vanjam 2020 - top 10

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 Formed in 2018 and emerging from Vancouver's underground music scene, Black Pontiac has just released their first EP “Ponyboy”, spearheaded by their debut single “November State of Mind” which has been charting in both the US and Canada. The EP was co-produced and engineered by Darren Grahn, who formerly worked as an engineer for esteemed producer Bob Rock with acts such as Metallica, Motley Crue, and Veruca Salt. Avery John Shoesmith (Bass), Matt Purkiss (Lead), Sam Riddell (Drums), Mack Riddell (Guitar). 

 In the summer of 2019 during the Fusion Festival, Amine Said watched as soulful singer and song-writer Sade Awele graced the stage with her performance. Shortly after, they became friends and talked about potential collaborations. Then came Kaitlin Sly - a bassist formerly based in Victoria BC who joined Amine Said and Sade Awele to make unique afro soul music which they have now performed at Fortune Sound Club, Cafe Deux Soliels and Culture Day Vancouver. Together, with their combined years of experience, they formed band called "ASK". 

Julien Amar is a Vancouver based multi-instrumentalist with a very unique sound. Eclectic covers, piano, guitar, a theatrical stage presence and a strange sense of humor, Julien always aims to simultaneously challenge and please their audiences. 

Mellowhaunt is a synthesis of queer producer Matthew DeBeer and genre-bending singer Derya Gwynneth. Born from heartbreak, Mellowhaunt makes music to dance, drive, and cry to - music to remind you that you're human and leave a bittersweet taste on your tongue that leaves you wanting more. From pop to industrial to ethereal to jazzy, and of course haunting, Mellowhaunt incorporates many genres into their music to craft their unique sound. Mellowhaunt will transport you to places never before seen by man, and, if you're lucky, they might even break your heart. 

 Lunchtime consists of, Luc Torreggiani singing along with rhythm guitar, Ruedi Mani on the bass, Michael Read on lead guitar, and Greg Johnston on the drums. Our sound is constantly changing and our ideas are always bouncing and growing off of each other, resulting in an ethereal watery up-beat grimness with an unapologetic genre-bending sound, appealing to any audience we play for. 

Female Fronted LGBTQ Hard Rock Band Fallen Stars is a female fronted hard rock / pop metal band from Vancouver Canada. We are proud members of the LGBTQ and Queer Community. Our Bassist Jade is trans MTF and is spreading her message of acceptance and trans education through the band. Sitting between Metal and Rock, our music is both commercial and catchy, but full of heavy and ear catching riffs.  

Cat Madden humbly gifts you a powerful performance, raw vocals and captivating vocals. Marcus Ramsay brings you rootsy rock n' roll style guitar, incredible dexterity, charismatic slide solos and a hyper-energetic stage persona. Together, drummer Drew Crome and bassist Art Barrientos infuse tantalizing grooves with soul drenched low end in a powerhouse rhythm section. The band are an eclectic mix of classic styles and carry that old soul vibe with a modern rock twist. 

Collision Course was created as a creative vision by Anton Schindler. Whilst living in the small northern town of Dawson Creek,BC Anton devised a plan to play, record and release music. Collision Course then started playing shows and toured over the next two years throughout Northern British Columbia and Alberta with many members changing except for Anton himself. In October of 2018 the band moved to Vancouver, BC. After a brief search the band had it's new members now consisting of Anton Schindler on Rhythm Guitar and Vocals, Brad Masciotra on Lead Guitar, TJ Platt on Bass and Jeff Toledo on Drums. Collision Course is now playing shows once more and writing new music.  

 Robots and Gods are a Vancouver based rock band. Inspired by the 90’s Seattle scene, but adamant to push boundaries with a cutting edge new sound. In early 2019, they began pre-production on their first EP, which will be released in 2020. Their first single “More” was released on Friday April 3rd. “More” was recorded at the legendary Fader Mountain Sound (formerly Little Mountain Sound) and Monarch Studios.  

 Mooshy Face is the best and only goof-punk band from Sevvy’s garage in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. No other goof-punk band from Sevvy’s garage has ever surpassed them in excellence. Focusing on pop-punk satire, alcohol, aliens, and alcohol, Mooshy Face strives to be one of the most relevant bands singing about these things. The three-piece band, consisting of guitar, bass, and drums, encourages their fans and friends come together and be frans instead. Playing at multiple venues in Vancouver, such The Railway Club, The Astoria, and Pub 340, their live performances are fast, energetic, and full of booze fueled fun.