Best In Vancouver - CRNKSHFT

Roaring in from tour, CRNKSHFT is all warmed up and ready to blow away the competition. We had a great chat with the band about their upcoming show in the Best In Vancouver competition.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?

CRNKSHFT: CRNKSHFT’s original sound is influenced by hardcore bands like Five Finger Death Punch and Korn. Grunge bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains, and metal bands such as Pantera and Metallica. That gives us a refreshing sound that’s forges these genres together. Their riffs are designed to get your blood pulsing, their dynamics get your fist pumping, and the melody keeps you singing along. We prides our selfs on writing raw, emotional, music; that is transforming a genre that we have branded “H.F.R.”(Hard Fucking Rock).

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

CRNKSHFT: The power of our sets are high in energy and our front man has a great way of engaging with the crowd. We have been able to have people come to our shows and have them appreciate metal music even if that's not their style of music.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?

CRNKSHFT: any competitions that let people engage with live music is good for our music scene. It brings bands and fans together.

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

CRNKSHFT: Thank you to all the sponsors that are putting the time and effort towards this event and bringing bands together. It's a great push for our local music scene.

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?

CRNKSHFT: We're getting ready to release our E.P, we're heading on a Western Canadian Tour this September and a summer European Tour is in discussion at the moment.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?

CRNKSHFT: We don't think that online promotion is the only solution, we believe in engaging directly with people and approaching radio stations and other forms of distributors

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?

CRNKSHFT: https://www.facebook.com/crnkshfthttp://www.soundcloud.com/crnkshfthttps://twitter.com/crnkshftbandhttps://www.instagram.com/crnkshftband/https://crnkshft.bandcamp.com/merch/shaft-shirtshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8nMR5NEi90

Best In Vancouver - Elle Wolf

This indie band is on the prowl and going to devour the competition and win the title "Best In Vancouver". We had a quick chat with the group about their upcoming show.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?
Elle Wolf: Elle Wolf is a 5 piece folk rock band with a bit of an edge. The boys in the band bring a rockier side to things with inspirations from classic rock bands, while the girls bring a more folk side to soften things up. Elle Wolf is influenced by the sound of Metric, Florence and the Machine, July Talk and Laura Marling.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

Elle Wolf: Honestly, we are pretty excited to see the other bands. Elle loves her stoner rock so she's going to be dancing to The Poolsharks. We are really into driven guitar bands and The Bicyclists rad UK inspired sound reminds us of the strokes, so they are going to be great fun. Sail With Kings also sounds amazing, they should probably win on their beard game alone. We got some female power in Elle Wolf that might give us a bit of an edge, but we are just really excited to be playing with these other rad bands. 

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?

Elle Wolf:  Anything that brings bands together that wouldn't have other wise met is pretty cool. We are all about creating a community and playing music with everyone. If we could build a Vancouver Broken Social Scene, that would be a dream and we've kind of already started that with a few bands.  

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

Elle Wolf:  "Thanks!" the more opportunities for smaller bands around this city the better. 

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?

Elle Wolf:  Elle Wolf is heading into the studio with Dan Ponich in November and we will be dropping our first EP early spring with the launch of our Western Canada tour. We are hoping to get into the festival circuit next summer and just keep on playing. 

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?

Elle Wolf: 

We think a lot of different methods of promotion are good. Online is our preferred method because we can reach out to more people that are actually interested in what we have to share, in a shorter amount of time.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?

Elle Wolf:

www.facebook.com/ellewolfmusic

www.soundcloud.com/elle-wolf

we are also on 

instagram @ellewolf

twitter @ellewolfmusic

Best In Vancouver - Blue Lake City

Rock and roll band, Blue Lake City plan to take the title "Best In Vancouver" at this years competition. We had a nice chat with the band about their thoughts on the competition.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band? 

