Rocktographers wants you to kick off your Rifflandia right. With over 150 artists playing over 20 stages, we’ll be your guide to some of the (often hidden) gems in such a huge festival.
Luca Fogale
8:30PM, Friday, 18th
Alix Goolden Hall
If there is one thing Rocktographers know is that the ladies love Luca Fogale. Don’t deny it. You should love Luca too. Luca Fogale’s voice and presence transforms any room he performs in into an intimate concert just for you. It’s not unusual to see the crowd at one of his solo performances completely hypnotized by his raw nature. His performance at Studio CMCT last year was one of the best of the entire festival.
BESTiE
8:30PM, Friday, 18th
Anián
A Google search for BESTiE might be almost impossible unless you know what you are looking for. They certainly aren’t a all girl K-Pop band or a hotdog restaurant in Vancouver, but they are from Vancouver. BESTiE is probably the best representation of this year’s theme for Rifflandia. They are tropical, fruity, and fun. Heck, they have a song called Pineapple.
Pigeon Hole
9:00PM, Friday, 18th
Phillps Brewery Backyard
Do you like to dance? Well then you’re in luck buddy – Canadian Hip-Hop duo Pigeon Hole is here! With a constantly evolving sound and ability to crank out next level music, its no wonder this talented duo are showing up on more and more major festival line ups. We got our first taste of Pigeon Hole at V.I.C Fest 2014. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but their amazing blend of electronic and hip-hop music blew us away. Musicians with fantastic hype know how to get the party started — and that’s exactly what they’ll do for your Friday night.
Carmanah
9:30PM, Friday, 18th
Anián
When the first two members of your band start making music before being formally introduced, that’s karma. Or, perhaps, that’s Carmanah. You’ll not find a band more west coast than Carmanah (named after the valley, of course). Their music is parts folk, parts rock, and parts reggae, with fiddle, slide guitar, and rootsy percussion accentuating their sound.
Towers and Trees
9:30PM, Friday, 18th
Alix Goolden Hall
The day that they perform at Alix Goolden will be two weeks exactly until Towers and Trees‘ new album, West Coast, hits the street. But, that very day, you’ll be able to preorder it on iTunes in anticipation. And, if you didn’t back their recent album Kickstarter, definitely preorder. Rocktographers has heard the new album in its entirety (and caught much of it live as they tested it on audiences), and it’s going to be an excellent showcase of this concentrated collective of talent.
Bend Sinister
10:30PM, Friday, 18th
There is an era of Canadian Rock that seemingly got forgotten until Bend Sinister seemed to resurect it. It’s that fun piano driven classic rock that Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman made a staple of every classic rock station from Victoria to Halifax. Bend Sinister takes that sound and turns it. Not only does their music stand out among their contemporaries but it makes you want to party. If we didn’t know that Bend Sinister was from Kelowna we’d have thought they’d been to a few Manitoba Socials in their day.
Sam Weber
10:30, Friday, 18th
Studio CMCT
Sam Weber is a journeyman musician through and through. His worn boots are a reminder that he is perpetually on the road performing and always refining his skill. Sam Weber’s ear for talent can also be found while he produces in his homemade recording studio in the wilds of North Saanich. Sam Weber is a staple of the Victorian music community and while he is constantly lending a hand in various bands it is always a treat to see him perform his own music.
Chad Vangaalen
11:30PM, Friday, 18th
Alix Goolden Hall
Chad Vangaalen is going to be one of those rare treats that may get overlooked at this year’s Rifflandia, but we encourage you to check him out. Much like J. Mascis a few Rifflandia ago Chad Vangaalen writes deeply personal and often sad songs. Coupled with that and the elegant surroundings of Alix Goolden Hall it will be a moving set. This is one set not to miss if you care about craftsmanship and strong songwriting.
Weird Party
11:30PM, Friday, 18th
Copper Owl
Weird Party‘s album, “Mellow Funk – Vol. 1,” is jazz, funk, and ambient, tossed into a blender with an extra-strong dash of atmosphere, baby. Weird Party’s live show is just as tight and psychedelic as their album, but with the “loud” and “fun” sliders pushed way up. It translates really well on stage, and makes the perfect music for welcoming in a new day.
The Wet Secrets
11:30PM, Friday, 18th
Wood Hall
Winners of the inaugural Peak Performance Project AB, The Wet Secrets and their marching band uniforms will bring the rock, the horn section, and the considerable sweat back to town after a solid Victoria debut in May. Did we mention they perform a rock show in marching band uniforms?
Savvie
11:30PM, Friday, 18th
Studio CMCT
With strong, intense, and often sexy lyrics that hold you between the words and the music. Savannah Wellman’s soulful voice paired with her exceedingly talented band is a force to be reckoned with. This is a band that knows how to rock and get an audience moving. Without a doubt we will be hearing the name Savvie on the radio in the not to distant future.
The Archers
12:30AM, Friday, 19th
Studio CMCT
The Archers unique Folk/Rock sound is complemented by haunting harmonies sure to sooth even the wildest beast.This will be your last chance to catch The Archers as, alas, this Rifflandia 2015 will be the band’s last performance. What better way then to wind down your Friday night, with what is sure to be a stellar final show – or as they put it”Come one come all. This is it. One last hoorah.”
LIINKS
12:30AM, Saturday, 19th
Sunset Room
Singer Georgia Murray and DJ/producer DWhiz make up LIINKS, who’ve only officially released one song so far, but “The Break,” received serious airplay on Top 40 radio stations in Canada over the past year. They’ll add their new song “Monster” to their live repertoire and, hopefully, also perform “Pop,” a recent collaboration with noted electro house producer Mord Fustang.
Plants and Animals
12:30AM, Saturday, 19th
The Metro Theatre
Montreal and Indie-Rock are essentially synonymous these days, but Plants & Animals were some of the musical pioneers in the early days. They’re currently working on their next studio album which is set to be released in early 2016, so we’re hoping to get a sneak peek of some of their new stuff at this show.