BRAZE VOLUME II
SPRING 2025
Punk rock has always been a response—a pushback against systems that oppress and divide In North America, the movement took shape in the 1970s, and saw its traction gain as a reply to the conservatism that spawned from the Reagan administration It rejected fascism, homophobia, racism, and misogyny, instead promoting solidarity among the working class. At its roots, punk is about more than just music—it’ s about resistance, autonomy, and a shared belief that we are stronger together
But the fundamental virtue underlying punk values is something often easily overlooked: kindness Not the kind that asks us to make peace with our oppressors, but the kindness that urges us to show up for one another. The kindness that sees class struggles over cultural division and collaborates with and promotes fellow creatives rather than holding monopoly. It’ s the kind of kindness that rejects individualism and authoritarianism and embraces community solidarity.
Punk values don’t look just one way They’ re the basement show organizers, the artists trading work for work, the photographers capturing your set, and in the whole skate park cheering on the kid that landed their first ollie They live in the people who refuse to simply accept the world as it is and are hellbent on carving out something better. This volume is for them—for all of us who refuse to be spectators in our own communities
At Braze, we strive to keep this zine free and accessible for all. We will always do our best to only work with those who uphold these punk values. We are extremely grateful to the punks at Anarchy Coffee Roasters, Revelry Food and Music Hub, and Marrtian Collective for sponsoring this volume of Braze.
YOUTH IN YOUTH IN THE SCEN THE SCEN
The Okanagan music scene isn’t always an easy place for young artists to break into, but some refuse to let the challenges hold them back. From high-energy experimental rock to soul-baring folk, the scene’s youth is pushing forward building community, finding their sound, and proving that music in this city isn’t just for the established.
UPCOMING SHOW AT JACKKNIFE BREWING MAY 1
For Robot Orifice, the scene is both exhilarating and difficult to navigate. “It’s hard to get your name out there,” they admit. Their high-energy, noise-infused rock thrives in DIY spaces and through inspiration from bands like Glitter Glue, Norsu, and Feeling Faint.
“We feel very accepted in queer spaces and music events.” In terms of creative process, jamming and improvising are where they make the most progress– a testament to the power of playing with your friends. And while breaking into the scene isn’t easy, they credit Jordan from Trippymediaz for helping them land gigs and expand their opportunities. Their advice? “Find people you really click with. Chemistry is everything ”
On the other end of the genre spectrum is Jorja, a young folk/bluegrass artist from Alberta who found a home in Kelowna’s dive bars and college music circles. But navigating the industry isn’t simple, especially when social anxiety makes networking a challenge. “Having someone with you for support helps Just one meaningful conversation with the right person can open doors.”
Another major hurdle? Creative control. “Self-production is important to me,” she explains. Jorja has taken full control of her music, handling everything herself to maintain her vision and keep her music authentic “Relinquishing control isn’t always the right move”, and she encourages anyone looking to start a creative project to hold onto their DIY spirit and to “just do it Even a small step is still forward movement.”
Jesse Nelson of Ollie North Productions recalls his first concert – a pop punk band called Far From Heroes. “From the first time I stepped foot into a hall show as a teenager, I knew I was with my people, I had found my home,” he says. Now that he books shows across Western Canada, that feeling from his first ever show is what inspires him to bring that same energy to today’s youth. “A concert is much more than just watching live music,” he adds. “It’s a gathering of like-minded people connecting with the music, the rhythm, the energy of the room … it's an experience that I believe is so incredibly important in today’s world ed to have their
But unfortunately, Jesse has run into challenges as well in finding spaces to book all ages shows. “When I first started putting on shows here the first thing I looked for was an all ages venue,” he says. “I went DEEP, contacting venues, restaurants, halls, and came out pretty damn discouraged ” Thankfully though, Jesse has now been able to find some options. He’s able to book semi-all ages shows at Jackknife, and all ages shows at Revelry as long as they end by 10pm, which is why all Ollie North shows have music ending at 9:45 when booked there
Whether it’s artists like Robot Orifice and Jorja Theriault, or promoters like Ollie North, they all share common struggles: booking gigs, getting noticed, and finding an audience. But they all see a future for young talent in the Okanagan. Steadfast in the face of headwinds, the underground scene is building a strong community in the Okanagan – one that supports the young artists of the next generation and wants to see them flourish.
By Acadia Bromke & Jordan Simon
DOWN THE LEES DARK, GRITTY,
AND ENDLESS BEAUTY.