Blue Lake City: Straight up rock n' roll is the only way I can describe it. I can't keep up with all these sub-genres of genres these days. Post-this, electro-that. It's too confusing haha.The five of us have vastly different tastes in music ranging from punk to jazz to hip hop but even after all those influences, it's still just rock n' roll at the end of the day.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?
Blue Lake City: We participated a year or two ago so we checked out some of the bands competing at the time. Some were great, others not so much. I'll definitely check out this year's participants. As for an edge, it's hard to say. I find that most of the rock bands here in Van aren't all that supportive of each other as it is. It's like every show is a competition and too many inflated egos and rock star attitudes when they're playing the same stages as everyone else. Maybe I'm just meeting the wrong bands and people haha. The local punk scene however... now they seem to help each other out.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?
Blue Lake City: I think they're great. As long as there's some worth while prizes designed to help bands move up and better themselves and ample promotion to try and attract a crowd. Only so many of your friends are gonna come and see you play for the 10th time and I find there's a lot of pressure on the bands to fill the venue. That's the promoters job, not the bands.   

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?
Blue Lake City: Keep it up! We all appreciate it. Without them there'd be no battle. Well, there might be but I bet the prizes would suck. 

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
Blue Lake City: We recently finished recording our first album a few months ago. It's in the mixing stages and we still need to decide how we're going to distribute it. It's all independently funded so money is tight. Do people buy CDs still? Cassette tapes are fucking lame. We've been toying with the idea of a small run of vinyl but in the end it might just be a digital release for free and used to promote any live shows. 

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
Blue Lake City: It seems these days that online promo reaches the most people but any kind of promotion is great. I personally enjoy seeing posters plastered to light posts. Handbills dropped in dirty pub bathrooms, stuck to the wall of the stall with spit. I don't listen to the radio but maybe get the local stations to announce an event from time to time? I don't know. Again, that's the promoters job. Not mine.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
Blue Lake City: https://www.facebook.com/bluelakecity/?notif_t=page_fan&notif_id=1473803632209762
https://www.muzooka.com/blue.lake.city
https://bluelakecity.bandcamp.com

Best In Vancouver - Sail With Kings

Taking folk to a whole new level, Sail With Kings are hoping to sail through the competition and win the title "Best In Vancouver". We had a quick chat with them about their upcoming performance.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band

Band: Our sound focus mainly on getting the crowd involved, to feel something more than just the vibrations of sound, but to feel enlightened, empowered and uplifted. We play Power-Folk, the first of its kind ;)

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

Band: We definitely have! And we don't look to particularly have an edge on the competition, but more or less present to Vancouver that our sound in itself is very unique, for we put true technicality, thought, and our talent into each and every song. 

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene? 

Band: What I personally think, is that they DEFINITELY help build the scene, and promotion companies or any company/business putting on shows in general are what keeps the local/"underground" music flowin'. 

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

Band: We'd just like to say thanks for the exposure and the possibility to have our music spread further than we could have done by ourselves, for we know we can't do it alone! 

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?

Band: Currently we are on the search for some key additions to the band, whilst working on getting ready to record a 10-14 song full length album, so aside from all that and playing many many shows along the way, we plan to endlessly tour and raid the world with our music 

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?

Band: I believe online promotion is key, for people check their Facebooks every 2 minutes, but nowadays I'm not sure if anyone would actually stop and read a poster on a postered-up light post. But, other methods NOT online would definitely work, just depends on what they are. 

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?

Band: They can check us out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, ITunes, Spotify, and pretty well any other distributors their are. Just type in "Sail With Kings". 

Best In Vancouver - Sleepcircle

Sleepcircle is getting ready to rock the stage at Studio Records for the Best In Vancouver competition. We had a quick chat with the band about their thoughts on battle of the bands competitions around Vancouver.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?

Sleepcircle: A juicy blend of alternative, metal and prog.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

Sleepcircle: Our band has an edge because of our songwriting and coordinated outfits.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?

Sleepcircle: Battle of the bands are great! It introduces you to regulars and up and comers in the scene and their girlfriends!

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

Sleepcircle: We love Jack Daniels! Not only is it a smooth and delicious Tennessee whiskey but a 260 is the perfect size and weight for braining the raccoons that are always rummaging around in the trash cans out back.

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?

Sleepcircle: We're currently working on our EP and working to expand our presence in the Vancouver music scene through show and events such as this one.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?

Sleepcircle: Online promotion is obviously crucial in promoting bands and shows in this social media age. It never hurts to do some boots on the ground promotion either! We imagine one day doing a WW2 style leaflet bombing campaign in which we drop thousands of leaflets over a city that say, "BUY OUR RECORD BUY OUR RECORD BUY OUR RECORD."

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?

Sleepcircle: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sleepcircleofficial

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sleepcircle

Instagram: sleepcircle

Metal At The Media Club

Journeyman Productions put on a great bill of three up and coming bands at the Media Club on a Wednesday and we decided to go check it out. For a Wednesday night, we know the crowd wasn't going to be bit, but every person there was attentive and up front to support the bands which was nice to see.

Sundran was the first band to hit the stage and their mostly instrumental set really set the tone for the night. Their dynamics were fantastic and being an instrumental band, that is one of the key elements. Adding in the heavy vocals at key parts really made this band stand out. Their riffs were tight and the band overall had such a tight sound. Even though there were odd time signatures thrown around a lot, I found it relatively easy to head bang and follow along with. They are playing a show this Saturday at Funky Winkerbeans and I would highly recommend checking it out!

Porcelain Sky was up next and really blended well with the band before them. Their front man did a great job at getting the crowd interested from the start and kept it up all the way through the show. The bassist, guitarist and drummer really seemed locked together. When parts got quiet, the whole band got super quiet. When things got heavy, it seemed like everyone worked together and just sounded epic. This band has a lot going for them and I hope they keep working hard and I can't wait to see them open up for bigger and bigger bands!

When I was in a band called Freedom Ride, we played a few shows with Lungflower. Then even after that band was finished and I was in a new band called Moniker, who also played shows with Lungflower. This band has been around for ages and had a few member changes but seem to have a formula down for success right now. Their guitarist is just rocking crisp riffs and some great leads. Their bassist is just a monster of a man and even more of a monster on the bass! His thick grooving bass lines fit perfectly with their drummer who adds a classic metal vibe to the whole sound. Overall their sound has changed since I last knew them, but they have grown into a whole new beast that seems to be ready to take on the world!

Best In Vancouver - Switch To Black

Switch To Black is a band that is hungry for glory. Aiming their sights on winning The Best In Vancouver competition this year, we hope to see them do well! We managed to have a quick chat with the band about their thoughts on the competition itself.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?

Switch To Black:  We play a strange breed of desert rock, metal, and punk.  Think of Kyuss, Iron Maiden, and The Dead Kennedy’s having a love child.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

Switch To Black:  Well since we’re all still underage we’ve never had a good chance to check out many bands and their sweet moves, but we always have a few tricks up our sleeves and the sleeves shall be rolled up on October 7th!!

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?

Switch To Black:  Our past two experiences in the Best in Vancouver competition have been awesome and we’ve met, and been inspired by, lots of other great bands.  We really hope these events get music fans excited for the opportunity to discover new bands and enjoy the live music experience.

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

Switch To Black:  THANK YOU!  Thank you for believing in live music, for giving local Vancouver bands the chance to perform at an amazing venue, and to get their name out there.  There’s so much art, and so many talented musicians in this city; and it’s because of you - the sponsors - that a few of them are able to connect, learn from each other, and show off Vancouver’s giant upcoming rock scene.

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?

Switch To Black:  We’re getting into the studio again and hope to have a brand new single out before Christmas.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?

Switch To Black:  Online promotion has been key since Zuckerberg birthed Facebook and it gets more and more important every time another social media platform comes along; but as for offline promoting, making friends and connections with bands, or just complete strangers, is definitely our favourite way of getting ourselves out there.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?

Switch To Black:  We have a website, along with all the usual social media links. You can find our debut EP, Nascent Noise on Spotify, BandCamp, iTunes and CDBaby!

http://switchtoblack.com

Robyn & Ryleigh - BCCMA Nomination

Being sisters is hard enough growing up, but becoming a musical duo and taking on the world of Country music must be a crazy life! Having had great success and being signed to a major label, it looks like all their hard work is paying off. We had a quick chat with the duo about their BCCMA nomination.

Hammer Records: What does Country music mean to you?

Robyn&Ryleigh: We love all types of music but Country music is our roots. We grew up listening to Dolly Pardon, Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain. When we started playing and writing music it naturally came out country, although there is a bit of a rock/pop style to it as well.


