in the grass. Also having slurpees.

How do you feel now about this city, that you maybe didn’t last summer?

Hmm. On a personal level, this summer was a bit rough compared to last summer. However, I have never looked forward to September and another year in Calgary so much and this is the of awesome collaborative projects - first time I have had no obligations to make me stay. I am so grateful for the awesome sense of DIY community that is being built in our city. I love that it is inclusive and is based on people’s excitement about projects instead of dictated by organizations. I’m looking forward to a fall and winter

What was the first record you owned?

Well my older sisters had music that I loved as a child but didn’t own. When I was in grade 3 I fell in love with Bell and Sebastian. That was probably a good start.

Dan Guiry is one of Calgary’s sickest standup comics; but when he’s not harshin’ inappropriate jokes, he’s usually shreddin’ his unique brand of darlingly sensitive cock rock. Guiry will be performing in the 7pm slot at Higher Ground tonight. 

What do you like better - comedy or tunes?

I like listening to a great comedy album on a road trip… But that road trip will usually start with “LA Woman” as we hit the highway.

Music and comedy mean so much to me that I can’t really choose. I’ve been debating this question ever since I started performing. Some people have told me that I should choose one and focus on it. that way I have a better chance at success.

I was in Moncton, NB a year or so ago, and after a show I went to this bar. There was this great band playing your standard east coast songs and when they took a break I told them who I was and that I was in town on tour doing stand up, but I’d really like to play a few songs. The guys we’re so friendly they let me get up and play. After just a few chords the drummer had to join in and we rocked that bar till 2 in the morning. Its nights like that that I’m glad I never choose.

I used to play in a band called “flatbed” when I first started stand up… and I remember the first time I “killed” at stand up it felt just like ripping out a great guitar solo. So when that band crashed and burned as most bands do… (crackhead drummer bullshit) I felt that stand up was a great way to go. As a comic they only person I got to worry about is me. And as long as I can keep the booze and drugs and sexy time under control, I can do stand up as long as I want. In a band you have to worry about your band mates being able to get to the show, and what happens if they don’t make it?

My Main focus as a performer is playing to audiences, and sharing what I have written with them. This far in my career, Stand up has giving me the most opportunity to travel and see new audiences. But if there is something in my heart that I just can’t laugh at, I play music…

Which celebrities would be huge fans of yours, if they only knew?

The only person that ever out right told me that they are a fan is actually a celebrity. Not that you would know who he is because he’s a Canadian comic… Peter Anthony… I was opening for him in Mississauga in May and at the end of the weekend “I’m a fan” And that was it. It was really good to hear… no one says that  - especially not your peers.

I’d like to think someday I’ll be able to make Jim Carrey laugh.

What was your favourite part-time job and why?

My Favorite part time job, I’ve had so many it’s hard to choose. I’ll tell you one thing though; Starbucks is great if you’re an artist. They transferred me out to Toronto for two months on my first cross Canada tour, just so I could keep the job and make a few dollars on my off nights.

But my favorite had to be my first job ever. I started as a dishwasher for Perkins family eatery… I was 14 and I got to work with my older brother and all of his friends… we got into so much trouble every shift. The pranks, the dares, the girls… everything about that place was a blast. I worked there for two years until finally after all the shenanigans they had to close the restaurant…

Here’s a tip if you have a time machine… do not go back in time and eat at Dalhousie Perkins.

Do you still hang with the Moffats, why or why not?

Honestly I never really “hung out” with the Moffats. They had a bar in Bragg Creek called El Gringo’s. At the time I had my high school band, when we first met, I was 17… They were doing an open jam type of thing for a wedding reception. Bob and Clint Moffat were playing some tunes, and when they finished I asked to play and they said the jam had just ended, I told them I had just driven all the way from Calgary in my parents car without telling them that I was borrowing it… and they let me play three songs. Bob Moffat ended up playing drums for one of my songs.

I ended up playing at El Gringo’s once a month until I graduated high school. Our band “Empty Echoes” would have massive house parties in Bragg creek after the shows at Rob’s (keyboard artist) house. It was great because all the girls from our school thought they were going to meet the Moffats… so they all turned up and because all the girls were there all the guys followed… our band ended up having a huge following, but we broke up when all the members except me went to university.

I remember one night when rob and I tried to sneak into another bar in Bragg Creek, and we were going to chill out with Bob And Clint, but they just played golden tie, and rob and I got ID’d so we left.