VOL 2. FEATURED ARTIST
On February 8th, they continued their journey of expression through a live performance at The Rotary Centre for the Arts. When asked about it, they said “It was great because it took a very long time to put together since it was a live album [...] but it was also videos and visuals which was everything that we’ve been envisioning this band to be. It took a long time to get there, so to finally put it on stage and to put it out there, I think it went well.”
The band started with Laura Lee Schultz, writing and playing everything independently, with help from recording, mixing, and mastering engineers like Mathew Barnhart and the iconic Steve Albini. Chris Carlson later joined on bass, with Andy Ashley on drums to display their incredible talents on Dirt. Laura, being the lead as a woman, we thought it would be important to ask about the challenges of being in a female-fronted band, but she responded with an incredibly powerful point:
“I wouldn’t actually ask that question. I would ask what it's like being in a post-noise rock band in Kelowna. Because, of course I’m female but I’m also queer and I also want to steer away from any kind of stereotypes of why anyone is watching us [being] because there is a queer woman in the band. With that said: it’s hard! [...] I’ve been doing this since the 90’s and I’m still getting asked to get off stage or being talked down to because [men think] I don’t know what I’m doing [...] you wouldn’t ask men what it’s like to be in a male-fronted band.” So freaking true; pedestalizing identities perpetuates the same issues in a world based on hierarchies, going against the goal of achieving an egalitarian society concerning social/political change.
This article was based on a recorded interview that you can watch on our YouTube, braze magazine. For more Down The Lees, follow them on instagram @downthelees if you’re interested in Laura’s record label Off White House Records, you can visit the website offwhitehouserecords.com
BY RANNAN CHERNOFF
DUNNENZIES
“ORIGINALLY IT WAS LIKE THE HOLE-IN-THE-WALL PIZZA JOINT,”
SAYS MATT, LOCAL BADASS AND MANAGER OF DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN. OVER TIME, IT HAS EVOLVED INTO MORE THAN A PLACE FOR A GREAT SLICE–IT'S BECOME A CORNERSTONE OF KELOWNA’S UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE; A HOME FOR PUNKS, METALHEADS, FOLK ARTISTS, AND MUSIC LOVERS ALIKE TO CONVENE AND SHARE IN THE VIBES AND SPIRIT OF LIVE MUSIC.
WHILE THE STICKER-BLASTED VENUE MIGHT BE SMALL AND INTIMATE, DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN HAS HOSTED A MIX OF BIG NAMES AND LOCAL LEGENDS, SOLIDIFYING IT AS AN INTEGRAL VENUE FOR THE UNDERGROUND SCENE. TOURING BANDS FROM ALL ACROSS CANADA, SUCH AS TORONTO’S SINGLE WOUND, VANCOUVER’S ALIEN BOYS, AND CALGARY’S GUTTER KING, TO NAME A FEW, HAVE ALL ROCKED WITH FANS ON A STAGE THAT MATT BUILT HIMSELF.
A RAD ASPECT ABOUT DUNNENZIES IS ITS DILIGENCE IN HOSTING ALL-AGES SHOWS, MAKING IT ONE OF THE FEW PLACES WHERE YOUNGER AUDIENCES CAN EXPERIENCE LIVE MUSIC AND TAP INTO THE COMMUNITY IN A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT. “WE WANT TO MAKE SURE KIDS HAVE ACCESS TO THE SCENE,” MATT ADDS. “I'VE TOLD ANY KIDS IF THERE'S A PROBLEM, COME UP TO ME … WE WILL NIP THAT IN THE BUD IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE [WE] WANT IT TO BE A SAFE PLACE.”
THIS DEDICATION GIVES COMMUNITY MEMBERS THE CHANCE TO SEE YOUNG ARTISTS GROW AND REACH NEW HEIGHTS RIGHT BEFORE THEIR EYES. TAKE FREEZE THE FALL FOR EXAMPLE, KELOWNA’S HARD ROCK POWER TRIO. THEIR FIRST SHOW EVER WAS AT DUNNENZIES. NOW, THEY'RE FILLING VENUES LIKE REVELRY AND DOING INTERVIEWS FOR GLOBAL NEWS.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH UPCOMING SHOWS ON DUNNENZIES INSTAGRAM: @DUNNENZIES PIZZA
WITH AN EXPANDED STAGE AND SOME VENUE UPGRADES ON THE HORIZON, DUNNENZIES ISN’T SLOWING DOWN ANYTIME SOON. AS A HUB FOR THE LOCAL SCENE, KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR SOME SICK UPCOMING SHOWS, SUCH AS UK’S STRAWBERRY BLONDE PLAYING THIS SUMMER.
