Vancouver

Nardwaur the Human Serviette interviewed Purity Ring while they were in Vancouver earlier this month.

As I walked into the Frederic Wood Theatre at UBC on Friday evening, there was a palpable and distinct buzz in the air, and a long circling line around the corner. People were excited, and all gathered there for a reason: a joint cause and passion. And after seeing this powerful documentary—a grass roots campaign to raise awareness and protect British Columbia's waters from Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline, by B.C. filmmakers, Nicolas Teichrob and Anthony Bonello—it’s easy to see why.

Community is so important, and with the world of social media changing so fast, it clearly alters all the ways in which we interact with people. While the social media world is fascinating and allows us to connect with more people in a fairly easy way, human interaction and connections are still so important, especially within communities.

"Gypsy Babe", the most recent cut from Vancouver-based, dreamy siren Jody Glenham, was filmed at Venice Beach, California last summer but finally was edited a few weeks ago in Los Angeles. The song is looking like it will be included on the Dreamer EP which is due out in September. 

Fresh from not one but two appearances at Coachella, and following an international tour of Australia, Asia, Canada and the U.S. (including 4 dates with Tegan & Sara), indie sensation - STARS will be performing hit tracks from their storied career for Vancouver audiences as part of the Samsung Galaxy S4 launch, and you have the chance to check them out for FREE! If that is not enough for you, there will also be a special appearance from FEIST! Doors will be opening at 5:00pm at Rocky Mountaineer Station - 1755 Cottrell Street in Vancouver.

Last year we introduced to you Canadian singer-songwriter, Sophia Danai, who was on our radar as someone to watch. Well today the Electone-organ-playing-songstress released her debut EP entitled, Wishing Well, featuring 9 songs that include collaborations with DJ Khalil, THC (Kendrick Lamar), Talib Kweli, Shad K, and Skratch Bastid.

Forget about nomads and monks! It’s hip hop that’s making Mongolia move in the 21st century. Mongolian Bling jumps into the thriving music scene in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and follows stars as they rap nationwide with their bitches, cars, and jewels.  But beyond this bling lies a failed democracy, and a dying ancient culture that the elders mourn the loss of.  While many artists still aspire to the West, a handful are using hip hop to try and salvage their country’s flailing democracy, and bringing Mongolia’s rich musical history into their modern beats and rhymes.

This year ION celebrated its ten year anniversary by taking the party on the road with Robert DeLong. Presented by Little Burgundy and Original Penguin, we did three parties / three cities / three days: Montreal, Toronto, and the final party in Vancouver. This video is from the Vancouver event on April 6th, with performances by Robert DeLong, We Need Surgery, and HUMANS.