Last I heard of the Moffats was when they sold El gringo’s to a guy named Christian. They were moving to the interior of BC and starting a band called “Sparrow”

What do you eat before a show?

I don’t eat before a show. I’m so high energy that if I were to eat I’d probably cramp up mid bit and shit my pants. I usually wait till I get off the stage to eat something, and then it’s mostly beer and whiskey.

Stuart Wershof and Errol Halberg of Edmonton/Calgary hybrid band, Type Monkey Type will be performing the 8pm middle slot at Higher Ground this Thursday. With an evolutionarily up-beat sound derived from the indie bands of yesteryear, this duo is shockingly entertaining, with breakdowns, improvisations and Stuart can even beatbox.

Whats a fact about monkeys you know of that most people don’t?

Monkeys do it monkey-style

Why should everyone own a typewriter?

For their rhythm section!

How do you spend your days off in Calgary?

Throwing poop from the top of the Calgary tower at passers by

What does the band miss about Edmonton?

Our drummer

What is the album of the year (so far)?

100000 Years… the Type Monkey Type EP (objective)

[View with PicLens]

Photography by Jenn Silver

We caught up with Cecil Frena, mastermind of Edmonton’s GOBBLE GOBBLE. Tonight, you must go to Marquee Room to check out their one of a kind, video game inspired flu pop. Underneath the fuzzy vocals, bleeps, bloops and blips of Comcast’s past lies the melody of the next greatest club bomb. Also sharing the stage will be Mount Analogue and Extra Happy Ghost, who are having their cd release party.

What is Flu Pop and are you the procreatory influence of this genre?

Flu pop is a nervous psychic distillery: pour in snot and bile and humors and then inhale deeply over the humidifier as something laughably lovely rises up. A kind of carnivalesque coffee filter for your carnal fears. We all procreate, more or less.

What are history’s top three video games and why?

a. Pit Fighter (SNES): This often-overlooked gem simulates perfectly the vicious intensity of illegal prize fighting by rendering its character sprites as maximally compressed GIFs circa 1994. The controls are so carefully mangled and time-delayed that this feat of programming sublimates video gaming into dadaist performance art.

b. NBA Jam (Cross-Platform): NBA Jam is the game that finally brought encephalitis to the mainstream after so many years. I hate sports, but I love sports with big heads. Such simple arithmetic.

c. Shaq-Fu (Cross-Platform): It is axiomatic that 2D fighting games go from good to transcendentally amazing when they: a) feature jilted first-gen FMV-like animations; and 2) have a celebrity endorsement worthy of Kazaam! Shaq-fu proved that the universe does indeed resonate with karmic balance. Monks spend years sequestered and ascetic to achieve the heights that Shaq Fu propels you to in seconds.

If GOBBLE GOBBLE were to remix a classic album, what would it be
and how would people feel about it?

I think I would remix the record Michael Jackson was working on with Akon just prior to his death. Since everyone is suddenly a Michael Jackson fan, I imagine it would go over well, but really I just want to have this unbelievable collab in my collection as soon as possible.

Describe your ideal wedding.

Everyone would be wearing black and standing with their arms crossed and dour looks on their faces. Each person would have a green glowstick in their left breast pocket. Some people would be wearing vampire teeth. The priest would have suspension hooks in his back, and would refer constantly to his tatttered copy of the Penguin Anton Lavey. When the marriage vows are consummated, there will be a bass drop, and a smoke machine and strobe light would turn on. The first dance would be My Chemical Romance’s “Undead Lovers Quadrilogy”, at which point I would be unable to countenance the affair any longer and would initiate divorce proceedings.

Which is life’s most underappreciated natural sound effect?

Tiga’s girlfriend’s shoes.

Who is your favourite Edmonton band at the moment?

It’s a bit artificial and more than a bit political for me to pick a favorite band from my hometown, so I won’t, but to provide some response to your inquiry, I do want to say that Bayonets!!! Deserve much more attention than they’ve been getting. They play an absolutely caustic variety of no wave / theater punk . Their live performance is a sight to be seen, verily, intimidatingly awkward and confrontational in the very best sense of those words. Bayonets!!! laugh, cry, and above all, lunge.