SO SHOW UP. SUPPORT LOCAL LIVE MUSIC. AND DON’T FORGET TO GRAB A SLICE WHILE YOU’RE AT IT
BY ACADIA BROMKE
ORGANIZED AND EXECUTED BY OKANAGAN COLLEGE’S AUDIO ENGINEER AND MUSIC PRODUCTION PROGRAM (AEMP), SUBURBAN DISTURBANCE WAS A PUNK-ROCK EVENT ON FEBRUARY 6TH THAT BROUGHT A CLASS TOGETHER TO PUT TOGETHER A SHOW, TESTING THEIR ACCUMULATED KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE INDUSTRY. TOGETHER THEY ORCHESTRATED THIS EVENT FEATURING TWO PUNK BANDS, HOT ICE INC AND THE SWINGING RICHARDS.
SPEAKING TO THEIR EXPERIENCES PRIOR TO ENTERING THE AEMP COURSE AT THE COLLEGE, THE STUDENTS SAID THAT “LEARNING WITHOUT GUIDANCE IS ROUGH, BUT OVERALL [OUR DIY EXPERIENCES] GAVE US A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE TO TACKLE THE PROGRAMME’S COURSE-LOAD.”
IT’S OFTEN HOW PEOPLE START; FINDING A DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSPACE TO PLAY AROUND WITH, TRYING NEW THINGS AND MAKING MISTAKES. IT’S A THRILL LIKE NONE OTHER. BUT THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT NOT GET WITHOUT THE GUIDANCE OF A MENTOR OR STRUCTURED LEARNING PROCESS, AND OFTENTIMES IT’S THE BASICS THAT CAN SLIP THROUGH THE CRACKS IF YOU AREN’T EXPOSED TO STUDIO OR LIVE ENVIRONMENTS.
THEIR BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS OF THE CLASS CONSISTED OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNAL FLOW AND OPERATING AN INDUSTRY-STANDARD DAW (DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATION). IF YOU DON’T GET THAT THEN YOU DON’T GET NUTHIN’.
THERE’S SO MUCH PEOPLE WOULD NEVER EXPECT WHEN RUNNING A SHOW IF THEY’VE NEVER BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY BEFORE, LIKE “HOW MUCH PREWORK IS NEEDED BEFORE THE SHOW” BUT THEY SAID IT'S TRUE “THAT TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK”.
“THERE NEEDS TO BE MARKETING, SERIOUS CONSIDERATION FOR VENUES, A RIDER/STAGEPLOT, AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOUNDBOARD, AND DELEGATED TASKS FOR AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE EXECUTION OF THE PERFORMANCE”.
IT’S A LOT, AND SOMETIMES YOU JUST DON’T GET A DESIRABLE OUTCOME, BUT WORKING WITH A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE WILL INCREASE THE CHANCES OF A TERRIFIC SHOW.
HIGH ENERGY. FAST PACED. ALWAYS GETTING AFTER IT AND MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.
AFTER FIVE SKI BUMS FROM ENGLAND, AUSTRALIA AND CANADA ALL MOVED TO REVELSTOKE TO SPEND THEIR NIGHTS AND DAYS ON THE HILL, THEY FOUND THEMSELVES OUT OF LUCK IN THE WINTER OF 2023 DUE TO A SHIT SNOW SEASON. BUT, WITH NO TIME TO WASTE, THEY STARTED PLAYING MUSIC AND FORMED PICKLE JUICE, MAKING TUNES AS FRESH AS THE POWDER OF WHICH THEY DREAMT.
“WE’RE INSPIRED BY THE KIND OF TUNES YOU’D WANT TO LISTEN TO IN A SKI TOWN LIKE AT A BAR, OR WHILE YOU RIDE. WE TRY TO BRING A LOT OF ENERGY TO OUR LIVE PERFORMANCES AND PLAY THE KIND OF STUFF THAT GETS YOU PUMPED. ”
IN FEBRUARY, PICKLE JUICE RELEASED THEIR DEBUT ALBUM ‘CHEEKY EP WITH THE BOYS.’ BESIDES BEING AWESOMELY NAMED, IT’S A TRULY CAPTIVATING PIECE OF ART THAT DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION. FEATURING THREE PREVIOUSLY RELEASED SINGLES PLUS TWO NEW TRACKS - EACH WITH THEIR OWN PIECE OF ART BY A REVELSTOKE ARTIST KNOWN SIMPLY AS SPUD, OR ON INSTAGRAM AS @SPUD INK (CHECK HER OUT!) - YOUR NEW SCREAMALONG-IN-THE-CAR SONG WILL BE ON THIS RECORD.
WHILE ALL THEIR TUNES FEATURE WHAT IS ALREADY A DISTINCTIVE PICKLE JUICE SOUND THAT BLENDS THRASHY SKATE PUNK AND MELODIC ALT-ROCK, THE SONGS ON THE EP ALSO FEATURE A COMFORTING EMOTIONAL RANGE. FROM THE MORE PUNCHY AND OUTSPOKEN SONGS “TOXIC AND SWEET” AND “I DON’T LIKE YOU” ALSO COMES THE MORE SOUL-LIFTING, AND DARE I SAY EXISTENTIAL TRACKS, OF “CURBSTOMP” AND “TURN UP THE VOLUME.”
“WE’VE KIND OF GOT THIS THING WHERE IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING, SAY LIKE, GO FOR A PINT, YOU GO FOR A PINT ‘WITH THE BOYS.’ OR GO TO THE HOT TUB ‘WITH THE BOYS ’ I WAS SAYING THAT PHRASE TO OBLIVION AND TIM KEPT MOCKING ME FOR IT, AND THEN IT JUST STUCK [AS THE TITLE OF THE EP].”
WITH SUCH A STRONG PRESENCE FOR PICKLE JUICE OUT OF THE GATE, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE HOW THAT HAPPENED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE REVELSTOKE MUSIC COMMUNITY, AND THE ROLE THEY PLAY IN EACH OTHER’S SUCCESS. PICKLE JUICE MENTIONED OTHER REVELSTOKE BANDS SUCH AS BEEF DIP AND SKATE NIGHT IN BEING SUPPORTIVE WHEN THEY FIRST STARTED PLAYING, INCLUDING LENDING SOUND EQUIPMENT, AND BEING ORGANIZERS FOR SHOWS AROUND TOWN.
“IT WAS COOL STARTING OUT AND HAVING SO MANY PEOPLE BE SUPPORTIVE … JUST HAVING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE PEOPLE WERE SO WELCOMING, AND WOULD JUST SHOW UP IF WE WERE PLAYING. ”
NOW THAT THEY ARE OFF TO THE RACES, PICKLE JUICE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR OTHER REVELSTOKE BANDS ON THE RISE. THESE INCLUDE BANDS SUCH AS BRAINY AND THE MANIACS AND GARDEN NOAM, BOTH OF WHICH PLAYED AT THEIR EP RELEASE PARTY ON FEBRUARY 22ND.
AND FINALLY, OF COURSE, WE WOULD BE REMISS IF WE HAD GONE THIS WHOLE ARTICLE WITHOUT MENTIONING A FEW FACTS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE, WHICH IS THAT PICKLE JUICE MEMBER “TOM WEARS SHIN PADS,” AND “TIM EATS CORN THE LONG WAY.”
HOLD ON TO ROCK AND ROLL ITS ALWAYS BEEN THERE AND IT AIN’T EVER LET ME DOWN -LYRICS FROM ‘TURN UP THE VOLUME’
BRAZE MAGAZINE REACHED OUT TO LOCAL STICKER LEGENDS FEED ME KITTENS (FMK) TO LEARN WHO THEY ARE AND GET THEIR TAKE ON THE ROLE STICKERS PLAY WITHIN A COMMUNITY. WE INTENDED TO WRITE AN ARTICLE, BUT NONE WAS NECESSARY. FMK’S RESPONSE SAYS IT SO MUCH BETTER THAN WE EVER COULD:
FROM THAT MOMENT ON, I KNEW THAT PUNK ISN'T JUST MUSIC, OR FASHION, OR SOME WEIRD INSULT THAT MOVIE COPS THROW AROUND. IT'S MORE THAN JUST A WEEKEND ESCAPE. HELL, SAYING IT'S A WAY OF LIFE DOESN'T GIVE IT ENOUGH CREDIT. PUNK IS COMMUNITY. PUNK IS HELPING PEOPLE AROUND YOU. IT'S CLAIMING YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD AS A COLLECTIVE HOME.
THAT'S THE IDEA BEHIND FMK, AND THAT'S WHAT I LOVE SO MUCH ABOUT STICKERS. A STICKER CAN DO SO MANY THINGS. IT CAN BE A LITTLE PIECE OF ART, AN IRL SHITPOST, OR A POLITICAL STATEMENT. IF YOU SEE THE STICKER, YOU GET THE MESSAGE. IF YOU WANT TO GET THE MESSAGE, YOU'VE GOTTA SEE THE STICKER. TO SEE THE STICKER, YOU'VE GOTTA BE IN THE COMMUNITY. IT'S A SELF-PERPETUATING OUROBOROS FEEDBACK LOOP.
WHAT A STICKER REALLY BOILS DOWN TO IS A SIGNAL. THE RIGHT STICKER IN THE RIGHT PLACE CAN TELL NAZI PUNKS TO FUCK OFF WHILE LETTING QUEERPUNKS KNOW THAT THIS IS A SAFE SPACE. A STICKER SERVES AS A PIECE OF NONDESTRUCTIVE STREET ART THAT SOMEONE MIGHT TAKE DOWN IN TWO MINUTES, OR IT COULD BECOME A COMMUNITY LANDMARK.
It lets someone know that it's okay that they're in this place. It could be the piece of art they need to kickstart their own creative juices.
All that shit being said, if you want to know what Feed Me Kittens really is then you need to get out there and find our stickers (Shoutout to the bus stops along routes 97 and 10, and every post downtown).
NOFOOTBALL
BY RANNAN CHERNOFF
When your band is first starting out, you’re likely putting on a house show where sound will run straight out of your amps and without a single mic on your drum kit, one monitor for the entire band, and one main for the vocals, all managed through a basic soundboard.
But If your band is getting more traction and you’re playing in venues, you’ll start running into some tech that will help fill the room with your sound
The truth is you can use whatever you like, and your preferences will evolve with your ear over time, but the following is what you are most likely to see in a live setting:
1 . SHURE SM58
THE STANDARD VOCAL MIC FOR LIVE SETTINGS. KNOWN FOR ITS DURABILITY FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF 50HZ15KHZ. TIGHT POLAR PATTERN DESIGNED TO MITIGATE FEEDBACK.
2. SHURE SM57
ALMOST THE SAME AS A 58, JUST WITHOUT THE GRILL. CAN BE USED AS A VOCAL MIC IN A PINCH. FLAT GRILL ALLOWS FOR A CLOSER PROXIMITY TO THE SOURCE OF SOUND. FREQUENCY RESPONSE OF 40Z15KHZ WITH A BOOST IN THE 5K RANGE, MAKING IT VERY SUITABLE FOR MIC’ING GUITAR AMPS AND SNARES.
3. DRUM MICS
POPULAR BRANDS FOR DRUM MICS ARE SHURE AND AUDIX OFTEN COME PACKAGED IN MIC KITS.
4. MONITORS
RECEIVES AUX SENDS FROM THE SOUNDBOARD USED TO “MONITOR” WHO IS DOING WHAT TO KEEP YOURSELF AND THE BAND ON TRACK.
FREQUENCY RESPONSES AND POLAR PATTERNS VARY. THE FOLLOWING POLAR PATTERNS AND FREQUENCY RESPONSES ARE FROM THE AUDIX DP5A MIC KIT:
D6 (KICK OUT MIC): CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN. 30HZ-15KHZ.
I5 (SNARE MIC): CARDIOID POLAR PATTERN. 50HZ16KHZ.
D2 (RACK TOM MIC): HYPERCARDIOID POLAR PATTERN. 68HZ-18KHZ.
D4 (FLOOR TOM MIC): HYPERCARDIOID POLAR PATTERN. 40HZ-18KHZ. PENCIL CONDENSERS HAVE A SHOTGUN SPREAD POLAR PATTERN THAT HELPS TO CAPTURE THE WHOLE KIT. IN ROCK SETTINGS, THEY ARE USED FOR CYMBALS.
5. MAINS AND SUBS
. MAINS WILL PUSH LOW-MID TO HIGH FREQUENCIES WHILE THE SUBS WILL PUSH THE BULK OF THE LOWS. SOME BRANDS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS FOR SURE BUT, GENERALLY, IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING AT ALL YOU’RE IN BUSINESS BABY!
