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Getting kicked in the name of punk

Who: Side 67 and Tim Where: Boot Pub When: Sunday, July 13 You’d think Side 67 would be pissed. You’d think they’d be broken, but these sturdy punk rock bastards are true survivors.

Who: Side 67 and Tim

Where: Boot Pub

When: Sunday, July 13

You’d think Side 67 would be pissed. You’d think they’d be broken, but these sturdy punk rock bastards are true survivors. For six years this Vancouver outfit has been tipped as "the next best thing".

They’ve been trumpeted at label showcases, given the verbal deal clincher by movers and shakers and had rave reviews for their two EPs and full length album More Riches Than Stitches . But where’s the record deal? Where’s the cross-country tour commitment? There’s no justice in this world.

The story gets worse. They’ve had their van stolen with all their gear inside and they weren’t insured. They also recently had mega money invested in their new EP Punktuality from Vans Records. But guess what? The label folded.

Do you think these kicks in the guts bother Side 67? Not at all, in fact the boys thrive on it.

"It keeps us going really," said guitarist Darren "Darn" Diggler. "I mean, so many cool things have happened to us – we’ve just been in the right place at the wrong time. We’ve been through the ringer sure, but the fans are still there and we still get a good response at our live shows and that’s really what it’s all about."

Come now Mr. Diggler, surely you’d like million dollar contracts, world tours and hot babes on tap?

"Well yeah, doesn’t every band? But honestly, the band’s main motivation is to have people at the end of the show say they had a great time. If they buy one of our EPs - even better," replied Diggler.

But don’t feel sorry for Side 67 – these guys are not the types to cry into their Kokanees. In fact, the sun is shining again for the band as we speak.

Punkuality

was recorded in Vancouver’s legendary Greenhouse Studios.

"Juice, the technician there, is awesome and we were so excited to get the opportunity to work with him," said Diggler.

The guys are also about to embark on a Southern California tour visiting a few A&R types and companies like Pepperheads Hot Sauce and America Shoes want Side 67’s tunes behind their products.

As for the band Tim, they too are dodging the potholes and driving forward on the rocky road to longevity. They recently released their second full-length album, Chasing the Daydream, and plan to hit the west coast of the U.S. this fall.

The band are working on a new music video, a financial grant for a new production and are sponsored by Etnies. But it’s time to go big.

"We’re really at the cross roads right now," said guitarist and singer, Mike Rousseau. "We’ve all decided to make it the full time commitment and see the world. Whether it turns into something big for us will remain to be seen but it’ll be a good experience either way," he said.

This melodic punk rock band is made up of a group of guys into their extreme sports. Their music meshes perfectly with their outside interests, thanks in large part to the energy involved, positive lyrics and a "pushing the limits ethic’ that relates to their chosen outdoor interests.

"When we say we’re punk rock, we are saying that we are not conforming to anything we don’t like. We’re not anti-establishment as such because we think punk has become an establishment in itself but we are all for music that makes you feel good about being different and give you the boost you may need to give anything a go," said Rousseau. Their ethos must be working because Tim has toured Western Canada numerous times and even completed a cross-Canada tour with 27 shows in 30 days. They also performed at last year’s Vans Warped Tour and this year’s Slam City Jam.

On the film side of the Anti-Club Nite this Sunday, the Old Bones and New Blood Film Festival will run prior to tim and Side 67. From 9:30 p.m., catch a bunch of short but cool films by west coast skaters and surfers. You’ll get "The Nature of Skateboarding" & "Benches and Bicycles" by Mike McKinlay. "To Whom It May Concern", "Home Is Where the Heart Is" & "You Die Now" by Jon West. "Victorian Touch 3" by Dan Lupton and a surf movie shot in Torfino called "Numb" by Jeremy Koreski.

Seven films, two bands and lots of specials and prizes for just $5 at the Boot Pub. Doors open on Sundays at 3 p.m. Movies start at 9: 30 p.m. and music starts at 10:30 p.m.