New Three Days Grace

The first single from Three Days Grace since they were joined by new vocalist Matt Walst was recently released. Check it out here, then let us know what you think.

Matt Webb

Hey everyone! Remember Bad Girl, the song we shamelessly promoted last year? Well, get ready for more!

Matt Webb is planning to release a new EP called "Right Direction" this upcoming February! For more details, visit his Facebook page.

And if you still haven't listened to his last EP "Coda and Jacket", check it out on iTunes.

Like A Storm Returns to Vancouver

UPDATE: Unfortunately, this show has been canceled. For details, visit the Like A Storm Facebook page.


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Great news!

Like A Storm is coming back to Vancouver as part of their "Love The Way You Hate Me"
Tour, for a show at Electric Owl on December 7th! We'll be there,  make sure you are too.

Buy tickets now

And make sure you watch their music video for their single "Love The Way You Hate Me" from their upcoming album Chaos Theory: Pt 2. You'll hear more new songs, as well as past favourites, at this plugged-in show next weekend, which features drummer Garrett Whitlock (Tremonti Project).
Grab tickets now!

Check out photos from past Like A Storm shows:
Acoustic show at the Backstage Lounge
Openers for Seether at the Commodore Ballroom

Hannah Georgas

Music lovers!

Have you heard Hannah Georgas' new cover of Rihanna's song "Stay"? If not, make sure to give it a listen and let us know what you think.

You'll find this song along with original tracks on her new self-titled EP.

And if you want to see Hannah Georgas put out a music video for her song "Enemies" make sure you pledge some funds to help her out, while supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation! Visit her Pledge Music site to get involved, and spread the word!

Keep checking back for more great music announcements!

Party for the Planet: Hey Ocean! and Lights

On April 27th, 2013, Hey Ocean! and Lights helped Surrey celebrate Earth Day with Party for the Planet, a family-friendly event with free concerts.

Hey Ocean! is a local indie pop rock band whom we've had the pleasure of seeing many times, but they always seem to surprise us with a little something extra. Ashleigh Ball (vocals and innumerable other instruments), David Beckingham (vocals and guitar) and David Vertesi (vocals and bass) were joined on stage by Dan Klenner who was playing the guitar instead of the drums. The second guitar was a pleasant addition, filling out their sound and tipping them a little closer to rock than pop, but still allowing them to pump out compelling dance-inducing beats. I know it has been said many times, but you really need to see Hey Ocean! perform live!

For more information about Hey Ocean! check out their website: loveheyocean.com

Your next chance to see Hey Ocean! in Vancouver is on July 12th when they open with Jimmy Eat World for City and Colour at the PNE Amphitheatre. Tickets are available at ticketleader.ca

Lights is a Canadian electro pop rock musician who has catchy toe-tapping beats and an exciting stage presence. Despite having a huge following, she is very humble and appreciates her fans. We actually accidentally ran into her hanging out with her fans after the hour-long show! 

For more information about Lights check out her website: iamlights.com

Lights played a sold-out acoustic show at the Rio Theatre in Vancouver yesterday and will be playing another set tonight!

More photos of Hey Ocean! and Lights after the break!

Serena Ryder with Danielle Duval

On April 24th, Serena Ryder played a high energy and very fun show at the Commodore Ballroom. This sold out show attracted a crowd young and old.

Danielle Duval at the Commodore Ballroom

The opener, Danielle Duval was mesmerizing. This Montreal born rocker brings a lot of oomph to the stage. She played acoustic versions of her songs on the bass, guitar and piano. Her song "You can't come any closer" was very intimate and moving. For someone who is only 5ft 4 (and a ¼) she definitely has a big strong voice and a lot of presence. Her rendition of Grease got everyone singing along and hyped up for the show. Her final song " Ambulance" got the crowd cheering and wanting more from her. Duval is definitely a talent to follow.   

For more information about Danielle Duval and a free song download, check out her website: ofthevalley.com

Serena Ryder at the Commodore Ballroom

For Ryder herself, playing at the Commodore Ballroom was a dream come true. She told the crowd about how she was first acquainted to the Commodore when she opened for an act at the age of 19 or 20. Now here she is playing as the headliner of a sold out show, promoting her latest album Harmony. Her energy was contagious, you could really feel that she was having a lot of fun on stage and it got everyone in the crowd singing and dancing along. On a side note, we had the privilege to be standing next to Ryder’s mom, whom Ryder made a lot of shout outs to and often visited on stage right with shouts of “Hi mom!” mid-song. Ryder invited a fan on stage, Jeremiah, to sing and harmonize with her on “Please Baby Please.” She brought the crowd to a culminating halt and enthusiasm with her song “Stompa” and “Circle of the Sun” leaving the crowd in disbelief that the concert was over. Ryder then came back on stage twice to do encores, finally finishing with a slightly more mellow “Weak in the Knees.” She is currently on tour with her latest album Harmony.