Written by Brendan Kane

For every snarly chord and shattering snare on Little Foot Long Foot’s debut full-length, Harsh Words, is a backhand across the face and shot to the kidney of fad culture. Singer, Joan Smith has an authoritative, bluesy howl that wastes little to no time on small talk, choruses, fuzz or feedback. The aged rock ethics of Harsh Words is flavoured most pleasantly with its series of statements, most notably: “If this was your song, there would be a keyboard solo/Make sure its not a Rhodes, I want to sound much more hollow/Its funny how we both grew up liking Kurt Cobain/If he was still alive, then perhaps he could explain.”

After all, Smith and drummer, Isaac Klein had planned to be a classic rock cover band before initiating their own traditions proved to be the better option. Songs like Fake Cowboys, Market Survey and King Hipster snidely (and hilariously) profile what probably is wrong with rock ‘n’ roll without lament or whining - the Toronto two-piece put it right back where it belongs and thats in your speakers.

We caught up with Joan and Isaac who are touring across Canada with Harsh Words in hand. Go and check them out at Broken City on Friday, July 24th along with Calgary’s Mt. Royal and Montreal’s Mixylodian.

What is the best misinterpretation of Little Foot Long Foot you have heard or read?

Number one would be, most hilariously, ‘Looks like Zack and Miri made a band’. True, Isaac does resemble Seth Rogen…we really can’t get away from that one…but how the eff does that explain our brand of music? Anything else we hear always has to do w/ the respective size of our feet and ‘which one is which’? It is simply a band name, people. We’re still trying to come up w/ a clever response for that one.

Where would you be right now had you become a classic rock tribute band, instead?

Working in an office/garage by day, and snorting copious amounts of cocaine at night to try to deal w/ the rowdy audience members who would criticize Isaac’s lack of double kick in the 78th bar of Black Dog and suggestions that Joan do more ’scissor kicks’.

What is the most redeeming quality in the modern hipster?

That the hipster is a peace loving sort whom you could accidentally bang into in a bar, and the worst thing that would happen is that his/her horned rim glasses would go slightly askew. They would most likely mumble an apology even if it was your fault, and then you could clink your PBR bottles together in ironic commaraderie while stroking your moustaches.

Now that thats out of the way…what really grinds your gears about them?

That if your band lacks synths, ironic moustaches/beards, and a thumping dance beat along with singing that is SLIGHTLY out of tune…then you just aren’t worth a damn thing to ‘em. Also that it is just too easy to stereotype them, and yet it’s completely impossible to explain what they are to someone from another country who is ignorant of the entire phenomenon (mostly countries that lack parents with trust funds).

Which Toronto friend-band would you like to have on this western tour?

Probably My Shaky Jane…they have already come out west before us, and whichever bar we play at where they have left their mark, the bartenders nod their heads knowingly and whistle admiringly at the amount of mic stands they knocked over, alcohol consumed, and donuts driven in the parking lot. Hanging around them always makes us feel super bad ass.

What songs are ruling your summer, thus far?

Isaac swears by the whole album Cross, by Justice to keep him up during our long drives. Isaac also plays some mean air drums while listening to ‘Talk to Her’ by Priestess. Joan is just starting to get over her obsession with ‘Stormy High’ by Black Mountain…but to be perfectly honest, to get us through these long North Ontario and prairie drives, we’ve been listening to the audiobook version of The Stand, by Stephen King. The swine flu has never felt so real.

Which celebrity death in the last year has affected you the most and why?

Well it certainly wasn’t Micheal Jackson. Not that we don’t appreciate…we had just emerged from camping for 3 days out east while we were on tour, and saw his photo emblazoned on the front of a newspaper, and all Joan could wonder was ‘Why is HE on the cover?’ Didn’t figure it out for another couple of days, and by that point the hoopla was already out of control and completely annoying. This also meant that Isaac could no longer tell his MJ joke onstage while Joan tunes her guitar. Otherwise, Bea Arthur’s passing was rather affecting. RIP, Maude. Oscar Mayer’s recent passing also deserves a mention.

We talked with Walk Off the Earth before they played for this year’s Sled Island. Hopefully you were able to catch their set at the Stetson Saturday, June 27th.

Petey: Unequivacally yes.

Gianni:  Bob Marley and the Whalers, Rage Against the Machine…weird combo but it would be sic.

Petey: Blind Melon and Sublime

Gianni: Its was great, lots of kids play instruments so there is a lot of opportunity to jam with people…but there was definitely a shortage of drummers.  Witch was good for me because I play drums.  But as for WOTE, I think it helped us because People in burlington took a likening to us very quickly and it kind of gave us motivation to pursue this band.