Hammer Records: How does it feel to be nominated for an award? What do you think made you stand out?

Robyn&Ryleigh: It is a truly amazing feeling to have these nominations.  Being nominated shows us that the BC country music family believes in us and our music.  The feeling is incredible and motivates us to work even harder.   We like to think that the "rock" aspect in our style of country music stands out to people too. We like to include covers in our sets of male artists including Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, ACDC and Trooper!


Hammer Records: What do you have coming up in the future for your fans?

Robyn&Ryleigh:  We have a new single coming out soon and we have a music video in the works that we're shooting in the Okanagan with some partners. We can't wait to tell you all about it.


Hammer Records: Do you think there are enough venues playing country music? What do you want to say to the fans of country music?

Robyn&Ryleigh: I think country music is really taking off again and getting more popular all the time. It's the fans of country that are making it so. There's more demand for it so It seems like more venues are booking country now. Country music fans are the best :)... it's a new generation for a whole new country.


Hammer Records: What other artists in the genre do you look up to?

Robyn&Ryleigh: Miranda Lambert, Dixie Chicks Keith Urban and most recently Chris Stapleton. Then there are a lot of up and coming new bands from right here in the West that are really making a name for themselves. The Chris Buck Band, our fellow Royalty Record label mates, are hitting it hard, they have an awesome sound! Washboard Union truly amazing band. Both these bands are also nominees at the BCCMA this year in some of the same categories too... our dukes are up haha just kidding, it's an honour to be in the same categories that's for sure.


Hammer Records: What advice do you have for country artists that are just starting out?

Robyn&Ryleigh: If music is in your heart and in your soul then never stop and don't look back. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and don't listen to the people who don't. The more time you put into it the better you'll get.


Hammer Records: What are your social media links and where can people find you?

Robyn&Ryleigh:
Website: http://www.robynandryleigh.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/robynandryleigh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynandryleigh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/robynandryleigh

Best In Vancouver - Pretty Idiots

Bring the grooves, Pretty Idiots hopes to claim the prizes from this years Best In Vancouver competition. We had a quick chat with the band about their thoughts on the upcoming performance.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?

Pretty Idiots: It's loud. It's soulful and it's riddled with grunge angst. Mix any band from the sup pop days with John Mayer(like early John Mayer, not like Daughters singing John Mayer. A cross between those two might be too epic to handle). 

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?
Pretty Idiots: We've had a chance to check out a few, some great bands and we are really excited to hear some new music during this competition.
I really don't feel comfortable answering this part of the question. If I tell someone what my edge is and then they copy my edge.. then I have no edge and this whole question is irrelevant. ~C~

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?
Pretty Idiots: Of course. All PR is good PR and to have a company like Moozuka throwing their support behind it.  This will hopefully lead to a lot of great exposure that we otherwise may not of had the chance to get. ~B~

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?
Pretty Idiots: 2 cups flour. 1/2 cup milk. 2 tsp baking soda. Pinch of salt. 1 egg and a thimble full of vanilla. Mix lightly until ingredients are together but not beaten into a straight liquid.  Warm a frying pan on medium heat, until water forms beads on it, when you use water to see if it's warm enough..but not a lot of water. Like sprinkle some water on it.  If it forms beads you're good to go.  1 cup batter per pancake.  Cook until bubbles have formed and burst, flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.  Serve with butter and your choice to flavored syrups. But I recommend maple syrup.  Keep it canadian. ~C~

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
Pretty Idiots: We will be playing at the Media club on October 28th, and hopefully the finals of this contest in November.  We are also headed to the studio soon to record a nice shiny new EP.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
Pretty Idiots: When we started out, it was all word of mouth, getting friends excited about seeing us play. As we started playing more shows, we needed a way to reach a larger audience.
We have found that in the social media world that we live in, people no longer pay attention to hand bills, posters on lamp posts or flashy signs. Invite someone to a concert and they ask for a Facebook invite.  Nothing is official till it's Facebook official.  So social media is a key to being able to remain in the public conscience. It also gives us a chance to interact with our fans on a far more personal level. ~B~

