Band will tone it down for SkateSpace performance
WHO: ShoCore
WHERE: SkateSpace Stage
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 3, 6 p.m.
The name ShoCore has been all the buzz this year on the Vancouver music scene, but dont call them a buzz band.
The term is a popular one with executive types who frequent the NewMusicWest Festival each spring, but the title doesnt seem to hold much weight, considering many such acts have faded away within only a year of the attention.
"Yeah, I was in one of those bands," says ShoCores frontman, Cory White. "Its just one of those industry things. If people like the music, I think thats what its all about."
Until 1999, White had been one of two lead singers for DDT. Its no secret that his split from the band was less than amicable (he found out from a friend that his bandmates intended to show him the door), but all of that was just preparation for something bigger.
Admittedly, White sat on his ass for a few days, feeling sorry for his bruised ego. Then came a phone call from Sho Murray, guitarist for the now-defunct Nefro. Murray lured White into the studio for a little fun. Just a year later, that fun is ShoCore.
"That experience has made me want to have more control," laughs White, cautious of how quickly ShoCores first single, Bonecracker, has crept up the charts. "We recorded the whole album, ( Devil Rock Disco, due out Sept. 4), before any record company involvement. We created the record we wanted to make."
But it didnt take long for the industry to catch on. Winning Vancouvers Seeds 2001 competition started the ball rolling and soon after ShoCore was snapped up by the hot new Toronto-based label, Linus Entertainment. Those with their ear to the vinyl will recognize the name of Linus President and CEO, Geoff Kulawick, as a previous force with Virgin/EMI Canada. Kulawicks reputation is stellar, with the majority of the acts he has signed going on to achieve at least gold status. Needless to say, several artists in development at EMI were distressed to see him leave.
"Thats why we went with him," laughs White.
ShoCore is definitely the act not to be missed on Whistlers SkateSpace stage. ShoCore always promises to be more than just a few guys with guitars. Critics have been kind to their multi-elemental sound and presence, which is like being hit over the head with the weight of Nine Inch Nails and then being slapped in the face with the attitude-rich rap of Limp Bizkit hyped up on dance adrenaline and thats before the waterpistol-wielding girls in pasties and the pyrotechnics.
White says the band rounded out by Stevie Ericson on guitar, Paul Floyd on bass and Chon Chikara looking after the samples is flattered by all the positive comparisons and analysis of their music, but in the end, they just play music they love.
"We just wanna rock out! Were not a political band. We dont want to change the world with our record. You know, we grew up listening to Kiss. We love Kiss. Maybe well go for the full make-up thing. Our dancers will be Whistler, theyre like part of the band now. But Whistler will have to be a slightly toned-down show."
Toned down indeed. Past shows have included whipped cream, consumed off of various body parts of their female dancers, perhaps not appropriate to Whistlers powers-that-be and the resorts family orientation.
"Yes, I had to sign a contract promising no nudity and no swearing. It doesnt bother me, but I should say that several of us (in the band) have kids, theyve seen the show a few times and they dont care. We did our show at the corner of Granville and Georgia in front of CFOX in the middle of the day. Old and young were there and they didnt care."
Well, perhaps Whistler will be won over by a new orientation.
"Its just a rock and roll show. Its all about fun."