ROCK ON
6. SOUNDBOARDS
CONTROL CENTER FOR SOUND EITHER ANALOG OR DIGITAL. CHANNEL STRIPS FOR EACH MICROPHONE. GAIN POTENTIOMETERS AND FADERS TO CONTROL VOLUME. CAN HAVE VARIED PROCESSING EFFECTS TO BRING OUT WHAT IS NEEDED PER CHANNEL STRIP.
BRINGING YOU LOUD, THRASHY, INYOUR-FACE SKATE PUNK, MEAN BIKINI KNOWS HOW TO DELIVER A HIGH-ENERGY PERFORMANCE WITH QUALITY MUSICIANSHIP AND JUST PURE FUN.
“IT'S EASY TO WRITE OFF THE FUN SONGS AS NAIVE OR APATHETIC, BUT WHEN IT FEELS LIKE THE WHOLE WORLD IS COLLAPSING AROUND US … FINDING A BALANCE IS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS US ON OUR FEET,” LAURIE ADDS. “ANGER ALONE CAN BE SO SELF-DESTRUCTIVE, BUT IF IT IS ROOTED IN LOVE IT HAS POWER TO MAKE REAL CHANGE, AND WHILE THE SORROW AND FURY NEVER LEAVE, IT’S HEALING TO TAKE A BREATH AND REMEMBER THE PEOPLE AND MOMENTS THAT MAKE US WANT TO FIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE.”
MEAN BIKINI KNOWS HOW TO LEAN ON EACH OTHER TO CREATE UNIQUE, CATCHY SOUNDS. “I’M A SUCKER FOR A HOOK. I LOVE A SKRONKY NOTE OR WEIRD RHYTHM, SOMETHING UNEXPECTED,” SAYS GUITARIST JOSH MARCELLIN (HE/HIM) ABOUT THE BAND’S SONGWRITING PROCESS. “THOSE LITTLE NUGS TURN INTO RIFFS, WHICH TURN INTO IDEAS I SHARE WITH THE REST OF THE BAND. THEN THE BAND BRINGS THOSE IDEAS TO LIFE WITH THEIR INSANE TALENTS.”
ONE (OF MANY) EXAMPLES IS THEIR MOST RECENT SINGLE, EXECUTIVE DYSFUNCTION, WHICH WAS INSPIRED BY SINGER MILLIE LYMAN’S (THEY/THEM) LIFELONG STRUGGLES WITH ADHD. A STANDOUT TRACK, THE SONG IS ANCHORED IN AN ENERGETIC, CATCHY, AND UNEXPECTED RIFF. IT WAS RELEASED ON A COMPILATION ALBUM FROM OUTHOUSE RECORDS, A LABEL FOUNDED BY LAURIE TO CREATE A HOME AND COMMUNITY FOR BANDS THEY ADMIRE.
AND WHILE THE BAND TOURS NATIONALLY, BC IS LUCKY TO HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA SLICE OF MEAN BIKINI THAN EVERYONE ELSE. “WE HAVE TOURED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND NOTHING QUITE FEELS LIKE BC DOES,” SAYS MILLIE. “BEING A BAND CENTRED IN BC REALLY DOES BRING A LOT OF INSPIRATION TO US. THERE ARE SO MANY LITTLE BUT VERY STRONG SCENES ALL OVER THE PROVINCE … I FEEL LIKE WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT FROM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THAT REALLY CARRIES US IN WHAT WE DO.”
COMMUNITY YAPS
BY JADE WALTERS
OCTOBER, 2023. I'M AT AN ANTI-SOGI RALLY IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN KELOWNA. THE UNWASHED MASSES HAVE GATHERED TO TAKE ON THE BIGGEST THREAT FACING NOT JUST OUR NATION BUT THE ENTIRE WORLD: THE TRANSING OF OUR CHILDREN. ALL THE USUAL SUSPECTS ARE HERE: FREEDOM CONVOY CHUDS, THE ANTI-IMMIGRATION CROWD, AND FAR-RIGHT FAITH ADHERENTS. OUR FOCUS TODAY, THOUGH, IS ONE SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL.
THIS BRAVE WHITE CHRISTIAN MAN HAS MADE IT HIS MISSION TO BRING DOWN THE PEDOPHILIC TRANSGENDER CABAL AND ANYONE SICK ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THEM. AT LEAST, THAT'S HOW HE WOULD PUT IT. LETS CALL HIM GRAEME. WHILE HE HAD PROTESTED A NUMBER OF MY EVENTS, I BELIEVE I BECAME A TARGET ON THIS DAY. HE LOVES TO FILM PEOPLE WHILE ARGUING WITH THEM, AND MANY WERE ENGAGING HIM TO VARYING LEVELS OF SUCCESS.
