Cross Canada Festivals & the Perfect Summer Playlist
Nothing is better than enjoying great music with close friends or family in the summertime. A client I've been working with, Perrier, has created the ultimate festival hangout called the Greenhouse and it is as cool as it sounds. If you are wondering where to catch me hanging out this summer, the Greenhouse will be the place! Until then, enjoy some of my favourite songs from the incredible acts at Osheaga and Squamish where the Greenhouse will be setting up shop:
Squamish Valley Music Festival – August 7, 8, 9 2015
Mumford & Sons – The Wolf
Fresh from their brief band hiatus, Mumford & Sons are back with a brand new album, Wilder Mind. I am loving the change in pace from their folksy, banjo roots to a more electronic sound. You may have heard some grumbles from fans about Mumford losing their signature sound in favour of a pseudo-Coldplay vibe, however The Wolf plays the perfect transition from old Mumford to new.
Vance Joy - Mess Is Mine
You might know him from his single, Riptide, that catapulted him to folk-rock success on the charts, but Vance Joy is much more than a one-hit artist. His music is easy listening and perfect for a summer road trip or around a campfire with your friends or family. Currently opening for Taylor Swift’s international tour, Joy will be making a pit-stop in B.C. at Squamish Valley to showcase his debut album Dream Your Life Away which is well worth a listen in full.
ODESZA – Say My Name ft. Zyra
These guys are the next big thing in electro dj-ing and are joining the ranks of Alesso and Calvin Harris on the international scene. They produce soft house music that is so versatile; it can ease you into a day or pump up a training session. This is one of their few songs with vocals but Zyra’s voice meshes brilliantly with their established sound, resulting in a lush track that is fun to listen to even if you are not the biggest fan of electronic music.
Bear’s Den - Agape
Listening to Agape, a Christian word for spiritual love, is a holistic experience. The song is full-bodied with incredible vocals, instrumentals and lyrics that build a flawlessly constructed song. Originally released on a previous EP, Agape is the opening song on Bear’s Den debut album Islands and as some music critics have stated, “It is a lot like listening to a better version of Mumford & Sons’ debut Sigh No More.” Big shoes to fill but after opening for the British rock band, Bear’s Den seems up to the task.
Osheaga Festival Musique et Arts – July 31st, August 1st-2nd
The Franklin Electric – Uninvited (Storm)
Looking for good, solid Canadian talent with really great cover art? Look no further than this Montreal-based folk collective who I discovered this year at a Ben Howard concert at Massey Hall. Their nearly-live approach to recording has resulted in a 10-track album This Is How I Let You Down that is sure to sound as good in festival as it does through your earbuds. My favourite is Uninvited (Storm), which you can listen to below.
Shakey Graves – Late July
This might be the best musical discovery I have made in the past year – the guitar, the slow build-up, and the cheeky western outlaw lyrics. It is a great one to stomp along with or to cook dinner to (with the windows wide open so all your neighbours can hear it and appreciate it too). If you like Late July, be sure to check out Dearly Departed featuring Esmé Patterson for more of that Americana rockabilly stomp.
MS MR – Painted
Painted is the perfect definition of this duo, known for their danceable pop anthems. Listen to Painted with earphones first – it is a shape-shifting, sonic masterpiece. You will feel as if you are standing in an echoing amphitheater and being serenaded in a small room simultaneously… it will make sense when you do it, I promise.
Florence + The Machine – Ship to Wreck
Florence is not for everyone but if you are looking for something a bit different to spruce up your iPod playlist, this is the album to pick from. Armed with haunting retro-synth vocals, Florence Welch is back with her critically acclaimed album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Ship to Wreck is big, brash and quintessentially Florence.
