SO FAR, SO GOOD

attitude becomes mainstream. “It’s already picking up,” he says, and the number of independent record labels and artists is growing. This being 2010 Records’ first show, they are hopeful of the possibilities that lie in store as their career synthesizes. “With the ever-growing forms of producing music by yourself, and on your own without ever having to go to a studio, I think that independent artists will eventually be the norm,” says Darragh. “A lot of major record labels, they’re taking the independent kind of approach, since independent is more popular now. I think major record labels will become redundant soon.” n

What Draws People to Lo-fi?

At the Open Haus concert, these attendees gave their take on it.

DEREK: “The rounded edges of analog [sound production] give it a warmer feel. I like the roundness and warmer tones.” PIERRE: “I feel a mild state of euphoria. I like the mellow environment; it’s nice to be with a community.” OLIVE: “It’s very accessible, and the music has a certain fullness to it.” SOPHIE: “Charlie’s music is really good. It gives off a positive, upbeat feeling.” BELLE: “My boyfriend, Liam [Hill], introduced me to [lo-fi] House. It’s chill, but upbeat.”

So Far, So Good

Discovering Vancouver’s music scene in a way you never have before by RABAB SEBLANI

All I knew was the address and the time I had to be there. We head to Gastown around 6:30 on a crisp Tuesday night, and I could see a small crowd of people forming outside the address I’d been emailed. As I get closer, I realize I’ve been here before: a café by day, Nelson the Seagull has been transformed into an ethereal space, with dim fairy lights delicately hanging from the ceiling, rustic carpets scattered throughout, and in the corner a microphone and an empty stool.

We all find a seat, eagerly anticipating the surprise musician to make her debut in front of us. From the corner of my eye emerges a young woman, making her way to the stool and plugging in her baritone ukulele. “Hi everyone,” she says with a quiet smile. “My name is Desirée Dawson and I’m gonna share some music with you.” A soft melody fills the room—and for this Tuesday night, it feels as though this crowd’s collective brain waves are elevated together, in unison.

Vancouver isn’t well- known for our underground music scene, but organizations like Sofar Sounds—which organized the Desirée Dawson concert—have helped its popularity. Hailing from the U.K., the organization brings local artists and small crowds together, making it possible to see popular artists in more intimate gigs. Conceived by two friends who’ve said they were tired of the mainstream music scene and the conventional experience that came along with it, Sofar Sounds brings a more intimate night to cities around the world.

My experience at the Desirée show was different than any other concert I’d attended. Unconventionality is what Sofar Sounds tries to accomplish in an otherwise saturated space—the point was not to entertain, but rather feel connection to those around you, the music, the space and of course, yourself. I’d never thought that a perfor-

Bakery by day, concert hall by night mance could leave me with such catharsis—but that’s just how I felt that Tuesday night at Nelson the Seagull.

Sofar Sounds, however, isn’t without its controversies. Critics have called for a boycott of their shows, noting that the platform has a reputation for exploiting artists by paying them little to nothing for their performances, while still charging goers $15 to $20 per ticket. The workers associated with Sofar Sounds do so on a volunteer basis. Spokespeople for Sofar have countered that performances offer the artists exposure, and others have compared it to an open mic night at a bar, or even competing in a music show like The Voice.

Regardless of the controversy, it’s hard to deny that Sofar Sounds has transformed the meaning of what a concert is—especially in this so-called “no fun city.”

FIND TICKETS

And more information for upcoming performances, go to www.sofarsounds.com/ vancouver n

Do You Listen to Live Music? We surveyed a group of Capilano University students aged 19 to 29

18.75% have listened to live music before

50% have been to a live music venue

68% would attend an intimate concert in Vancouver