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.
Rugged Uncle
8:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Copper Owl
What if Rugged Uncle was more “dad rock” than “uncle rock?” What if, by “Dad Rock,” we meant that the band is filled with indie rockers that are now dads, but still rock? Yeah, so Rugged Uncle is technically Dad Rock. We guess. The band features founding members of Victoria’s indie darlings of days past, Immaculate Machine, with Brooke Gallupe on lead vocals and Luke Kozlowski on bass. Brooke, now with more swagger and sashay than back in his early indie rock days. It’s clear with Rugged Uncle that a band that plays baseball together stays together.
Leeroy Stagger
8:30PM, Thursday, 17th
The Duke Saloon
Victorian ex-pat Leeroy Stagger returns to the capital city with his country-rock sounds cultivated from years of living in Alberta. It’s where he lives now, no big deal. Sorry, that was kind of a joke. Leeroy Stagger will also be participating an talk at Thinklandia this year on the topic of “Building A Creative City.”
Sam Weber
9:30PM, Thursday, 17th
The Event Centre
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.
Acres of Lions
10:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Fort Tectoria
What nice things can’t be said about Acres of Lions? Victoria’s original pop rock band has been around the block more than once and, after a long hiatus, are back for their fourth BreakOut West. Acres of Lions have always been huge supporters and good friends of Rocktographers. It’s going to be a true treat seeing Jeff, Dan, Tyson, and their original drummer Lewis reunited again for some good old fashioned rock and roll.
Gay Nineties
10:30, Thursday, 17th
Victoria Event Centre
Gay Nineties are certainly living it up here in 2015, after the January release of their debut EP, recorded under the guidance of Hot Hot Heat/Mounties frontman Steve Bays, these guys have been killing it on the festival circuit. Their single Letterman has been on heavy rotation on The Zone 91-3, and they are sure to draw a crowd to pack either of the venues they are performing in. Be prepared for dancing, clapping, heavy harmonies, and some rock that is way ahead of its time.
Savvie
10:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Copper Owl
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.
Isobel Trigger
11:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Fort Tectoria
Absolutely shining with stage presence, Isobel Trigger will be a good fit for new Rocktoria venue Fort Tectoria (777 Fort Street). While singer Felicia, drummer Ariel, guitarist Brett, and bassist Ryan are just as comfortable on a fullsize theatre stage, you can really feel the energy and precision of this Victoria band in a more intimate setting. Plus, you’ll be able to see some undoubtedly incredible detail on however Felicia dolls herself up for the show. Pretty sure she had gold airbrushed bodypaint last Riff.
Spaceboots
11:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Anián
We don’t know a lot about Spaceboots other than by their reputation and this video of their live performances, but it sure looks like fun. These guys exude that classic hair metal rock persona, and it seems like there are lots of topless ladies on stage with them. If you are into that this might be the one for you.
Luca Fogale
11:30PM, Thursday, 17th
Studio CMCT
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
11:30PM, Thursday, 17th
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 hot dog restaurant in Vancouver, but they are from Vancouver. BESTiE is probably the best representation of this year’s theme for Rifflandia. They’re tropical, fruity, and fun. Heck, they even have a song called Pineapple.
Carmanah
12:30AM, Friday, 18th
Copper Owl
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.
JPNSGRLS
12:30AM, Friday, 18th
Surprisingly enough, there are no Japanese girls — or any girls at all — in Vancouver’s JPNSGRLS. Having hit Victoria before (opening up for Rich Aucoin and Mounties), the band has left a lasting impression with their frantic post pop rock sounds. Lead singer Charlie Kerr has been known to fly about the stage wildly and even drop down to do some push-ups. Also, it’s hard not to love a band that has a song that references the cult kid’s movie, The Sandlot.
Righteous Rainbows of Togetherness
12:30AM, Friday, 18th
Wolf/Sheep Arthouse
A Righteous Rainbows of Togetherness performance is frankly quite the experience. This duo produces live techno music with a mishmash of analog and digital tools creating a dance party unlike any other. At points the music can be so loud you can feel the kidneys inside your body shaking from the bass. Oh, and they are dressed up in strange rainbow religious garb that reminds us of KLF. This is one dance party that Rocktographers guarantees will be an experience worth checking out.