THE LOWDOWN
THE ACTS, THE VENUES AND WHY IT’S WORTHWHILE
It isn’t often that a B.C. festival taking place in a small, quaint city can boast a lineup that includes the likes of Courtney Love, Death from Above 1979 and Big Boi.
Rifflandia, however, is the exception. Since launching in Victoria, B.C. in 2008, Rifflandia has grown rapidly each year, reflecting the ambitious vision of its two organizers, Nick Blasko and Dimitri Demers of Atomique Productions. Case in point: in 2008, Rifflandia made do with a 10×10 tent, a boombox, and astroturf. 1,500 people showed up and 65 artists performed. In 2012, Rifflandia included eight night stages in downtown Victoria, a spot in Royal Athletic Park, a mini marketplace and over 15 food vendors, just to name a few aspects of the festival experience. Over 100 acts performed. That’s pretty impressive growth over only five years, and sets the stage for the type of experience that is sure to come this year.
First off, this year features an eclectic mix of over 200 acts; combined, they make a festival that sets the bar high with some seriously quality music while striving to satisfy many tastes and musical preferences. Bigger names like Edwarde Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, singer-songwriter legend Beth Orton, LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, and IDM veterans The Orb are some of the names that top the bill. We’re especially excited for Beats Antique, known for putting on some of the sweatiest and best dance parties around. Much loved acts such as Canadian indie rockers Stars will grace the stage, while rising up-and-comers like electronic musician Flume and Montreal-based Braids are set to perform as well. Other than including bigger names, however, the organizers have left room for notable local acts too. Watch out for Vancouver bands like The Gay Nineties, Gang Signs, The Belle Game and Facts to hold their own over the three-day festival.
Tickets are still on sale – and considering the quality of the lineup, they’re priced reasonably. A pass for the whole weekend is only $165 and gets you access to the entire festival, including the early park shows as well as the nighttime shows taking place throughout bars in Victoria. If you aren’t that committed, you can always pick up a single day pass for $60 or a night pass for the whole weekend for $74. Tickets are available online or at various locations in Victoria.
Additionally, the organizers have also committed themselves to making Rifflandia ethical and charitable: the festival’s charity of choice is War Child Canada, a non-profit that helps raise awareness and support for war affected children around the world. Over Rifflandia weekend, visit the War Child Lounge – housed at The Atrium on Yates Street – and all proceeds from the lounge will go towards the charity.
All in all, we’re pretty excited for Rifflandia 2013. The lineup is the best we’ve seen yet, there are plenty of awesome venues to choose from, and for those kinds of ticket prices, there isn’t much of an excuse to sit this one out at home. If you’re planning on checking out Rifflandia at all, make sure to stop by The Copper Owl. BeatRoute is taking over the venue for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night – in partnership with Music Waste on Thursday, WinnieCooper.net on Friday, and Sled Island on Saturday (see below). Show your favourite magazine some love and come out and support.
Rifflandia takes place Sept. 12-15. Visit rifflandia.com for more information.
By Polina Bachlakova
BEATROUTE x RIFFLANDIA
BeatRoute x Music Waste
get wasted Thursday Sept. 12
Peace
Peace
Not to be confused with the U.K. band of the same name, this Vancouver quartet is making a name of their own with their maddening catchy hooks and a killer live show to boot. Headlining Thursday night at the Copper Owl, Peace is the only way to kick off your Rifflandia weekend.
Bloody Wilma
In a day and age where it is said a band won’t make it anywhere without an online presence, Bloody Wilma have none. Their website is a MySpace page and they have no recorded music. Despite this, they still have people talking. The only way to hear the duo is to see ‘em.
Cleopatra and the Nile
Their bio on the Rifflandia site simply says “Synth electro pop with Theremin!” If a Theremin doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will.
Also check out: The Mants and Juvenile Hall
BeatRoute x WinnieCooper.net
Winnie says dance Friday Sept. 13
Young Liars
Young Liars
This is a band that knows how to groove. It is easy for dance music to pander to audiences, but Young Liars are beyond that. The songs are smart, catchy, dancey and the band is insanely tight. Dance the night away as Young Liars headline Friday night at the Copper Owl.
Slow Learners
The band may not have intended it, but they have created a slacker-rock anthem with their track “Habit.” Slow Learners have already established themselves as fuzz-rock kings of Vancouver, but there is more beyond the distortion.
Fountain
New project from one of the members of Victoria’s Kingdom Cloud. Fountain, one of the most un-Google-able names of the lineup, make post-punk with modern sense of vitality and urgency.
Also check out: Tough Lovers and Dan Kosub
BeatRoute x Sled Island
no sled, no problem on Saturday Sept. 14
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain
Fresh off their festival closing set at Squamish Valley Music Festival, Bear Mountain are ready to tear into Victoria, headlining the Copper Owl on Saturday night. Blending synth-pop, booty-shaking percussion and anthemic sensibilities, Bear Mountain are a band not to miss live and the only way to end your Saturday night at Rifflandia.
Gang Signs
Consisting entirely of veterans in the Vancouver music community, the band has quickly made a name for itself with their dark melodies, catch grooves and haunting vocals. Think The XX, but more goth-y.
AroarA
You may recognize Andrew Whiteman from Broken Social Scene or Apostle of Hustle, but AroarA is something entirely different. Teaming up with his wife, Ariel Engle, their music is minimal but their guitars + electronics approach to folk will engage and engulf you.
Also check out: Young Braise and Dreamboat
Compiled by Joshua Erickson
