12 Calgary acts worth a listen — before everyone jumps on the band wagon
Erin Collins | CBC News | Posted: December 12, 2015 10:00 AM | Last Updated: December 31, 2015
Calgary musicians can rock, rap and croon with the best of them
This story was originally published Dec. 12.
Canada's National Music Centre, set to open in Calgary at the end of March, is expected to shine a light on the city's musicians. A city's music scene is part of its soul — how it expresses itself, and shapes its unique cultural identity. In no particular order, here are a dozen acts with a Calgary connection that are well worth listening to before everyone else does:
1) Chad VanGaalen
Calgary indie rocker has been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize not once but twice.
2) Reuben and the Dark
Five-piece alternative rock outfit signed to Toronto's Arts & Crafts label.
3) HighKicks
Fuzz bass duo fronted by the prolific Dan Vacon of The Dudes.
4) Samantha Savage Smith
A talented singer-songwriter with bite.
5) Lowell
Currently based in Toronto, the pop singer was born and raised in Calgary.
6) Jocelyn Alice
Armed with an unforgettable voice, Alice was the face of a recent tourism Calgary video.
7) Napalmpom
A terrific rock band with swagger to spare.
8) Tim Hus
Calgary-based country singer opened for Stompin' Tom on a cross-Canada tour.
9) Chrongoblin
The name really says it all.
10) A.Y.E.
Silky smooth Calgary MC.
11) Rae Spoon
Transgendered musician that walks the line between pop and country.
12) Viet Cong
Local post-punk outfit that ran into some trouble over their controversial name.
Calgary at a Crossroads is CBC Calgary's special focus on life in our city during the downturn. A look at Calgary's culture, identity and what it means to be Calgarian. Read more stories from the series at Calgary at a Crossroads, including: