BEEKEEPER is an indie post-pop power trio from Vancouver consisting of comedian Devon Lougheed, protein synthesist Luke Cyca, and opera singer Brandi Sidoryk. Their music blends together infectious hooks, stunning male/female harmonies, and unsettling math-rock dissonance. Their music and live shows are infused with good-natured twists, pranks, and hoaxes that keep listeners guessing. As they just returned from a Western Canada adventure to promote their new album “Shout at People” they haven’t stopped asking questions to fans via the social media sphere. As a way to engage the public, much like their shows, questions such as “What do you want your gravestone to say? Or “Do you have any regrets?” color their interactive wall space. SAD MAG decided to reverse the asking of questions, giving beekeeper ten lines to fill out, of which lead-singer Devon responded in the most serious way possible.

First show ever was The Philosopher Kings with my dad in Brantford, Ontario. The singer got multiple girls to throw their bras onstage. My dad’s mind was blown, and I knew what I needed to do with my life.

Best words from a stranger were “You can’t just shout at people”.

My love for Arby’s will never die. I’m the worst vegan ever… although, Arby’s is barely food, much less meat, right? Horsey sauce!

Favourite spot inside my mind is halfway between two coffees and two whiskies. It’s called “songwriting ultrazone”, and it is a good – albeit frightening – place to be. Wanna join me?

I feel great when ladies throw bras onstage. Ok, that’s never happened, and I’m not sure what I would do with them. Maybe I’d give them to Brandi, our bass player. I wonder what her bra size is…
Vancouver can be the really vibrant music scene that it is — we just need to let ourselves admit it. There are fantastic bands here, and some great venues (although we could use some more of those). Let’s be proud! We can be the new Montreal, come on folks.

Most people think that beekeeper is too hard or too soft, when really, we’re just right. And also those other things too.

I can only imagine that you’re reading this on your iPad in the bathroom.

My grandma was in the first graduating class of doctors at the University of Toronto to allow *gasp* WOMEN to graduate.

beekeeper better notice that you popped by http://buy.bkpr.ca/ to check out our new EP. Honestly, it is the most fun thing we’ve ever made, and we think you’ll really enjoy it.

Check out their newest album “Shout at People” HERE

Tis’ the season to cheer, wearing that over-sized sweater, getting ready for the new year and/or finding the best defense for the upcoming Apocalypse. As of recently, my friends and I have been dreaming of zombies, escape routes and getting away from the chaos with the hope of never looking back. Dreams of the Apocalypse may come and go however the hope for world peace is still on the table. So what if we make it to 2013? I’ll most likely be writing this monthly feature and you will be making some resolutions to quit smoking, get your dream job or eat better. Whatever happens to us, let’s rejoice and thank the universe for  infectious local music. I’ve created a playlist with 24 day-dreamy songs to get you through the holidays unscathed.

That said, go support our local record shops and buy some music!

Listen to the Winter Magic playlist.

// Track Listing //

1 Hannah Epperson Murder of Crows
2 The Ruffled Feathers All My Cities
3 James Lamb Wrecking Ball
4 David Newberry All Of My Friends Are Famous
5 Fish & Bird Jellyfish Ghosts
6 The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra End of Days
7 Mathieu Lavigne Little Wars
8 Christopher Smith Middle of the Night
9 From Birch to Yew To Keep Those Alive
10 Frazey Ford Hey Little Mama
11 Portage and Main What Have I Done
12 Mike Edel The Country Where I Came From
13 Hannah Georgas All I Need
14 Dominique Fricot Strange Lady
15 Jordan Klassen Go To Me
17 Weathered Pines Me & the Sea
18 Stefana Fratila Mes Fantomes Gries
19 Dogwood and Dahlia Whiskey Hearts
20 Ma Petite Man About Moon
21 Siskiyou Twigs and Stones
22 Aidan Knight Skip
23 Brasstronaut Bounce
24 cris derksen Hindsight 20/20

If it weren’t for the beautiful landscape, friends and music projects I’d happily be packing my suitcase to get to a destination where taco stands are still out on the streets and bike riding in a sun dress is still permissible. Ahh the heat. Ok, realistically my ginger ass wouldn’t be able to handle it for more than 15 minutes as my sensitive skin would burn me into a landmark of red, however I can daydream and repeat the sentiment every rainy season. For now, I’ll regress to bike riding in my water proof outfit (it’s really not that bad) and continuously forgetting to buy an umbrella despite being a permanent Vancouver resident. My music radar has been slow these past weeks as Summer and Fall’s music circuit is slowing down as well as being preoccupied with stuff (cats, love, photo taking, etc). Finding music videos for local artists isn’t always an easy task, however this month I was able to discover a few new artists in the process as well as get a sense of what’s out there for easy autumn listening.

