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County goes NMWest

Vancouver’s NewMusicWest Festival kicks off this Wednesday and local boys Whole Damn County will be part of the prestigious showcase.

Vancouver’s NewMusicWest Festival kicks off this Wednesday and local boys Whole Damn County will be part of the prestigious showcase.

Two-hundred-fifty of Western Canada’s best unsigned bands, musicians and DJs will converge on 25 concert venues. The four-day event also draws the country’s 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 they’ve been accepted.

The rock quartet unveiled some new material at last month’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Vocal/guitarist Chad Oliver says the songs were well received and they were happy with the feedback. They’ll continue to push ahead with the new songs on Thursday night at the Arts Club Backstage Lounge. Oliver is also pleased with the venue they’ve been assigned. The County actually won a battle of the bands contest at the Backstage Lounge, so he’s 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. Vancouver’s Jeffery Sez and Mossy Ledge round out the triple bill. Oliver realizes it’s 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.