For more information about Serena Ryder, check out her website: serenaryder.com

More photos after the break!

My Song For Change contest

Musicians!

Make Music Matter and Western Union are holding an amazing contest for Canadian song writers over 18. Music can be powerful and this contest allows song writers to express themselves and focus on current opinions and issues faced by young Canadians. Submit your original song for a chance at the big prize: work with Ian D'Sa from Billy Talent and Cone McCaslin from Sum 41 as they help you professionally record your song and shoot a music video! Enter the contest and be heard, for your chance to win this great opportunity! Deadline is June 15th and online voting will determine the winner. Don't miss your chance!

 For more info visit the contest website.

Like A Storm

On April 13th at the Backstage Lounge, New Zealand rockers Like A Storm gave fans an intimate last show before relocating to Toronto. The acoustic set emphasized the group's vocal and instrumental strengths, and was interspersed with personal stories about the band's beginnings and highlights of their career. Combined with their relaxed attitude and close proximity with the crowd, the night became an emotional goodbye to fans, showing the members' gratitude and connection with fans and with each other.

Check out their upcoming tour dates at www.likeastorm.com

More photos after the break!

Free Music from City and Colour

City and Colour's new album The Hurry and The Harm will be released on June 4th, 2013, but right now you can get the 3rd song on the album "Of Space and Time" free!

For more information about City and Colour's new album, check out http://cityandcolour.ca

Marilyn Manson

Feb. 11th, 2013-Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The crowd was all dressed up and ready to go. Some of the outfits were quite elaborate, and the stage sets were too. Unfortunately, after fighting with illness, Manson kept the show quite short. Nevertheless, the show started and ended with a bang (quite literally thanks to the confetti shooters)! Manson hit a couple of the popular tunes that got people up out of their seats, screaming through Sweet Dreams and mOBSCENE, but neglected to cover his newest album's single Born Villain. Still, fans seemed satisfied with the setlist and recognized a lot of their favourites. Overall I'd say the crowd was receptive, but were disappointed at the abrupt ending.

 If you have any comments, reviews, or photos we'd love to see and share them! Comment below or email musicinvan@gmail.com.

 Note: openers were Butcher Babies. Check out their single.

Free Music from Dine Alone Records!

We may be easing back into those long stretches of rain that us Vancouverites are used to, but you can relive all those warm sunny days with the "Steamy Summer" Sampler from Dine Alone Records! To get the free download with songs by artists such as Hannah Georgas, Yukon Blonde, City and Colour and Library Voices click the "Get it Now" button below or visit dinealonerecords.com/sampler/.

New Songwriters' Workshop and Performance Opportunity

If you are a songwriter or an artist, you may be interested in the New Songwriters' Workshop that is coming to Vancouver. This event is on Sunday, October 21, 2012 from 12:00pm - 5:00pm at the Tom Lee Music Hall.

SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE

Part 1: WHAT'S IN A SONG

Presented by: Rick Jackett, Songwriter

Part 2: MUSIC PUBLISHING & REVENUE STREAMS

Presented by: Jodie Ferneyhough & Terry O'Brien

Part 3: FILM & TV PLACEMENTS

Presented by: Barry Cole

President,

Spot Music, NYC

Part 4: SONG REVIEW & CRITIQUE

Present by: All Presenters

Admission is $40 in advance or $60 at the door. Songwriters can register online in advance at www.radiostar.ca for the workshop.

If you're already in a band, you can apply to perform at the Canadian Music Festival in Toronto. Bands can submit at www.canadianmusicfest.com or www.sonicbids.com/canadianmusicfest2013 right now for their special early-bird rate of $40 or $30 through Sonicbids. Submissions deadline is October 27th, 2012.

Free Music Alert: Martyr by Wintersleep!

Wintersleep is kicking off their North American tour in less than a week on October 16th, 2012. They will be playing in Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom on November 14th, 2012!

Meanwhile, you can download a free copy of their unreleased song "Martyr" from SoundCloud!

Alexisonfire Farewell Tour

Remember back in August of 2011 when we told you Alexisonfire is splitting up? Sadly, that's still true, but they're getting back together for one final Farewell Tour! This is your last chance to see the band together live on stage!

The show in Vancouver is on December 17th, 2012 at the Pacific Coliseum. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, September 21, 2012 at 10:00am, or you can get your tickets now at TicketLeader.ca by entering the presale code: HEARTSKULL.

I suggest getting them as soon as possible since the majority of their other shows are already sold out!

The Oh Wells

On September 11, 2012, The Oh Wells, a Vancouver based folk, indie, pop band, played a lively free show at UBC with CiTR. They had previously won the CiTR Shindig competition though Sarah is the only original member still in the band since the competition. The band is now made up of Sarah Jickling (vocals and keys), Kirby Bobyk (guitar, tambourine and drums), Chris King (bass) and Zach (drums).

