our talented singers!
Singers
BENJAMIN KEITH
“If a Moment Could Speak” the title of Vancouver Songwriter BENJAMIN KEITH’s first full length album sums up his musical approach. Recorded and Mix in just 10 day at the wine cellar studio, he and producer Ryan Stewart kept the approach of honest and real as the focus in creating this Album.
Known as a prolific writer, Benjamin chose the final 10 track to bring into the studio just days before getting started. And when time came down to chose the keepers, both he and Ryan decided to keep them all. Each track had a unique something that made it hard to let go. From the raw energy of PARTY DRESSES, to the pull you in feeling of LET GO, hip hop/reggae influenced LOSER to the fan favourite KILLER, there is a little something for any music fan.
Benjamin is quickly become know as a fearless and engaging performer. Not one to sit and simply strum sad songs. He is know for his energy, catchy hooks and big voice. Having player in some of Vancouver’s best room (Media Club, Buffalo Club, Red Room, etc.) Benjamin continues to build a loyal and dedicated fan base.
BENJAMIN KEITH
I saw him play at fan wars not to long ago. I later found him on myspace.com
We haven't interviewed him yet,
but are looking forward to it.
Check out this stud at http://www.benjaminkeithmusic.com/
or www.myspace.com/benjaminkeith
He played at our birthday bash!
Benjamin Keith and I
'Marq DeSouza'
'Marq DeSouza' is the result of a 2 year process working in a variety of studios with the city's best producers. Nearly 30 fully completed tracks were considered for inclusion on the record, which combines the lyrical focus of the singer/songwriter movement with the excitement of the purest guitar based rock n' roll. Playing many of the instruments himself, as on the previous solo release 'Temporary Redemption', 'Marq DeSouza' also features his core live unit joined by an impressive array of auxillary players (see credits). Piano, B-3, and percussive flourishes fill out the classic drums/bass/guitars sound, with Marq's distinctive vocals front & centre. 'Prey Becomes Predator' kicks things off in chrome-metallic fashion, targeting both modern & classic rock formats. 'Daddy Doom' expands the palette with paint-like guitar textures burying pure poetry. 'You Haven't Changed...', 'Some $...', & 'Some Guy', all have the crossover radio potential of the best singalong singles. Acoustic, live off the floor takes of 'Divided Highway' & 'Lucky Man' show a more introspective side. 'All You Had To Say', an innuendo filled duet with Los Angeles rocker Amanda Sellers, is a sexy gem. 'When I Was A Child' & 'Glimpse Of Her' cook like the best jam bands, but trimmed lean & mean. Deeper album tracks like 'Bulletproof', 'Where Did All Your Wit Go?' and the slowburn epic 'Razorburn' level the album out with effortless eclecticism. The record reaches its sonic/thematic climax with the white-noise anarchy of 'The Monologue.' Marq DeSouza's best known previous project is 'Solarbaby'. That group released 2 successful albums, 'The Power Of Negative Prayer' & 'Another Sidewalk's Bloody Dream.' Both were nominated for the prestigious Georgia Straight Music Awards, as well as placing high on the national college charts. The band was also taped 'in-session' for CBC radio, appeared on the MuchWest program, & did the festival circuit, with Marq invited for an appearance at the Bluebird North Showcase, in conjunction with the Canadian Songwriters Association. In his various incarnations, Marq has shared bills with such artists as Sir Bob Geldof, Sarah Harmer, Drive By Truckers, Ben Kweller, Martina Sorbara, Matthew Good & Nickelback. Marq is currently embarking upon promotional appearances on stage & in the media. Bookmark www.marqdesouza.com for continuing developments as well as for exclusive downloads of studio outtakes & rare live tracks. CDBABY LINK for MARQ DESOUZA: Marq DeSouza -->
Check him out at: http://www.myspace.com/marqdesouza
or www.marqdesouza.com
Marq is another singer I meet of myspace.com
RED
Often compared to such artists as Feist, Bonnie Raitt and Cat Power, Red balances percussive guitar against her beguiling voice. Her approach is to musically kick a listener in the privates, then brush a kiss softly across their lips. Balance, for Red, is key.