These five artists are perfect when looking out the window at the rain-soaked city, walking over bridges in the drizzle as well as rolling around in leaves with your lover. They will tickle your heart and perhaps leave you thinking about the Canadian landscape and how it really isn’t that bad.

The Country Where I Came From – Mike Edel

Mike Edel has been a great discovery. The video and song correspond with feeling introspective about space and time, and how we fit into this large world of contemplation and loneliness. Atmospheric and slow, the video really captures the essence of the song. I’m also a big fan of dogs so having a black and white canine guest star sealed the deal. Mike is currently on tour across country with Jordan Klassen, a great match of men who pull at your musical heart strings.

Album Teaser – Ma Petite

This isn’t a music video but definitely worth watching! It will leave you wanting more and having a crush on a lovely Australian singer songwriter (and her story).

Local Swan – The Zolas

This is a band I didn’t necessarily want to like as I felt they were too happy, thankfully I gave it a listen and fell for their sweet songs and lyrical pairing. The Zolas are a very Vancouver band to me and have been able to succeed in a land of pop music as well as capture the crowds of the indie world. The band is hard working and definitely have a live presence within the music community.

Call and Answer – Jordan Klassen

One of my favourite local artists to come out of the radio machine, Jordan Klassen really uses his soft voice to narrate stories and orchestrate the instrument rich backings. His style definitely has a pinch of Sufjan Stevens although he is currently outgrowing the comparison with the release of his 2012 Kindness EP.

We Will Host a Party – Hannah Epperson

Oh Hannah. What a gem, talent and lovely being. She beams with positivity and humbleness and definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her sparse lyrics and brilliant violin are definitely an emotional ride when seen live. I’ve seen her play three times and it keeps getting better as she is becoming more comfortable with sharing her inner workings. Hannah is also busy with Four on the Floor and collaborating/playing with other local music acts in the city.

Sober October… not really. More like October everyone gets a cold and settles into the sheets with their love that being a human, book or tv show. Now that the fall shivers are out of the way and I’ve purchased a great pair of red stripe wool socks from Québec, I’m ready for hibernation. I’ve selected five videos that give a feel of shedding off late summer nights and bringing in the ease of a cozy fall.

Sayso – Evy Jane

Her performance with producer Jeremiah Klein back in April is what got me hooked. Not knowing they were from Vancouver I was super thrilled to see them perform again during the festival circuit at Olio and Music Waste. This duo really puts on the feelers and down tempo waist shaking movements around the house.

Time to Kill – Youth & Gold (Arts and Crafts)

I cannot deny my love for Louise Burns and a solid electronic beat. This song is really great at getting one in the mood for something either dangerous or loving. Black & white and contemplative the director brings a sense of danger and innocence to the shots. It is after all our time to feel. Youth & Gold will be touring across Canada with Diamond Rings this Fall and I bet it will be worth seeing.

Horizon – Humans (Hybridity Music)

Infectious sounds and always a fun show to boot, Humans brings electronic music to Vancouver in an accessible way. This video is polished yet creepy and has a narrative that you can expand on in your mind. Like what happens when grandma gets back home?

Plague – Crystal Castles

Micheal Jackson’s Thriller used to scare the shit out of me in grade 3. If I were a kid now, this would freak me out! Despite freaky and creepy there is some great body movement and choreography in the music video. These kids are playing the Commodore October 26th 2012. Happy Halloween.

Guided Highways – Spell

This is yet another project from the prolific and wonderful Prophecy Sun. The slow floating sounds and sparse lyrics bring space and atmosphere to the room as if you were under water. The song allows for thoughts to fall like leaves or a chance to reminisce about long highway drives in Northern Ontario. The video has very little development however it pairs well with the song.

