Vancouvers NewMusicWest Festival kicks off this Wednesday and local boys Whole Damn County will be part of the prestigious showcase.
Two-hundred-fifty of Western Canadas best unsigned bands, musicians and DJs will converge on 25 concert venues. The four-day event also draws the countrys top names in music management and production, and Whole Damn County is looking forward to the opportunity to impress.
Bands must apply to participate in NMW. Whole Damn County has filled out the forms for the past three years, but this is the first time theyve been accepted.
The rock quartet unveiled some new material at last months World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Vocal/guitarist Chad Oliver says the songs were well received and they were happy with the feedback. Theyll continue to push ahead with the new songs on Thursday night at the Arts Club Backstage Lounge. Oliver is also pleased with the venue theyve been assigned. The County actually won a battle of the bands contest at the Backstage Lounge, so hes counting on a lot of support from Vancouverites.
"The staff from the bar have also been calling, asking if they could help promote us. So that always works out nice when you find out someone is willing to go the extra mile for you. The sound is really good there too. The sound guy has been there a while and knows the room really well," says Oliver.
Whole Damn County is the headliner for the night. Vancouvers Jeffery Sez and Mossy Ledge round out the triple bill. Oliver realizes its difficult for many Whistlerites to make the one night trip to the city, but hopes a few local faces will get down to the Arts Club Backstage Lounge (1585 Johnston Street) Thursday, May 10 and support our local talent.