Since the age of seven, Red has been training hard as a technically-accomplished singer and songwriter. When granted her first choral solo performance, it was to a crowd of 1500 people in a packed ballroom at the prestigious Pan Pacific Hotel – no small feat for a first-grade child. From then until the end of her senior year of secondary school, she was involved in every choir, band and musical she could hack her way into, earning a string of service and fine art awards, including the Eric Hamber Fine Arts Award for her achievements in and contribution to the school’s musical and theatrical community, the only such recognition awarded in her graduating class.
Upon leaving high school for college, Red commenced an intensive 2-year Classical Voice program at Capilano College in North Vancouver. Her exhaustive courseload had her singing everything from coloratura arias to sacred First-Nations chants and modern atonal and pantonal compositions, as well as excelling at highly-advanced rhythmic and melodic dictation. It was during this time that she began to develop her signature balance between softness and strength, which would later become her greatest stylistic commodity.
Departing college, Red promptly immersed herself in a wide array of musical endeavours: free-style hip-hop, pure folk and semi-professional chamber music with The Laudate Singers. All the while, she wrote – honing her guitar skills, telling stories set to music and beginning her demo recordings.
Red was cast as an artist in a reality documentary called "We Rock" with her band, Rev.Zero. It was an intimate look over the shoulder of musicians as they sought commercial and creative success. Since that time, she completed an acoustic EP, began to write a full length album and collaborates with numerous local musicians. She is in high demand for studio work, collaborations and guidance from her peers in the music community.
Red’s favourite saying is that quiet music does not have to be folk music. When she assumes the stage, an audience member might assume they’re in for a pedestrian folk set from a talent agency nobody – until she opens her mouth. Once you hear what she has to say – and the grace with which she says it – you will never get her out of your ears again.
Red – 778-228-9313 (Cell) www.myspace.com/redpaintthetown betterredthandead@shaw.ca
I meet Red threw the add I posted on craigslist.org which is great cause we need some more female singers. I heard her stfuu and cn't get some of the songs out of my head, i was actually surprised to at her voice its powerfull. Check her out!
Robb Hill
I have established myself as an actor/stand-up comedian & musician. I have been influenced and mentored by so many people over the years. I'm grateful for everything I've learned and shared. I continue to strive to make music that has meaning and connects with people. As well, my comedy evokes reality in people's lives. I am working on my 1st full length album as we speak. Look for updates coming soon. Send me a message if you'd like some songs emailed to you (better quality), as well as my comedy acts. Also, let me know if you'd like to be added to my email list to let you know when I and other talented musicians are performing. You can catch me performing music at Our Town Cafe, The ANZA Club, Backstage Lounge, Coppertank Grill, Cafe Montmartre, Wired Monk and Media Club. I also perform comedy at YukYuks Comedy Club on a regular basis, Also, check out my comedy episode(s) at http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=frankstreet & www.putfile.com/2obstructions
I meet Rob threw an add I posted at Craigs list. Im looking forward to meeting him in person soon. I hope youll check out his music as it is origaniall and awsome!
John Pippus
Acoustic / Folk Rock / Blues
Mostly play acoustic blues, folk/pop/slow/fast, rock or not; whatever surfaces. Added to a number of stations at Independent Artists Co. (iacmusic.com). Various "Best of the Week" and "Track of the Day" awards at GarageBand.com. Awarded a FACTOR Songwriter's Demo Grant for "Fire Of Love". Airplay on Vancouver radio station CFOX and Interior radio stations. Managing Friday Music Nights at Tree's Organic Coffee House (450 Granville St.). Interested in playing? Drop me a line. "Best cheesecake in Vancouver." Member of: SOCAN, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Music BC, Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC).
check him out at: http://www.myspace.com/johnpippus or http://www.wonderfulwonderfulworld.com/
I meet John at the trees cafe wehn I went to go check out a friend sing, so then i contacted him threw myspace. Don't let age fool you, he is a briallant singer and if anyone is intrested in perofrming with him at the trees cafe then contact him at myspace.com/john pippus
Natasha Jay
Vancouver musician, Natasha Jay, is a flautist extraordinaire whose vocals are taking the city by storm. A powerhouse voice that leaves you wondering if she was from the dirty south in another life, Nat sings with soul to the acoustic blues-pop tunes of local singer/songwriter, John Pippus.
