It’s been four long years since we had that Rifflandia Feeling running through our veins. This September we will on
This year we’ve split our Who To See guide into two parts. One for all the daytime festivities in Royal Athletic Park (The Park) and the nighttime party that goes down on Electric Avenue.
We’ve also made an accompanying Rifflandia Mixtape filled with some of the artists and songs we are excited to see during Rifflandia.
SEPTEMBER FOREVER!
Friday
Bikini Kill
7:25PM – Rifftop Stage
This year Rifflandia surprised us with some Pacific Northwest royalty with the pioneers of the Riot Grrl movement, Bikini Kill. Much like when Courtney Love played the festival in 2013 we think there is going to be a large portion of the crowd finally getting to see some of their heroes perform for the first time. We are excited to be part of a chorus of voices singing Rebel Girl on the first night back in the Royal Athletic Park.
Pussy Riot
5:30PM – Rifftop Stage
Without Bikini Kill we wouldn’t have acts like Pussy Riot. Since their debut this Russian feminist protest and punk group has been making headlines. Protesting the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin and members have been arrested for their roles in a performance inside a Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. This punk act is critical of the events home in Russia, America and the world. This band is worth a deep dive not just in their discography but their history and beliefs. Get ready for a powerful set.
Bran Van 3000
6:20PM – Main Stage
Let’s face the facts, Big Shiny Tunes 2 is a perfect record and it’s required by law for all Canadians to own at least one copy. We are sure that is why Bran Van 3000 holds a special place in so many hearts with their song, Drinking in LA. While that song is a near perfect song (we started our Rifflandia Mixtape with it) we want people to remember their song, Astrounded as well. It featured the final recorded session with soul legend, Curtis Mayfield.
It’s the band’s 25th anniversary and they love to party. We saw a video from a performance earlier this summer and the band had over 30 audience members on stage for Drinking in LA.
Art D’Ecco
3:30PM – Main Stage
Art D’Ecco appeared on the music scene in a puff of mysterious smoke a few years back. Just before his performance at the Rubber Boot Club at the last Rifflandia the town was abuzz which let to a packed room of industry and fans alike. We were lucky enough to be in that room snapping pictures and we’ve been smitten ever since.
Touching on new wave, indie rock, glam and classic rock sensibilities Art D’Ecco (and his band) put on a show you won’t soon forget. He’s already a success but we think he’s got what it takes to be one of the biggest acts in indie rock. Catch him before he’s selling out arenas and stadiums.
Saturday
Ibibio Sound Machine
4:30PM – Main Stage
London-based electronic afro-funk will taking over the Rifflandia Main Stage in a big way with a full horn and rhythm section. Their recent album, Electricity has garnered enthusiastic reviews and we definitely plan on picking up the vinyl during the festival. Rifflandia is a festival of discovery and Ibibio Sound Machine is going to be one festival goers will be chatting about for years after.
Ruby Waters
3PM – Main Stage
There was a moment in time when you couldn’t turn on The Zone @ 91-3 without hearing Ruby Water’s unique voice. Every time we’d hear Supernatural we dreamed of seeing her playing in live in our city. Fortunately that time is finally here. This Juno-nominated singer-songwriter has been dominating the Canadian radio airwaves for the past few years and we can’t wait to hear those soundwaves live.
Boy Golden
2:30PM – Rifftop Stage
Boy Golden is a 2013 Philippine action biopic loosely based on the life of Arturo Porcuna who rises through the Manila underworld in the 1960s until his murder. Wait… wrong Boy Golden.
Boy Golden is a man with a mullet that can’t be tamed and is the founder/minister of The Church of Better Daze. He promises to change your life with his music or at least inspire you to get high and quit your job.
Sunday
Jessia
3:05PM – Main Stage
Having won the 2022 Juno for Breakthrough Artist of the Year we were flabbergasted to hear that Jessia is from the wild coast of our little island in the Pacific Ocean. Her debut EP, How Are You? that features the smash hit, I’m Not Pretty, was nominated for Pop Album of the Year for good reason. It’s a banger. We’ve said it before and we will say it again, but Vancouver Island is a treasure chest of talent.
Ellevator
2PM – Rifftop Stage
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, this post-rock band is sure to make waves at Rifflandia this year. With a stunning album, The Words You Spoke Still Move Me out on Arts & Crafts this band is indisputably cool. They will be the perfect way to get your day going with a cold brew on the last day of Rifflandia. Also, this cover of Kate Bush slaps.
With many passes sold-out already – time is running out to get your tickets to Victoria’s premiere music festival. Get tickets at Rifflandia.com