SAD MAG// LOCAL MUSICS //AUGUST 2012

Not going to lie, music videos are my addiction. Although I don’t always watch the videos in their entirety (if they’re bad), I watch loads of music videos daily and have since my Much Music days. As Sook-Yin Lee has been my favourite host of all time, I had teenage excitement when the Wedge came on and most likely a denial crush. MTV/Much Music quality programming times are sadly over therefore I find myself perusing music blogs, aggregators and vimeo habitually. That being said, local music videos aren’t always easy to track down however this month I selected six music videos that celebrate the lovely August. With pride just passing by and the weather coming full circle, these songs reflect highway driving, pensive porch evenings, getting ready for the Fall and full on slap in the face partying. Please enjoy the songs and sights of these local acts and try to catch them live!

Top Less Gay Love Techno Party – Robin

Whenever I go see TLGLTP I end up finding glitter all over my sheets, the person I slept with post show (sexually transmitted sparkles) and on my scalp for months at a time. The band creates a party that I want to take part in and this video really gives me FOMO for whatever is going on tonight. I never really thought their recorded music would be as fun as their live show–and to be honest it isn’t– but this song is still really catchy and adventurous. Pre-party song for sure.

Hot Panda – Future Markets

This is a hard-working band and when you see them live you can tell by how tight they are. This video reminds me of a great movie opener and plays out well, however the lead singer’s mouth creeps me out at times. This is definitely an “enter onto the highway in your parents car” song, and a grower.

Chains of Love – He’s Leaving with Me

If I were to pick some of my favourite female leads in Vancouver, Chains of Love has one of them. This video is creepy and dark but really narrates the song’s hazy sound. The last scene really grossed me out and I’ll most likely have nightmares about it.

Mode Moderne – Real Goths

Filmed in Strathcona, this video is cute with some teen romance. Awkward boy goes goth and meets a total babe…the reality of being a real goth I guess. The song very much a classic 80’s influenced track is great for pensive moments out on the deck as the sun comes down.

Teen Daze- Treten

Who doesn’t love a little whale watching and rocket ship launching? Teen Daze creates a well crafted atmospheric song with a video that embodies the natural wonders of the ocean, space and darkness.

Hannah Georgas – Enemies

Beautifully crafted and executed live at CBC Music studios, this number shines. As Hannah Georgas recently signed to Dine Alone Records her new track demonstrates how her sound has evolved from previous releases. This video can definitely go on repeat while sitting still after a long day.

SAD MAG// LOCAL MUSICS //JULY 2012

Summer is slowly coming in this year with June seeming like an extension of Fall and July/August distant in the fog. As the sun starts to toast the skin music becomes a part of the scenery as a soundtrack to the adventures to come. As this blog will focus on local music happening in Vancouver and its close surroundings, I have picked five recent local albums for cycling to 3rd beach, hosting friends on the front stoop, drinking beers in the park or canning preserves in the kitchen.

Apollo Ghosts – Landmark (You’ve Changed Records)

This album starts in all the right ways, a warm jangly riff, group vocals and Adrian Teachers quirky vocal lines. Most songs under the three minute mark bring a smooth car ride with windows down to mind and infinite joy. Go see this four piece live, it is truly a treat.

Brasstronaut – Mean Sun (Unfamiliar Records)

It’s hard not to think that Edo Van Breemen is one of Vancouver’s most beautiful songwriters along with his trumpeting contributor Bryan Davies. Mean Sun glows in maturity for the band that is known to fuse jazz & pop together. Mean Sun relishes in a more subtle journey and a fuller recording sound quality from their previous release Mount Chimaera.

Japandroids – Celebration Rock (Polyvinyl Record Co.)

At first I didn’t want to like these guys.With much hype and a recent 8.8 on pitchfork I realized that their nostalgic early 2000’s emo rock gave me some instant energy and blood flow. Considering there are only two of them, they play with vocal layers, steady drumming and riffing guitar so well. Super catchy shit too.

Needles//Pins – 12:34 LP (Mammot Cave Recording Co)

Vancouver loves its punk rock and these guys (and girl) bring the best of it with delectable song writing, clear vocal lines and well thought out pop structures. After watching them live I really appreciated the minimalism that transfers over to their recent recording 12:34.

White Lung – Sorry (Deranged Records)

I was listening to this album while eating some dinner and couldn’t sit still. These kids have had me since their first release Local Garbage. Super short, sweet and fuck yeah songs that you just want to get sweaty listening to. Sorry finds itself to be more melodic than previous releases while still keeping its hardcore punk energy alive and well.

Nu Sensae – Swim

Trippy and colourful, like a summer vacation.

art work by Marc Johns