From Vancouver coffee houses like Trees to bigger and better venues like the Buffalo Club, Nat is quickly making a mark in the local industry. Collaborating with other local talent, including Lindsay May, Adrian Glynn, and Dan Mangan, she continues to move onward and upward in her music career.
I meet Natasha threw John Pippus and she sang for us at the Buffalo club along side with John. Not only is she funny and nice, but she has a voice of an angel and is both beautiful inside and out!check her out at: http://www.myspace.com/natjay
John and Natasha
derek grew up listening to artists such as johnny cash, kris kristofferson, and gordon lightfoot with his father, who tought him how to enjoy the art of music. derek did not inherit his musical talent from his father though.... for there is none to inherit.... but rather from his mother, who also became his teacher and critic. then at around the age of 13, derek discovered rock n' roll. he first fell in love with the song, "peaches".... perhaps the first happy song he ever heard? later, he turned to bands such as the smashing pumpkins, bleach, and radiohead for inspiration. although you can see the different influences in his writing, derek has grown his own form of meloncholy music, that will leave you unsettled, and maybe even a little bit awkward.... but wanting more.... always wanting more.
I meet Derek threw Wes Walls at a BBQ he held.Then he contacted me threw myspace.com He an amazing singer and I hope u do check him out, or ull be sorry.
Sabrina Korva
I'm 20 years old and have been in music since the age of 5. I studied classical piano with The Royal Conservatory Of Music for 10 years, and jazz piano for a couple years as well. I started singing and performing at age 7, and wrote my first song shortly after that. Then I took up the flute, bass and guitar. To this day, I do most of my writing on the guitar.
In the past 5 years, I've had the pleasure of working with some amazingly talented producers and songwriters including Guy Walker (Backstreet Boys), Todd Kerns (Static In Stereo, Age Of Electric), Brennan Barrett, Chin Injetti (Snow, Moka Only), Mark Olexson (Matt Good, 54-40), Guido Thylmann, Jim Huff (Edwin, The Headstones), Dean Truitt (Color), Riche Zahniser (SouthBase), Curt Cuomo (KISS, Eddie Money, John Corabi), James Baker (Libido), Kelly Moneymaker (Exposé, Days Of Our Lives), Jason Rowe, Derek Schram (Juice), Kirk Fotakis, Jim Rogers, Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly), and Jackie Carlyle.
I've performed for numerous festivals around North America, including Canadian Music Week in Toronto and CrueFest in Hollywood and Vancouver. Be sure to check out my recent Entertainment Tonight feature below!!
Presently, I Am In Los Angeles Writing New Music For My Album.
I Live For Rock 'N Roll!
It's What You've Been Waiting For.... Raw And Genuine...
ROCK N F'N ROLL, MOTHERTRUCKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check her out at:http://www.myspace.com/sabrinakorva
After exploring pretty much everything that a child could ever explore, Wanting was honest and told her mom what she wanted to be in the future, “I want to be a famous singer.” Wanting's only dream was put down by her beloved mom because it conflicts with what her mom wanted her to be – a doctor. Being the only child in the family, she wants her mom to be happy knowing that the divorce is in the way between mom and dad, Wanting stopped whining and focused on school. She dropped out of piano and dance classes and she became a sad, depressed and confused teenager.
During those 16 years, she never stopped singing. She would sing at home, at school, on the bus and out in public. She won many singing competitions in high school. Everyone knows who she is. But she could not advance in her singing career because she didn’t have the courage and support from the only person she loves the most, her mom.
In 2000, Wanting’s mom made a bold move, she bought Wanting a plane ticket and gave her a passport and some money and said “Tingting, you know, my mom died when I was 16 and I was on my own ever since. It was hard but look at me now, I am a successful independent woman and everyone around me respects me. It is your turn. You are going to Canada to study. Pretend I’m dead and you are on your own.”
On June 2nd, 2000, Wanting entered Canada for the first time. She was only 16. She was young and innocent. She was confused. She didn’t know what she wanted. She quickly graduated ESL program in Toronto and moved to Vancouver. After taken University Transfer Courses at Coquitlam College, her grades and English was good enough that she didn’t have to take TOEFL test to be accepted to Simon Fraser University. But anywhere she went, she wasn’t happy. All she wanted was to sing.