NOW, I'M ALL FOR CIVIL DISCUSSION, BUT I DON'T SEE VALUE IN DEBATING THOSE WHO CLAIM ME AND MINE ARE MENTALLY ILL GROOMERS INTENT ON DESTROYING WESTERN CIVILIZATION. AS SUCH, I TAKE A MORE HIGHMINDED APPROACH WHEN DEALING WITH SUCH INDIVIDUALS. NAMELY, BULLYING. SO I APPROACH HIM WITH A QUESTION,
“I'M FAMILIAR WITH YOUR STANCE ON SOGI, BUT DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON SOCON?"
“SOCON? NO, I'M NOT FAMILIAR. WHAT'S THAT?”
OH HO. HE DOESN'T REALIZE THAT "SOCON" SOUNDS LIKE "SUCK ON," THE RUBE.
“SOCON MY ASSHOLE, YOU FUCKING MORON!”
MONTHS LATER, HE SENT A MASS EMAIL REGARDING A TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY EVENT I WAS HELPING ORGANIZE CLAIMING WE HAD NO BUSINESS DOING AN ALL-AGES SHOW. AS QUEERS, WE WERE A DANGER TO CHILDREN. HIS EVIDENCE INCLUDED OUT OF CONTEXT PHOTOS OF THE DRAG ARTISTS AND STUPID TWEETS FROM YOURS TRULY. ONE HE TOOK PARTICULAR ISSUE WITH WAS A 15TH CENTURY PAINTING CALLED "NATURE IN HER FORGE" WHICH DEPICTS A WOMAN FORGING A BABY ON ANVIL. IT LOOKS LIKE SHE IS GOING TO HIT THE BABY WITH THE HAMMER, SO I CAPTIONED IT "MY JOB ON THE LEFTIST COMMUNE" AND CLICKED "POST". THIS, OF COURSE, WAS IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE THAT I ENDORSED THE MURDER OF INFANTS-- OBVIOUS GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION OF BOTH THE EVENT AND MY EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRANSCARE BC.
ULTIMATELY, THE EVENT WENT ON. MY BAND PLAYED, MY WORKPLACE TOOK MY SIDE, NOTHING REALLY CHANGED. BUT I AM CONTINUALLY SURPRISED BY THE DEGREE TO WHICH INDIVIDUALS LIKE GRAEME HAVE MOBILIZED AGAINST TRANS PEOPLE. HE DOES THIS TO ANY QUEER PERSON WHO ORGANIZES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY OR, GOD FORBID, STATES THAT TRANS KIDS SHOULD GROW UP FEELING SUPPORTED INSTEAD OF SUICIDAL. LIFE IS SHORT, AND YET HE AND MANY LIKE HIM CHOOSE TO SPEND IT GETTING MAD ONLINE. MEANWHILE, WE'RE STILL HERE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE.
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? SUBMIT A WRITTEN PIECE UNDER 400 WORDS AND IT MIGHT GET FEATURED IN THE NEXT SEGMENT OF COMMUNITY YAPS
#BRINGBACKGARLIC CHIlLIDIPPINGSAUCE
WHO WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THE PUNKS OF KELOWNA WOULD LEAD THE CITY IN CULINARY INNOVATION?
P L E A S E , J A C K K N I F E
APRIL SHOWS
CALLING ALL CAPTAINS, GUTTERKING, IDIOFAME
APRIL 10 THE HUB, PENTICTON
APRIL 12 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA
AK-747S, LAKESIDE AMUSEMENT PARK, REGULAR 8'S
APRIL 11 DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN, KELOWNA
NOISE NIGHT: TEMPLE OF THE MOTH, YMGER, THRTDSPLY, ZYGENTOMA, GARBOINGUS, ETHAN VANIDERSTINE
APRIL 13 DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN, KELOWNA
PUSSY RIOT: RIOT DAYS
SATANIC TEA CO, MISYRION, DEATH MACHINE
APRIL 17 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA
GARDENER, MINX
APRIL 19 DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN, KELOWNA
DAYGLO ABORTIONS, DIRTNAP, THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL, BANGED UP
APRIL 22 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA
CAWSTON, CHILIO, THE STONEFRUITS, YEAR OVER YEAR, EARLY WORK
APRIL 27 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA l
APRIL 13 REVELRY FOOD & MUSIC HUB FOR MORE UPCOMING SHOWS MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW @CONCERTCULT.OKANAGAN
MAY SHOWS
THE ANTI QUEENS + THE VENOMOUS PINKS, ROBOT ORIFICE
MAY 1 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA
UNDERGROUND: NIGHTSHADES, SATOSHI YANO, TRAGICALLY LIT
MAY 10 PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, VERNON
RANDOM KILLING, MOTHER FUCKERS
MAY 11 DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN, KELOWNA
GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR
MAY 12 REVELRY FOOD & MUSIC HUB
DYING REMAINS, TOTAL ISOLATION, SNAKEPIT
MAY 15 JACKKNIFE BREWING, KELOWNA
KING THIEF, IDIOFAME, DERAILLEUR
MAY 30 CLANCY’S PUB, PENTICTON
WIN FREE CONCERT TIX!!!