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
Pretty Idiots:
www.facebook.com/prettyidiots
www.soundcloud.com/pretty-idiots

Best In Vancouver - Event Horizon

This Burnaby band is going to rock the stage at Studio Records in an attempt to claim the top spot in the Best In Vancouver competition. Some fantastic prizes for the winner that would help launch this bands career! We chatted with the band about their upcoming show.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?
Event Horizon: We are the lovechildren of Foo Fighters + Jimmy Eat World + The Offspring. While we incorporate our influences, we add our own personal style and blend of rock and punk to the music. As a result we have developed a sound that includes catchy dueling vocals, interesting bass lines, intricate guitar riffs and driving drum beats.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?
Event Horizon: While we haven't checked out past competitions, we think they are an extremely valuable tool for local live musicians. We think our creatively catchy music, energetic live shows and dedication to striving for improvement gives us a competitive edge.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?
Event Horizon: Battle of the bands play an integral role in the fabric of any music scene and creates the drive to be the best of the competition. It gives many bands an opportunity to showcase their material and to watch and learn from the countless musicians and talents.

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?
Event Horizon: Without the sponsors, none of these events would even begin to be possible. We are so thrilled to be given this chance to share a stage with amazing acts and we cannot thank the sponsors enough. We will relentlessly show our appreciation for this opportunity. We want to create a lasting symbiotic relationship that will continue to benefit both sides of the partnership.

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
Event Horizon: Space travel. Other than countless hours of sweaty practices and music creation, we hope to perform on many more Vancouver stages. We are excited to release new music soon to all of our social media outlets. When given the opportunity to expand out of Vancouver we would gladly be ready for that exciting new endeavour.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
Event Horizon: We are dedicated to any means of promoting, whether with handbills or pounding the pavement as we understand not everyone is using online methods. While online promotion is extremely important, it doesn't mean we should neglect other forms of getting our name out there. We are our brand and every interaction we have is an opportunity to spread the word and expand our fan base.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
Event Horizon: Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/theeventthehorizon
Twitter: @eventhorizonvan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theeventthehorizon

Best In Vancouver - Landmark 20

The Best In Vancouver competition is coming up in October this year and some fantastic bands on ready to throw down to try and win some epic prizes!

This North Vancouver band is setting their sights on winning the competition. Having just hit the studio to record an album they are eager to get things moving! We spoke with the band about their thoughts on the Best In Vancouver competition.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?
Landmark 20: We play mostly fun punk rock!

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?
Landmark 20: We've only recently learned about the competition and it sounds like a lot of fun. We just like to have fun on stage and make sure the audience is having a good time and enjoying the music.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?
Landmark 20: We think that opportunities like these are a great a way to meet fellow musicians and get your's and other peoples music heard.

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?Landmark 20:  "Thank you for sponsoring this event, giving our band and others the opportunity to be heard, and supporting live music in general."

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
Landmark 20: We have our debut album being released in the coming months, with a couple singles, the first of which being released in late October. We also plan on playing as many shows as possible and hopefully a tour next summer.

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
Landmark 20:  In this time of social media, online marketing is a key in getting yourself out there. But, the physical aspect of promotion (posters, flyers, etc.) is also key.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
Landmark 20: Most of our info is shared through: Facebook: www.facebook.com/landmark20band

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/landmark20band

Our music from our first EP, Inconsistent, is on:

www.soundcloud.com/landmark-20

And finally, our YouTube channel which shows vlogs of us recording the album along with some shenanigans, and will have live and recorded music up on it once the album is out.

Best In Vancouver - Porcelain Sky

The Best In Vancouver competition is coming up in October this year and some fantastic bands on ready to throw down to try and win some epic prizes!


Porcelain Sky has quickly rose in popularity and are spreading their music in preparation for their new album. Having a steady fan base already will help them in the competition. We spoke with the band about their thoughts on Best In Vancouver.



Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?

Porcelain Sky: Yes, we are an alternative metal band with a progressive edge.

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?

Porcelain Sky: We've heard and even played with some of the Best In Vancouver competitors in the past, including a couple bands that were selected in this year's competition. One thing that may give us the edge is having a different sort of song structure as well as a front man with lots of energy.

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?

