Other bands who have played out in Burnaby
| On Project Opus since: | April 23, 2007 |
| Last seen: | 1 hour 36 min ago |
| Biography: | Vincent Van Gogh “loved life so bad, his paintings had twice the color other paintings had”. So sings Jonathan Richman (on Rockin’ and Romance). And that tells you something about musician Allison Crowe. A modern lover of music, blogger Muruch frames it like this: "There's really no way to convey through mere words how much the music... moves me, or how I want other people to listen to and adore it as much as I do. Allison sings with such an intensity of emotion, it's easy to see why she's often quoted as saying 'Why music? Why breathing?'... that kind of artistic passion seems extremely rare these days." "I love singing for people," says Allison Crowe. "It's a way to connect and share with others. Communication is crucial. Just being able to do what I do, to write and sing and perform, makes me feel not only alive, but incredibly lucky. Knowing at any moment everything could change, I don't take one second for granted." Born 26 years ago, on an island, in the harbour city of Nanaimo, B.C., today Crowe's reach is global. The audience for her music videos and song downloads numbers in the millions. "Allison Crowe has a voice to fall in love with," says UK music industry journal Record of the Day. "She is from Vancouver Island in Canada, descended from Scottish, Irish and Manx stock. She's exactly the sort of artist who can make serious headway on her own label and that's just what she's doing." When this phenomenon 'from the islands' reached the mainland she steered a path clear of what Joni Mitchell knowingly calls the record industry’s “style inventions”. With Ani DiFranco and Loreena McKennitt as models Crowe created her own label. Since 2003, Rubenesque Records Ltd has released five critically and commercially successful albums: Lisa's Song+ 6 Songs; Secrets; Tidings; Live at Wood Hall; and This Little Bird. "The first thing you notice about Allison Crowe is her voice. Rich and dark, it seems to come from a place most singers can only dream of accessing. Then there are the songs. Filled with raw passion and accompanied by Crowe's eloquent piano playing," writes Clodagh O'Connell (The Courier). Hers is a joyous sound: "Elton John meets Edith Piaf." A sensation at the UK’s John Lennon Northern Lights Festival, “Canadian angel Alison Crowe gave one of the weekend's most magical moments," says The Scotsman. Festival Director Mike Merritt describes Crowe as "awesome" and "spine-tingling", noting her performance “put hairs on the back of your neck! She brought the house down." A true grassroots success, Crowe’s praised not only as a singularly talented songwriter - on themes personal as well as worldly - and as a visceral performer, but, also, as a supreme interpreter of song. Her vital takes on such 21st century standards as Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and Joni Mitchell's "River" are applauded as "truly transcendent". Her Tidings CD, a mix of traditional carols plus songs of joy, peace, and redemption from the secular songbook, is an emerging classic: "music for the season and all time". "Her voice celebrates the music with a bluesy rock-gospel intensity; her controlled vibrato, silken rasp, and powerful projection rivet your attention. This is no casual background music. be prepared to be amazed," says Hamline University Professor Of Law - and CD reviewer - Carol Swanson. "Every song radiates sincerity, creative flair, and emotional intensity." ”It takes a lot of self-confidence to tackle Aretha (Franklin)'s version of 'I Never Loved a Man...' but Allison does and nails it just as good as the Queen of Soul herself. Her piano playing is equally exquisite," says Bob Muller, curator of song covers at JoniMitchell.com in his review of Crowe’s newest album, This Little Bird. He sums up: "Treat yourself to one of the mightiest talents on the singer-songwriter scene today." David Powell, Welsh-based tech writes: "I'm listening to 'Effortless' on (Allison Crowe's) This Little Bird album with my Pro-Ject headphone amplifier turned up about a quarter more than on most modern records. It sounds fantastic because unlike most modern records it hasn't had the **** compressed out of it to raise the loudness." Vocalist, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, engineer, producer and arranger, Allison Crowe now lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia and Corner Brook, Newfoundland. From these home-bases, (spanning the full 7000 km breadth of Canada), she tours steadily, earning a reputation for exciting live shows that stir together her original songs with much-loved interpretations in an organic blend of rock, jazz, folk, Broadway, gospel and soul. "Ever wonder what it would have been like to listen to a gifted singer/songwriter from Saskatchewan in a small, intimate hall before she became Joni Mitchell? Don't fret the missed opportunity. There's no need to turn back the clock. Check out Allison Crowe," says Robert Reid in The Record. "Allison has a special gift that is so very rare in musicians today. She is true to her mind, heart and spirit," says Ross Hocker, long-time public broadcaster with NPR affiliate WGTE. Hocker, whose musical taste embraces Thelonious Monk, Bela Bartok and Charles Gounod, calls Allison Crowe's live performance "the most honest, heartfelt, and directly intimate concert in my entire life." "In an entertainment world that increasingly genuflects at the altar of instant fame, Crowe seems an anomaly, building her career slowly and carefully," notes Adrian Chamberlain, of Canada's Times Colonist newspaper. "Soulful. Alive. Joyous. Grievous. Real, true, music is what I want to make," says Allison Crowe. You can lend an ear... |