BRAZE: THE SCENE
FEAST YOUR FIENDING EARHOLES UPON THE SPRING ‘25 BRAZE MAGAZINE PLAYLIST! INCLUDING THIS VOLUME’S FEATURED ARTISTS: DOWN THE LEES, PICKLE JUICE AND MEAN BIKINI.
THIS PLAYLIST IS FRONT-LOADED WITH SOME HEAVY HITTING, SHIT KICKING ROCK N’ ROLL, BUT WE’VE ALSO SPRINKLED IN SOME R&B, INDIE, AND EVEN BUBBLEGUM POP. PUNK VALUES IS OUR ETHOS, BUT WE DON’T BELIEVE IT’S GENRESPECIFIC, AND WE ARE STOKED TO INCLUDE AS MUCH OKANAGAN MUSIC AS POSSIBLE. SOME BANDS SUCH AS PUP AND BUSTY AND THE BASS, WHILE FROM OUTSIDE THE
OKANAGAN, ARE INCLUDED AS TIME CAPSULES OF THEIR OKANAGAN TOUR STOPS IN THE MONTHS PRECEDING THIS VOLUME.
UNLIKE THE LAST VOLUME, WE HAVE OMITTED PICKS FROM BRAZE WRITERS OF ARTISTS FROM OUTSIDE THE REGION. THERE IS TOO MUCH OKANAGAN MUSIC TO COVER FIRST. BUT, WE MIGHT BRING SELECTIONS FROM OUR WRITERS BACK IN THE FUTURE - WE’RE FIGURING THIS OUT AS WE GO. NOW GO ENJOY SOME SICK TUNES!
DOWN THE LEES CAWSTON PICKLE JUICE PHARM PUP MEAN BIKINI FLOODGATE BANGED UP TEXAS MAJOR NIGHTSHADES BUSTY AND THE BASS TEON GIBBS, CAMERON JAMES SAD TOM AND THE NOODLES NORSU PICKLE JUICE DOWN THE LEES MEAN BIKINI FUTUREVOID DEAD AFTER DARK JODIE B, MAKEMDEF, RACHEL GEEK PARIS PICK
CREATIVE CREDITS
Braze only exists because of creative collaboration amongst the wonderful people in the Okanagn underground scene.
Every person who contributed their DIY spirit—whether by sharing their art, words, time, or support—helped bring this issue to life. Thank you for being rad.
PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
ELLIE DREGER
LAIA BIG EAGLE
JUST HAYLEY
ACADIA BROMKE
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
FULL CIRCLE PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN PAUL COLLINS
AARON DICKFOS
MIKE GRAVES
COVER DESIGN
ZOË TROTTMAN
PAGE DESIGN
ACADIA BROMKE
WRITERS
JORDAN SIMON
RANNAN CHERNOFF
ACADIA BROMKE
JADE WALTERS
PATRONS
KODY B.
ANTHONY B.
JESSIE R.
SPONSORS
ANARCHY COFFEE ROASTERS REVELRY FOOD AND MUSIC HUB MARRTIAN CO.
SPECIAL THANKS
DOWN THE LEES PICKLE JUICE
MEAN BIKINI
FEEDMEKITTENS
ROBOT ORIFICE
JORJA THERIAULT
MATT ELLIS
DUNNENZIES DOWNTOWN
CONCERT CULT OKANAGAN
WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH BRAZE?
CONSIDER JOINING OUR PATREON OR SUBMITTING YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS BY SCANNING THE QR CODE ON THE BACK COVER
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING BRAZE MAGAZINE
VOL 2. BROUGHT TO YOU BY