Porcelain Sky: I certainly think it gets people talking and gets people out to see the performances. 

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?

Porcelain Sky: Thank you for the opportunity, of course! and i would like to add, "you rock!"

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
Porcelain Sky: We are currently in the works of writing new material and are working towards recording an EP. We are also planning to play more shows in Vancouver as well as out of town. There are no set dates at the moment but be on the look out!

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
Porcelain Sky: I believe we live in the digital age where online promoting is probably the one that will reach most people, but we shouldn't leave out those who spend more time in the outside world! plus, physical handbills are great collectable items!

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
Porcelain Sky: 

website: http://www.porcelainskyband.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porcelainskyband/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/porcelainskyband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/porcelain_sky_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porcelainskyband

Best In Vancouver - The Fallaways

The Best In Vancouver competition is coming up in October this year and some fantastic bands on ready to throw down to try and win some epic prizes!

The Fallaways hail from Kelowna and one of the most put together bands we've seen in a while. Their professionalism of their online presence speaks for itself. Seeing their tour plans and radio meet ups already shows that his band has things in motion for themselves. We spoke with the band about their thoughts on the Best In Vancouver competition.

Hammer Records: For those who might not be familiar with your band, can you give a brief description of the sound of your band?
The Fallaways: The closest thing i can imagine is if you combined a band like WEEZER with FIDLAR

Hammer Records: Have you checked out past “Best In Vancouver” competitions? What do you think gives your band the edge on the competition?
The Fallaways: This will be our first time. We've put the time into it and we've been seeing the reward. No reason to stop now!

Hammer Records: What do you think of the battle of the bands competitions? Do they help build a scene?
The Fallaways: Growing up in a small town where they didn't happen all that often i can see them helping with the scene. Its definitely a place for all genres to intertwine. 

Hammer Records: What do you want to say to the sponsors who are helping putting on the event?
The Fallaways: Events like this are the what keep a lot of musicians with some form of anticipation.. seems needed in an industry as tough as ours. Thank you!

Hammer Records: Aside from playing the showcases, what is in the future for the band?
The Fallaways: Radio Play, Tour, Music Videos, Parties... hopefully careers?

Hammer Records: Do you believe in promoting with handbills or other methods that aren’t online? Or do you think that online promotion is key?
The Fallaways: i think it depends on the people. Online promotion IS necessary these days. i see some great bands struggling simply because they lack in social media skills or effort.

Hammer Records: What are your social media links and how can people find your music?
The Fallaways: https://www.facebook.com/TheFallaways  -  New single drops September 17th!

Leave A Light On

We heard about Ivy James during our interviews with artists that were performing at Toronto Music Week. Her newest single and video "Leave A Light On" is fantasiclly filmed and a real throwback to early 2000's pop rock. Reminding me of Paramore, Avril Lavigne, Lillix, this song fits perfectly into a pocket that has been empty for too long. I think this is a solid single and I hope a second single is released with just a little more bite, a little more attitude just to contradict this first single. We will be keeping our eye on Ivy!

Check out Ivy's Facebook page HERE.

Little Evenings, Long Nights

I love when true musicians release music from their heart. Its not about selling records, or being a rockstar. It's about releasing your music into the world and seeing where it goes. Angus Maude has a voice that just connects with your soul. The instrumentation is just fantastic and truly stays true with the genre of indie. I could hear this on the radio so easily. But what grabs me the most, are the musical ideas that Angus has created. The album just breaths, vocal layer allows his voice to move beyond each track and really sink into your brain. A few instruments make me wish they were recorded even more DYI. I would have loved to hear the piano in "Tattoos" be more out of tune. Like it was recorded on an old worn out piano covered in dust in the back of the studio. I think the album sounds great, but I think the production could be even more rustic in some tracks just to give it that earthly feel. I love the guitar in "Capo 9" which has such an organic feel to it.

The whole album is just a set of stories that when they all come together it just leaves you wanting more. I would gladly go listen to Angus for hours in a little coffee house, as long as I could have a good seat and a nice cold beer. A real diamond in the rough, this album just wants me to share it with friends and I know I will be adding it to my phone and listening to it and so should you.

Check out his Facebook page HERE.
Here the album for free on Spotify HERE.