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.
Sugarblade considers themselves a rock band with a hint of power-pop. The chemistry of this foursome lies in the fact that each member comes from a different musical background in terms of influences and styles. Take an instantly-recognizable vocalist with a style that is a blend of Morrisey, Muse, and Peter Gabriel. Add a guitarist heavily immersed in the glamrock and metal of the 80's, with a incredible knack for melody. Now add a rhythm section consisting of a rock-solid drummer with an ear for detail, and a metal bassist with a love for all music dark and angry. Combine those elements with great songwriting, a love for what they do and a sound all their own and you have Sugarblade.

•  like a classic
•  How to make a good...
•  Totally!
•  I love anything acoustic...
•  Acoustic Rock Ballad!

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.

•  Live at the Columbia
•  Grunge

'Soulful. Unique. Amazing.'

This is how listeners describe Heidi McCurdy’s voice.

'Sultry jazz-pop with groove and an attitude.'

This is how they describe her songs.

With hip rhythms, thick harmonies, clever lyrics and an eclectic array of influences (soul, jazz, world) Heidi’s music enchants listeners, and compels them to sing along. Her song Fickle Mind won first place in the Write On ’97 songwriting contest. In May 2004, her song Placebo earned Honorable Mention with international Song of the Year. She has won numerous awards on Garageband.com including Best Female Vocals and Track of the Day.

In the early ‘90’s, Heidi co-founded the world/funk band Yellow Belly, which released an independent CD, completed two cross-Canada tours, and had several songs top the charts on MP3.com and college radio. Yellow Belly shared stages with The Bare Naked Ladies, Papa Wemba, Steele Pulse, and 54-40.

Following that project, Heidi created her own ensemble of top musicians, and has been performing funky originals, jazz standards and neo-soul favourites ever since. She has also been a featured vocalist with the Alexander Browne Orchestra and Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine, and a guest with Brickhouse, Soul Stream, Jason Mitchell and Kia Kadiri. She has performed in Europe, the U.S.A., and Canada, including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in 2005.

Audiences love Heidi for her unpretentious persona and soulful performance, her winning blend of natural talent and professional skill. Listeners everywhere are instantly transformed into long-term and loyal fans.

•  One of the best
•  Where has this girl been...
•  Poppitty pop
•  pick it up and move...
• Great Song!

Miriam Davidson is a versatile singer/songwriter and educator on the Vancouver music scene. Her experience in jazz, pop and classical genres has given her music a distinctive sound. Last spring, released her sophomore album Second Take.

In 1998 she recorded and produced her debut CD Subtexts featuring Jon Roper and Marc Rogers. All but three of the songs on the album were written by Miriam. She also sang background vocals for Rob Best's World Jive Big Band's CD "Motsola" in 1999. Miriam sang alto on the Laudate Singers CD releases Christmas Journey and Songs Of Heaven And Earth and Elektra Women’s Choir A Child Of Grace. She continues to be a principal member of the Laudate Singers who have just released their third CD A Baroque Christmas. In 2002, she toured Germany, Austria and Italy with the Capilano College Singers. In August 2003, she sang alto in the Festival Vancouver Chorus Gala Opening concert featuring world renowned conductor Helmuth Rilling conducting Schubert's Mass in A Flat. During the Christmas season, she sings in and manages an a cappella vocal ensemble Caminando as well as a seasonal voice and piano/keyboard duo with pianist Ian Cox.

•  fitting accompaniment
•  children's song set to ROCK?
•  
•  I like it
•  i like it

Rio Bent is carving a new niche in the genre of punk rock. With powerful female vocals, intense guitars and explosive percussion Rio Bent is kicking out elegant raunch for the ages.

Winning over audiences wherever they play with a riveting ‘can’t take your eyes off them’ stage show.

They’ve appeared nation-wide on Much Music, toured from Vancouver to Montreal and shared the stage with such indie-punk greats as the Mad Caddies and the Black Halos.

Rio Bent is on the brink of releasing their debut full length CD, produced, recorded and mixed by Paul Forgues (Slayer, Hatebreed), Blair Calibaba (NoMeansNo, Propaghandhi) and Dave Rave Ogilvie (Nine Inch Nails, 54-40).

Graceful, tasteful and highly attractive,
Rio Bent is the grit and glory you’ve been waiting for.

•  the kids are alright
•  Pure Punk

With hook heavy songs, stuck-in-your-head melodies, and strong female vocals, Tripping West is what great Canadian indie rock is all about. The members of this West Coast band hail from Montreal (Alex and Orlando), Vancouver ( Tricia), and St. John's (Blair), and their appeal seems to be as widespread as their geographic beginnings. In their almost three year history they've gained rave reviews from around the globe, and a dedicated following. They've drawn comparisons to such bands as Blondie, the Cranberries, and the Pretenders, yet they've also clearly created their own unique sound and style. September 2006 marked the release of Tripping West’s first full length CD entitled "Scenes From Our Lives." This rich and surprising debut album has already gained great reviews from both the local and cyber music scenes. In fact, the only thing more compelling than their new CD is the fun, high energy performance of their live shows, if you're lucky enough to catch them...

•  Rock
•  I like it :)
•  verry good
•  Something different

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved to North America in 1989. I began playing the acoustic guitar at the age of ten, later taking lessons at the famous Crossroads Guitar Shop in Port Moody. I began writing in high school with the help of a teacher who stayed late to help me record my demo. Many performances ensued, including a performance on the CBC and at local coffee shops and pubs. I have recently been on hiatus from music - due to studying Marketing full-time at BCIT. I am graduating in a matter of months and can't wait to get out and have a little more time to get back into music!!

• wistful
•  The Stray Cats live!
•  nice quiet song
•  Rockabilly with a country voice