HIGH TIDE FESTIVAL
Summer is officially over. The days are becoming shorter, the air is cooler. For music fans, this means that the annual run of festivals has come to an end.
In Sooke, however, due to the hard work and ingenuity of the folks behind the High Tide Festival, music fans can enjoy just one more taste of summer. On Friday, October 7th from 4:00pm to 11:00pm at the Sooke Community Hall, Sooke residents will be treated to a selection of five of the best local indie bands that Vancouver Island has to offer. For a ticket price of $35 (click here to buy tickets). attendees will be provided with one mixed drink and seven hours of live music. The night will then wrap up with a high energy set from acclaimed Sooke DJ Typoh. The traditional way to celebrate the Autumn Equinox.
This event is exciting for many reasons, but the most impressive aspect of the mini-festival are the bands.
Vox Rea
Noir-pop group Vox Rea.
LEFT: Kaitlyn Hansen-Boucher (vocals/percussion) MIDDLE: Kate Kurdyak (lead vocals/piano/guitar/bass), RIGHT: Lauren Kurdyak (vocals/piano)
For a region that has gone Rifflandia crazy in the past weeks, there is little doubt that many Vancouver Islanders will recognize these veterans of the distinguished Victoria festival. Releasing music through the 604 Record label, Vox Rea has created a distinctly dreamy, euphoric sound which has earned the group both critical acclaim and commercial success. Don’t be late or you risk missing this incredible act, as Vox Rea will be coming on early in the night.
FaultLine
Vancouver Island alt band and hosts of the High Tide Festival FaultLine
There are a handful of incredible bands that - outside of a small fanbase - only local industry insiders know about on Vancouver Island. Prior to their coming out at Laketown this summer, FaultLine was one of those bands. Despite their slightly increased following, this indie alt group is still largely undiscovered relative to their quality. Come out to the High Tide Festival and catch FaultLine before these young folks are too busy touring arenas to make the trip back over to the island.
Shale
Vocalist Kiarra O’Connor fronts band Shale in the rain.
While they are not the only rock band to make waves out of Sooke lately, the five-piece rock group known as Shale is arguably experiencing the fastest rise out of obscurity that lower Vancouver Island has seen in years. Their recent local touring success is underpinned by the quality of the work they produce; moody keys and classic rock influenced guitar riffs provide the canvas for lead singer Kiarra O’Connor’s powerful vocals to create a dark, nostalgic rock quality to their sound.
Sleepshake
If you have ever listened to our radio program then you are likely familiar with Sleepshake. Their song “Medicine” was played in late 2021 to significant fanfare in both the studio and amongst listeners. The group combines the most exciting aspects of early 2000s garage rock with big 70s guitar sounds and 90s heavy rock to create something that taps into whatever it is in music that gets you up and out of your seat. Sleepshake is a welcome addition to any live lineup.
Hillsboro
The fellas from Hillsboro enjoying an evening car ride.
If you read the bio for this group, it states: [Hillsboro’s] sound blends the earnest songwriting of late 90's emo with the pop sensibility and punchy production of 2000's radio rock. Having played some of their catalogue on our radio show, I can confidently say that they are much more than that. The group has a very unique sound with impressive range in their ability to combine subgenres. If you are playing Rifflandia bingo for future years, Hillsboro is another band to keep your eye on.
Downtown Mischief
Downtown Mischief in the pre-pandemic era.
The headliners for this impressive little festival are the genre-defying group known as Downtown Mischief. Since the day this event was announced, there have been rumors spreading around town regarding how good of a live performance these folks put on. In their own words “Part funk part jazz part rhymin' Downtown Mischief comes thru Slidin”. I think that about sums it up.
RULES AND TICKETS
Tickets are $35 and come with one free mixed drink (or pop) are available here.
The event is all ages. Please bring ID if you are planning on drinking.
The event is Friday, October 7, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Sooke Community Hall located at 2037 Sheilds Road in Sooke.
Email unsignedbc@gmail.com with any questions.