In 2003, she sang a song by Dido called “Thank You” in front of hundreds of people at Much Music Karaoke Singing Competition in Metrotown, and won the crowd’s applause and cheering and became the winner of the competition, and brought home her 1st price, 26 free Karaoke CDs. It wasn’t the price she loved the most, it was the feeling of being on stage, under the spot lights and all eyes on her she loved the most. She loved the reaction from the crowd, from the people she didn’t know, at that moment, she smiled from the bottom of her heart, and she was, determined to become a successful singer.
The first song Wanting wrote was right after a relationship. She was sad, confused, angry and depressed. She was all alone and used alcohol and drugs to numb that pain. Soon after, she had no one to turn to but her mom. She went back to China during Christmas break and healed herself emotionally. She used piano to express her pain and feelings. For the first time, she expressed her feelings through her own music. She wrote her first piano piece and it was called “To Markus”.
After she came back from China, she brought her guitar with her. At home alone, she finally wrote her very own song in English called “To You”. After meeting some of the finest local musicians, a rock band finally was formed. Wanting started to write more songs as she jam with the band mates. Demos were made at home recording studio and soon after, Wanting band was performing at local places such as The Media Club, The Piccadilly Pub, Anza Club and Stars on Broadway. Wanting also performed at Tree’s Organic Coffee Shop as a solo artist.
Wanting writes songs in both English and Chinese.
Wanting has been tackling the Canadian Music Industry for the last 1.5 years. She attended various workshops such as The Beat BootCamp, Musicbc Workshop, Nettwerk Workshops and WCMA workshops and etc.
So far, Wanting has already taken a few of the necessary steps to achieve her dream.
• She writes her own material
• She records rough demos at home
• She assembled a band for recording/performing
• She performs locally, both solo and with the band
• She has spent time in a Class A recording studio
Wanting has worked and performed with some impressive local talent. First, her 3-song demo was recorded at Beatty Lane Studios in summer ’06 by well-known producer Shael Wrinch (Sandy Schofield, SoulDecision, The Clumsy Lovers). These recordings have allowed Wanting to solicit local promoters, resulting in live shows in Vancouver. Some ‘names’ she has shared the stage with include: John Pippus, Derek Kehler, Benjamin Keith, Wes Walls, and many, many more.
Now that the guitarist left the band to advance in his dream which is to become a firefighter, Wanting is more focused on her solo career. She wrote many more encouraging songs with her guitar and piano. Her vocal carries a little sadness from time to time but she can rock out like you would never expect from an Asian petit girl as well.
Wanting’s style ranges from Goth-punk to easy-listening, and this range allows her to please a wide array of audiences. Her next initiative will be recording 3 of her softer, piano-induced pieces to round out her EP. You can listen to more of Wanting at www.myspace.com/wanting
“I write songs because I feel. I want everyone to hear me because it is real. I’m trying hard to make it because this is my goal in life. I’m not giving up because I want to prove my mom wrong that I can be what I want to be and I’m going to be a famous singer and she will be proud!”
Born In Calgary, Alberta, Singer/Songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Max Serpentini produced & engineered his debut independent release entitled "13" in Vancouver, BC. where he lives. Following a performance at Vancovuer's infamous Railway Club, TV talk show host Vicky Gabereau became and instant fan and invited Max to perform on her show the following week.
His solo acoustic performances showcase a mesmerizing percussive style of guitar playing creating a rich soundscape of bass lines, melodies and funky beats without using special FX. Max's music is currently receiving regular airplay and has songs licensed in various movies. His album "13" is available internationally. You can contact him at:maxserpentini.com or myspace.com/maxserpentini.com
I meet Max at the Limerick on Dec.12th 2006 as VACA hosted the circle of songwriters. Not only was I blown away by his musical talent, it was amazing to watch him make beauitful sounds while he banged the side of his guitar.He is a musical genius and a remarkable guy!
I hope you check out his stuff!
Growing up listening to the likes of The Guess Who, The Beach Boys, AC..DC, and BTO, Pedwell had solid roots from which to grow. "Pedwell seamlessly blends hook-laden melodies with crunchy guitar rock, whether with his band, or simply acoustic, Pedwell brings a distinct form of arena rock to the table. Pedwell is proof that even a metal-head can open his heart."
Pedwell debut'd in 2002 and has since played over 400 shows, released 3 cds, and a dvd.
