As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations we’re making a point of having several “discovery” nights, where we shine a light on some of the up-and-coming talent we hope you’ll give a look and a listen to. To that end, we invite you to see Vancouver’s The Long War (CBC’s 2017 national Searchlight winners) + locals Nik Field and Belia at The Carleton on Wednesday, May 9th. Show time is 8 PM and tickets – because (a) we want to keep it low enough that it won’t be a barrier to entry for you and (b) we need our artists to be able to make a few bucks – is only $12.50!
2017 CBC Searchlight winners The Long War is a Vancouver-based indie band where singer/songwriter Jarrett Lee works together with vocalist/guitarist Chad Gilmour, vocalist/keyboardist Jess Lee, vocalist/drummer Neil Williamson and bassist Carson Webber to create a dynamic sound that ranges from Folk to Rock. Lee’s inspiration can largely be attributed to the landscapes and environments that have influenced him throughout his life. Building out from this foundation, Gilmour and Williamson provide vocal support through their harmonies, bringing Lee’s lyrical imagery to life, which defines the music of The Long War.
These folks are a long way from home and deserve the attention of a Halifax audience so please consider coming out to listen. Speaking of listening, they were featured on CBC’s First Play – something that doesn’t happen for just anybody – we invite you to give it a listen HERE.
Riding on the echoes of pre-war folk music, Nik Field’s songs are stories of love, hope, and the plight of the common man, married with engaging melodies and modern sounds. Influenced by John Prine, Tom Waits, and Nick Drake, Field’s music is comfortably familiar yet fresh and captivating. His seven years of performing and recording have taken him from his hometown of Ottawa to Montreal and has landed him in Halifax, where he currently resides. In April 2017, his album, Where The Watermelon’s Grow, was released to a sold out crowd in Ottawa.
Nova Scotia based alt-folk artist, Belia (formerly Blue Lobelia), creates ethereal soundscapes with waves of looping vocals, singing violins and plucked guitars. In 2016, she released a 9-track album titled Perennial, touring her original work from Niagara to Montreal. Entirely self-produced, her hope was to inspire confidence in other young women to contribute their voices to the industry. Heavily influenced by the diverse Canadian landscape, it interprets a young woman’s journey to self-discovery in the natural world.
After three extensive cross-province tours, radio play on CHSR campus radio and performances at festivals including Flourish Festival, Living Roots, Fest Forward and Follyfest, Belia is gaining momentum. In 2018, she is completing two Artist Residencies and has been chosen for NSCC’s Artist Development Program. Belia’s evolving sound now showcases jazz influence and a love for experimental improvisation. Keep your ears tuned for the release of a new album early in 2019.