| Albums: | Little Light,Tidings,Lisa's Song + 6 Songs,Secrets,Live at Wood Hall,This Little Bird |
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| On Project Opus since: | January 30, 2006 |
| Last seen: | 2 weeks 4 days ago |
| Biography: | Sugarblade was started in July 2004 when Miguel Staunton and Alec Brietzke first sat down together to jam out some songs. Both musicians had just come from broken bands and had been looking forward to doing an acoustic project to take a bit of a break. Realizing that the songs had real potential the duo decided to try the full-band approach once again. Recently coming out of a band herself, (Maverick recording artist, "Lillix"), Kim Urhahn seemed an ideal addition on drums. Soon after, Greg M., an old friend of Alec's, joined the trio on bass, thus completing the band. It became obvious after only a few live shows that Sugarblade had something special. The band gained a loyal following instantly and has been playing relentlessly to rave reviews and an ever-growing fanbase. The band released a 7-song EP entitled "Faux" in July of 2006, which has been selling steadily and exposing them to more and more fans. Several independent and college radio stations have recently added Sugarblade to their regular rotation and the band is poised to take their music to the highest level possible. |
| Albums: | Demos,Acoustic extras,Faux |
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| On Project Opus since: | September 23, 2007 |
| Last seen: | 4 weeks 2 days ago |
| Biography: | BRAVE by NUMBERS captures the essence of intense, powerful, inspiring music. The heartfelt singing and thundering guitar of ROBB HILL are blended with outstanding rhythmic bass from ANDREW HAY, and the heart pounding drums from one of the best in the business. BRAVE BY NUMBERS brings alternative rock to the table unlike most. The passion of the music and lyrics is felt with every strum of the guitar and pounding fury of the drums. BRAVE BY NUMBERS continue to create music that has a raw, energetic edge that pushes for more than is usually found in today's radio-friendly poppy songs. Brave By Numbers also has plenty of mellow, sensual songs as well. Your foot will be tapping and you'll be singing along to their upbeat songs. Check out upcoming shows & news at WWW.BRAVEBYNUMBERS.COM |
| Albums: | Brave By Numbers EP |
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| On Project Opus since: | July 14, 2006 |
| Last seen: | 10 weeks 3 days ago |
| Biography: | FMTA initially formed in 2001 with Andrew Matecha and Steve Springman collaborating musically, working towards creating music of a unique, meaningful and notable heavy-industrial style. After a few years of fairly reclusive songwriting and recording, FMTA gained a new member, Tyler Davidson, who brought the sound of his well-distorted guitars into the mix. FMTA later released their debut studio-recorded EP, entitled "In The End, You Don't Exist", on December 8th, 2006. At the beginning of 2007, singer Jen Langille was recruited to join the band, in a step to bring the band further realization of their musical & artistic goals. More recently, the band have parted ways with guitarist Tyler Davidson but continue to write new material in anticipation of their next release. |
| Albums: | In The End, You Don't Exist |
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| On Project Opus since: | January 29, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Formed in early 2002, Vancouver's Azimyth is Corey Hawkins (guitar/vocals), Arlen Chudley (drummer/percussion) and Rory Chudley (bass). Their myriad of musical backgrounds and influences has skillfully coalesced into this surprisingly mature, heavy-hitting, post-grunge trio of young Canadian lads. The focal point of Azimyth is self-taught curiosity, Corey Hawkins employing tremendous singing and songwriting talent and years of rock'n roll experience. Asked for influences, Hawkins lists Nirvana, Pixies, SLipknot, Buddy Guy, Duran Duran, INXS and the Beatles, finally describing Azimyth as "pop-metal". Azimyth is indeed an approachable, if noisy, entity. Hawkins' grinding guitar genius paves the way for diversified vocals - at times soft and brooding hums, other times rich, resonant screams. Brothers Rory & Arlen's dynamic chemistry combined with their eccentric personalities spawn a unique and energizing musical foundation, which complement perfectly with Corey's emotionally persuasive art. Also introducing Julien Giraud as Azimyth's second guitar arsenal. An amazing player of 15 years Julien handles the guitar like none other. Forming fast paced solos with his eclectic style he completes Azimyth by building up a solid wall of guitar while playing live or in the Studio. Azimyth is undeniably active in the West Coast music scene, performing live at countless local venues. Their electrifying live performances are not to be missed, setting stages ablaze throughout Vancouver; such as their notorious show for radio station 99.3 The Fox and their Santa Fox Food Drive. Hawkins' heartfelt songwriting appeals to a wide audience, as made apparent by a devoted local fan base ever thirsty for their crunchy post-grunge new wave rock. |