Petey: Hard.  Rent’s expensive and the older people either want us off their lawn or out of their grand daughters.

Gianni: Cow-Girls!

Petey: Cows… and meeting the other bands and partyin AB style with some Grasshopper’s.

We talked with Marco Bozenich, lyricist for Vancouver Island’s Meatdraw. They are playing tonight, Thursday, June 25th @ Marquee Room - 12:00 am. Go and check them out! 

What is a meatdraw and why should everyone experience one?
A meat draw is an activity that happens in legions and rural bars/communities. It’s just a raffle where the prizes won various pieces of meat. It can be anything from bags of sandwich meat to whole roasts. I wouldn’t say everyone needs to experience one, but if you are going to it’s really about hanging out with a bunch blue-collar folks and getting down with them. Going home with a pot roast is also a sweet bonus.

Who in (the band) Meatdraw is the experienced one?
I’ve done everything. No one else has done anything. Ever.

I was stoked to read that Roy Orbison is an influence. Do you think
country and western is making an impact in indie music?
Hells yes. That stuff is everywhere, especially in Canada. The “indie” country music scene is now closely affiliated with the rock scene in my opinion. The divide between fans of The Band and The Constantines is a narrow one, and getting narrower. 

Can you describe what is what like starting this band on a Vancouver
Island commune?
We are not from a commune, but we did record our last album on one.  It was February and cold. We had a fire going the whole time, and even slept overnight in the big barn like structure to keep the fire burning over night so the instruments would not freeze. Besides that it was awesome. No distractions, very peaceful, and easy to find drugs.

Who do you recommend we listen to from Victoria?
Listen to Chet I feel like I’m taking crazy pills when I leave the island and people don’t know who they are. Vincat are also an incredible pop band off the island. Hank Pine and Lily Fawn are certainly one of the most original and entertaining acts in all of Canada let alone Victoria.
Which brings me to the best songwriter you will never hear. David P. Smith. He is an inspiration to all Victoria songwriters, but rarely tours. If you can catch him, you will win.

What might the highlight of playing Sled Island be?
I’m looking forward to dog sledding on the frosty mountain tops of beautiful Sled Island, and then diving into the cool waters of the Gulf Islands of Calgary. Is there a more remarkable place than the Calgary Islands? I think not.

Ha! Punk has never been dead. I think Punk will always be around in some way shape or form. Even though we consider ourselves mainly a Power-Ska band, it remains to be a huge influence to our sound overall. People do not realize how much Punk there is around them. Green Day is seeing a lot of success and even punk influenced pioneers like Elvis Costello are still thriving. there seems to be a major resurgence of original acts who are reforming to take advantage of the re-invented interest in the Ska and Punk genres. This is all wonderful and promising for the groups like us who are trying to push our way forward.

DIY arts in Canada are extremely vital to the music industry. There is nothing wrong with mass produced Top 40. Music is music and I would not knock anyone for being into any kind of music. This being said, I think people are starving for something with more substance. The people want a real product. These festivals allow The Artist to showcase the talent with meaning and purpose. Our band is comprised entirely of working class individuals. The same as all the festival goers. especially in times like now, there is more to relate to at these grassroots festivals which helps establish a better connection between the artist and the audience. Rude City Riot is on a vital mission to introduce the rest of the world to Ska Music. Without help of these festivals it would be more difficult. They help the artist and the result is that Music gets the chance instead of mass media always bullying its way through.

Off the top of my head I can only think way back to our very first show. Nobody had a clue who we were and I wanted to come out with a bang. Right off the first stick count I smashed a beer bottle over my head. Thousands of pieces showered the stage and just like that we exploded and have not looked back ever since.

That is a very tough question. There is such a wide array of talent in both cities. I haven’t lived in Calgary as long as Vancouver and unfortunately have not had a chance to really get out there and enjoy the scene as much as I would like. Some names that come to mind are groups like The Mocking Shadows, Joshua’s Habit, and Knucklehead. For Vancouver it is even a tougher decision. I am really a big fan of fellow Ska veterans Los Furios and The Villains.
 
As far as Sled Island goes, there are so many amazing shows on the schedule. It is a musical buffet with so many choices and varieties. I would say that if I could pick only one show to see it would be the legendary Anvil. We are very excited to be taking part in the festival this year and be in great company with the many world class acts also participating.