More photos after the break!

It's that time again Vancouver! Get yourself downtown to enjoy FREE lunchtime concerts. With a variety of musicians playing a convenient outdoor stage, CBC Music's Musical Nooners invite you to grab a lunch and bring it out to these intimate performances that you won't want to miss. Shows run weekdays from July 6th to August 24th between 12 and 1pm.

 For more information visit their website and check out the performance schedule. Also make sure to follow CBC on Twitter and check the tag #musicalnooners for any changes due to weather.

 Get out and have (free!) fun this summer!

Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Musical Instrument Garage Sale!

The Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival and Vancouver's Musical Instrument Garage Sale are two great events to check out this weekend!

The Dragon Boat Festival is free all weekend with races starting at 8am on Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th in the waters of False Creek near Creekside Community Centre and Creekside Olympic Village. Make sure you also check out the World Beat Stage which will host 10 free concerts over the weekend starting at 11am each day.

Performances on Saturday will open with Reggae On The Rocks from 11am - 12pm, Wesley Hardisty from 12:30 - 1:30, Orkestar Slivovica from 2:00 - 3:00, Ranj Singh & The Discriminators from 3:30 - 4:30 and end with Shane Philip from 5:00 - 6:00.

Performances on Sunday will open with Zimbamoto from 11am - 12pm, Pendomoja from 12:30 - 1:30, Celtic Bhangra from 2:00 - 3:00, Microbongo Sound System from 3:30 - 4:30 and this years festival will close with The Boom Booms from 5:00 - 6:00.

For more information about the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver check out dragonboatbc.ca/.


If you are a local musician looking to add to your collection of instruments you should definitely check out Tom Lee's Musical Instrument Garage Sale. The Garage Sale will be open on Saturday, June 16th from 10am - 6pm and on Sunday, June 17th from 12pm - 5pm at the old "Sony Store" at the Tom Lee Music Vancouver Building at 929 Granville St. Vancouver. This sale advertises 1000's of items marked down with savings up to 80% off!

For more information about the Musical Instrument Garage Sale check out tomleemusic.ca/garagesale/.


If you attend either or both of these events, please let us know how it goes and what you think!

Fête de la Musique - Make Music Vancouver!

It's that time of year again, Fête de la Musique also known as Make Music Vancouver will be hosting a free, live music celebration in Vancouver for the second year in a row! This year the event will be held in both Yaletown and Gastown to double the fun with over 300 free concerts.
Performers haven't been listed yet but mark your calendars for June 21st from as early as 2pm to 10pm, followed by after parties in local bars and restaurants.

Also, if you are a musician and interested in performing in Yaletown, make sure you sign up to participate with the Musicians Registration Form!

For more information check out makemusicvancouver.com

Ian Astbury (The Cult) Interview

Photo Credit: Michael Lavine

 MUSICinVancouver got to talk with Ian Astbury of The Cult this week in preparation for the band’s newest album. Titled Choice of Weapon and due to be released on May 22nd, this will be The Cult's ninth album. According to Astbury, the album honours existing fans and embraces new ones because “even though it’s raw rock ‘n’ roll [...] it’s also a very fresh, current sound.” Describing Choice of Weapon as “cohesive, resonant, deep, rich, brutal, sexual, cinematic” Astbury insists that the album gives Cult fans what they deserve while still managing to “break new ground,” something which he thinks is “evident in the songs.”  While noting that he hopes people will “ identify with the record and take something from it that maybe enhances their life experience” Astbury concedes that it isn’t about appealing to the masses. He draws inspiration from many sources including his travels, philosophical teaching, and other musicians. His only real goal is to “tell [his] story, experiences, events and observations.” The most important thing for someone to take away from their new songs is to “pay attention to your life; that life is sacred, that life is fleeting.” He urges everyone to “jump in” and “live life to its fullest potential.” And for Astbury this means working on developing his art, since his “life is music.” 

Photo Credit: Michael Lavine

Even though the band has been working hard on the album, Astbury still has time to imagine future collaborations, including artists from different genres coming together to create a “contemporary opera.” Collaborations are one of many experiences which Astbury believes “can only enhance [his music].” Whether from new people, situations, or self-knowledge, Astbury admits he has gained “a wealth of experience” that he believes allows him to evolve as an individual and as a musician. All of this experience has gone into Choice of Weapon, an album that Astbury finally finds deserving of his fans.

Photo Credit: Michael Lavine

Event Spotlight: Katie Herzig

Hey everyone! We want to make a special event announcement: Katie Herzig will be performing in Vancouver at the Biltmore Cabaret on May 8th in support of her latest album The Waking Sleep! Check out her tunes and buy your tickets now! Click here for more info about the event.

Photo from katieherzig.com

Check out Katie Herzig's official music video for Make A Noise after the break.