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| On Project Opus since: | February 25, 2006 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | 11 new originals from Heidi Vincent, a new indie project in the alternative pop vein. Happy Now is the anticipated debut release. It's the result of my life experiences, my love of writing and singing. It’s the result of 8 months of rehearsing and recording. It’s a result of the incredible and talented musicians in Vancouver that have indulged my vision and have become good friends in the process. We all came from different backgrounds, new wave, reggae, pop, punk even metal and this is what helped give the songs a flush feel and a positive result. There was only one way to record this album and that was to just do it. No talking, no second guessing and no re-visiting old material. The goal was to grow, experiment and put it down on tape, well ok, the drums were on tape and the rest was digital. We had already completed the pre-production with a month of jamming out the tunes at the Rockspace and by the time we got to the studio it all fell into place. Drums and Bass were recorded at John McLean’s studio The Factory (Marilyn Manson, Motley Crew, Billy Talent, Bon Jovi) in Vancouver, BC on the Neve 8048 62. I wanted to capture the warmth of tape for this part of the album, and we stayed as long as I could afford it. A lot of positive energy was generated in those sessions, when it came time to lay down the guitars we were more than excited. Lab Monkey Studio’s in Vancouver, just off Commercial Drive is owned and operated by the definitively venerable, Shawn Cole. And, although the studio is a beat up, slightly musty and hard to find, it was a significantly positive and a creative womb to us. This is where the album was fleshed out, through the fall and over the dark winter months we moved along in a natural progression. Guitars, overdubs, keys, vocals, harmonies, all the extras, tweaking everything along the way and even adding crazy things like horn section in few songs. You just find what it needs as you go along. Finishing co-incidentally as the spring arrived, a brand new year and brand new opportunities. I had recorded an album before, had my songs played on radio internationally. I’d showcased on television. I’d played live and supported bands such as Morning Maker, The Winks, Bocephus King, Craig Jacks, Simone Pope, Deluxe and had headlined shows at some of the best Vancouver venues. I’d done quite a bit for someone active for a mere 6 years. But, never with a full album that I was excited about or had even been able to get printed. That time is here with Happy Now. I love music. I love expressing myself through music. These songs are more sophisticated, they are the dirty-pretty sound that I have searched for, the ones rattling around in my empty head for a couple of years. Girly, defiant, murderous, tongue in cheek, the album articulates every emotion of my love and life. |
| Albums: | Happy Now - VINCENT |
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| On Project Opus since: | October 8, 2005 |
| Last seen: | never |
| Biography: | Tom Howie is a singer/songwriter from Vancouver, BC. After releasing his debut EP Stepping Stones to great reviews and eager audiences in September 2005, he has gone on to play many of the premier clubs in Vancouver while completing his final year of high school. Now 18 and graduated, Tom is taking on music full time, including recording a full length album with producer/musician Ashwin Sood (Sarah McLachlan) and engineer Chris Potter (Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan). Also on board is Vancouver/San Francisco based composer/producer/musician Jason Nett (composer in residence, Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra). After being the lead singer and songwriter in many bands throughout high school, Tom decided to go out on his own and play the music that came most naturally to him. “I want to be able to write a band tune or a little soulful ballad, or whatever else, and just let it be what it is. I'm enjoying the freedom of experimentation." With that thought in mind, Tom sat down with friend/producer Josh Bluman to record Stepping Stones at the studio of highly acclaimed producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Hedley, Red Hot Chili Peppers). The EP features stripped down versions of four soulful, satisfying songs. YouThink Magazine had this to say: “The ability to spin out four tracks that have yet to be boring, complete with lyrics that are startlingly affecting, isn’t just dumb luck. Howie’s observations about life and its joys and sorrows, combined with his acoustic, mellow sound, build a strong sample of what he has yet to give.” Looking ahead, Tom is filled with great excitement about recording new material, which he says has lots more to offer; from simple, haunting, poetic songs, to full out rockers. “Things are just starting to work out for me, and there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. I love playing, singing and writing more than anything. Busy? Bring it on!” Be sure to see Tom Howie live in concert, either with his band or on his own. Visit myspace.com/tomhowie for tour dates and streaming audio. |
| Albums: | Stepping Stones EP |
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