You may have already heard the exciting news that BreakOut West will be coming to Kelowna and immersing the city with live music this October - but did you know they’re bringing some friends from out East and overseas with them?
That’s right - BreakOut West (BOW) has partnered with the East Coast Music Association, Australian Music Week, FOCUS Wales, Wales Arts International and the Welsh Government to bring out some awesome artists from Eastern Canada, Wales and Australia.
The goal of this initiative is to unite the coasts of Canada and offer an avenue for musicians to get out into new markets.
“We found that so many artists from the east or west were only touring to Ontario or Quebec, and this partnership has shown great success in expanding the rest of Canada to participating bands,” said Robyn Stewart, Executive Director, Western Canadian Music Alliance.
As far as the overseas acts go, this will be the second time that Australian artists participate, and the first time for Wales.
The artists joining from the East and abroad include Busby Marou, Campfire Social, Kidsmoke, Like a Motorcycle, Motherhood and Tom West. Here is a little more information about the bands, and why they’re excited to make the trip to Kelowna for BOW.
Wrexham, Wales
Kidsmoke is a four-piece indie-pop band from Wales. After singles from their EP ‘Save Your Sorrow’ made it onto Spotify playlists and BBC radio, the band took off. One of their songs, ‘Take me to the River’, was even featured in the Black Mirror episode ‘Arkangel’.
“It’s our first festival abroad, so every aspect of it is really exciting,” said Kidsmoke. “The fact that it’s in Canada makes it even better, it’s a country that we’ve admired from afar and many Canadian acts have been a big influence on us growing up such as Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire and Andy Shauf.”
“We like memorable hooks and melodies, lots of harmonies and performances delivered with emotional weight,” said Kidsmoke. “We think anyone who looks for those qualities in a band will get a lot from our set. We’re serious about our songwriting, but not ourselves. We like having fun onstage and can’t wait to play.”
“It will be our first time in Kelowna,” added the band. “We hope to have time to see some sights, Myra Canyon Park, Lake Okanagan, find the best shops and consume loads of food and ale.”
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Motherhood is a three-piece avant-rock band with a unique sound from Fredericton, New Brunswick. The band recently completed their first tour across the United States, followed by a performance at the ECMAs in May.
“We’re excited to rip BOW, just as we’re excited to rip any cool festival! We love playing live and seeing people’s minds melt,” said Penelope Stevens, who plays bass, keys and vocals in the band. “We try to bring an aggressively fun vibe to our set, because if music isn’t fun for the audience AND the band, what’s the point? You can expect the unexpected from our set - lots of twists and turns, dipsy doodles and general freakiness.”
“This will be Motherhood’s first time at BOW, so we don’t really know what to expect! We are very happy to be back near some mountains again, though, that’s for sure,” added Stevens, who often ventures out to Kelowna to visit her niece. “We were last out West for Sled Island in Calgary in 2017, and before that for a cross-Canada tour in 2016. We’re excited to link up with old friends in the area and make new ones!”
Llangollen, Wales
Campfire Social is a five-piece group from Llangollen, Wales. With an indie-pop meets melodic-rock kind of sound, the band has received support from various radio stations and music sites.
“It’s amazing how Breakout West pulls together so many elements of the music industry in one exciting event. As an emerging artist it’s a fantastic opportunity to get face-to-face with delegates from Canada and around the globe. It offers us a platform to discuss potential projects and build relationships with those we hope to work with in the future as well as do the thing we love to do the most for a whole new audience,” said Thomas Hyndman, who plays guitar and vocals. “Plus, we get to meet and watch so many amazing bands in between.”
“We love playing in front of new audiences as it’s a great way to breathe new life into the songs. So expect a lot of smiles and excitement from us,” added Hyndman. “It’s the first time any of us will have been to Canada. I am looking forward to holding a baby kangaroo at Kangaroo Creek Farm (if this is true) and I’m a sucker for scenery so a lake will suit me just fine.”
Well Thomas, we are looking forward to seeing some pictures of you with a baby kangaroo, because it’s totally true.
Adelaide, Australia
Tom West is an artist from Adelaide, Australia who creates moody, whimsical folk music. Tom West uses his music to tell stories, using unconventional guitar tuning and his distinct voice to do so.
“It’s really cool to be able to participate in events that showcase up and coming talent as a performer but also just as someone who loves seeing and discovering new music,” said West. “BOW is a great chance to get amongst the excitement of new music, new friendships, and to see upcoming bands who are breaking ground and giving it their all. I can’t wait to come and hang out and stumble across my new favourite band.”
“BOW will be my first visit to Western Canada so that’s pretty exciting by itself! I’ll be touring around a new album and new songs so I’m really looking forward to performing new stuff too,” added West. “In my home city, Adelaide, it can sometimes feel like we’re away from where all the action takes place on the east coast of Australia. I imagine that my comrade musicians and songwriters in Western Canada might sometimes feel a similar sense of isolation so I’m definitely excited to be able to support a movement that helps to build and support a contemporary music scene in places that might sometimes miss out on the limelight that the big cities get.”
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Like A Motorcycle is a four-piece punk rock band from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Their debut album, ‘High Hopes’, earned them an East Coast Music Award for Rising Star Album of the Year and a Nova Scotia Music Award for Rock Recording of the Year. If you're into punk, this is a show you won't want to miss.
“We are so incredibly stoked and grateful to be headed out West for the first time as a band,” said the group. “We feel like the West Coast is a region which really appreciates our type of music and it makes sense for us to be there”
“We’ll be headed to Vancouver immediately after the festival to record our sophomore album with producer Howard Redekopp (the producer for Tegan And Sara and Mother Mother),” added Like A Motorcycle. “Our acceptance into BOW and the support we are receiving to get us out there is the only way we were able to tie that dream up in a big, gross bow. We can’t wait to scare you guys into being our friends. See you in October!”
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
Busby Marou is a duo from Australia that creates melodic, indie tunes with pretty guitar riffs and heartfelt lyrics. With impressive awards, acts and song releases under their belts, this is a must-see act for anyone looking for some beachy, feel-good music.
"We're crazilly excited about this trip! It'll be our first trip to the west side and we have no doubt that we'll be right in amongst the action," said Busby Marou. "We love Canada - the music scene, the people, the lifestyle - it's all great! We feel that our acoustic sound has a home over there and our personalities really suit the Canadian way of living."
We asked Busby Marou what we can expect from their set, and it definitely sounds like it's going to be a great one.
"Big sounding acoustic guitars, a bit of storytelling, lots of harmonies and of course, plenty of flavour from Jeremy's guitar skills," said the band.
For more information about BreakOut West, the lineup, and how to purchase tickets, click here.
BreakOut West is an annual event that includes 3 nights of music, a 4-day conference and the Western Canadian Music Awards. For its 16th year, Kelowna will be hosting BreakOut West and live performances will be taking place throughout the city from October 10th to 14th, 2018.
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