Beatroute Magazine BC Print Edition - September 2017

MUSIC
WESTWARD FESTIVAL
your summer fun isn’t over yet
JEEVIN JOHAL
Vince Staples
An epidemic is cancerously spreading throughout British Columbia taking out music festivals in its path.
Though MRG Concerts has concocted the antidote to this destructive dilemma in the form of this year’s
first annual, Westward Music Festival. Ditching the traditional festival platform that brings fans to an iconic
outdoor location with multiple stages, Westward spans across 4 venues in Vancouver, showcasing a diverse
lineup of internationally renowned stars, and a handful of hometown heroes. Grab a ticket to a single
show, or hop on your bike and rip around town to see how many artists you can check off your list in one
evening.
Youngblood
Little Destroyer
photo by Jodi Brak
Brass
Too Many Zooz
Little Destroyer
Colourful bubblegum pop is torn to shreds by
singer Allie Sheldan whose vocals dance between
the dark and divine. Band members Chris and
Michael Weiss complicate seemingly simple
electronic melodies with dirty synths and crunchy,
punishing drum beats. There is a distinct battle
between good and evil in the songs of Little
Destroyer but both paths inevitably end in a high
octane-fuelled performance.
Youngblood
Having only been in the scene for around a year,
Youngblood are quickly gaining momentum as
one of Canada’s most sought after electronic pop
groups. On their debut EP Feel Alright, the band
create dream inducing soundscapes, incorporating
whimsical synths, fluttering guitars and a head
bobbing rhythm section. All the while, singer Alexis
Young’s catchy lyrics and vibrant vocals add an
otherworldly mysticism to their tunes.
Vince Staples
At only 23 years old, Vince Staples is already one of
the hottest rapper’s in the game. Having buddied
up with the Odd Future camp a few years back, he
quickly flew under the radar of some of the world’s
biggest names and has since collaborated with
artists like Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, and the
Gorillaz. But make no mistake, Staples holds his
own. On his latest release Big Fish Theory, Staples
reflects on his fears of a dystopian America over
abstract, genre melding beats, proving that he isn’t
just some naive kid, but rather an observant lyricist
with a sharp tongue.
Brass
“Brass Sucks.” That’s the slogan strewn all over
buttons and patches you’ll see stitched onto jackets
and hoodies all over Vancouver, but once you see
them live you’ll quickly find yourself disagreeing
with such a bold statement. These punks have
played almost every underground venue and
club in town, and their pure grit and no bullshit
attitude has earned them a hefty cult following that
continues to soar.
Too Many Zooz
The self proclaimed “Brass House” trio got their
start busking in New York City subways, before
gaining acclaim after a video of them performing in
Union Square Station, went viral a few years back.
Their playful fusion of jazz and dance melodies
even caught the eyes of Beyonce (yes, the Beyonce),
who performed with them at a gig in 2016. That
same year they released their first full length album
Subway Gawdz; a status they truly live up to.
Westward Festival takes place at various venues
throughout Vancouver Sept. 14 to 17. For more info
visit westwardfest.com
22
September 2017