Pedwell has never compromised his artistic integrity for the sake of vanity.
Pedwell's fan base is continuously growing along with his drive and ability to entertain an audience.
"I'm constantly trying to do things that I haven't done before, as well as things that hopefully noone else has done before either. It seems to me that nowadays, all artists do is lay down their chops on ProTools, auto-tune, pitch-shift and ship out a pre-packaged, commercial record to not only satisfy, but exploit whichever demographic sound-scanned the highest earlier that week. I make a conscious effort to break that monotony."
Due to Pedwell's humorous and often off-kilter onstage persona, he has been compared to acts such as Hawksley Workman and Frank Zappa. "Pedwell is sorta like our Jack Black, but with more charisma and talent." - Trevor Smith, The Buffalo Club, Vancouver
Pedwell's musical direction however, has gone a little left of the mainstream. Every artist has something in their bio about how they are the 'sum of their influences', in Pedwell's case this couldn't be more true. Pedwell's upcoming full length album titled 'The Fighting' is a culmination of everything Pedwell.
" I've fronted a melodic metal band for nearly 4 years, played in an upbeat acoustic duo that headlined the queer pride parade for 3, and this year,put out a gangsta rap record. All of those things have affected the way my music comes together, and I don't really know anyone that makes music similar to what I do. It's hard for me to convey my ideas on paper, I'll let the music speak for itself"
'The Fighting' is available for digital purchase through Project Opus.
I meet Pedwell threw the band shiver as he's also there singer too. Pedwell not only has an amazing voice, but he is such a funny person on stage and off as well as a cool person to have as a buddy. Pedwell is an awsome, so I hope you check him out!
www.myspace.com/pedwell
or www.pedwell.com
Hemant Rao
Hemant Rao was born and raised in Montreal. A classically trained violinist, he developed an infatuation for Pop & Rock music in his early teens and aptly migrated to playing acoustic & electric guitar, developing a versatile repertoire of styles while playing with numerous bands. He moved to Vancouver, choosing to develop his own songwriting and arrangement signature.
Shaped by diverse influences, Hemant's music is easily accessible and, whether playing as a soloist or with a combo, he draws on his own melodic vocals, heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances to appeal to a broad audience. A veteran of the West Coast music scene, he regularly plays in Vancouver and has sold an entire run of his first solo compilation, entitled "Miller's Lane". His most recent collection of original work, "Sunshine Runaway", represents a tonal evolution and features an eclectic montage of guitar-driven pop songs, intricately arranged to deliver a fresh, tight sound reflecting the appeal of his live performances. Check him out at:
http://www.myspace.com/hemantrao or
hemantrao.com
I guess i meet Hemant Rao threw VACA as Sarah suggested for him to contact to me and he did threw myspace. His music is very uplifting to me and I enjoy listening to him. I hope you check out this talented guy!!
Chris Maskulak
My Grandmother tells me that Ive been singing and composing since I could crawl and babble. I got my first guitar at age 8 and played in a few bands through-out high school.
I moved to the lower mainland in the summer of 2003. Even though I earned a joint major in History and Political Science I am still pursuing music because, YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE!
I recently finished recording the first two tracks of my solo album. The two tracks posted were recorded at Steller Studios in Vancouver. Check out 'Links' studio at www.steller-studios.com he is also in my top friends!
Im currently recording at (DCM) Deep Cove Music Studios in North Van with Producer Tyler Pearson. I have two great friends Jason Matheny (Drums) and Chris Russell (Lead Guitar) who have lent their time and talents to my project. Thank you so much you guys! They are also in my Top Friends under Sevy and Jason Matheny. I play bass for my friend Chris Russell in his band Sevy.
I have written music for 4 seperate short film soundtracks, including a small piece for a CBC "Women in Media" production entitled "A Makeover Story". I am very interested in writing more for the Television and Film music industry.
I meet Chris threw VACA as he played the circle of songwriters on June 10th 2007. Not only is he a friendly, good looking guy, he's a great artist. I really liked it when he talked about how artists should only be playing for themself's. I totally agree with him on that. I hope you check out his music.
Check him out: http://www.myspace.com/chrismaskulak
If you want to be one of Local's singers, please contact Mary L!
bravenet.com