When we think about supporting local amid COVID-19 in Kelowna, many might think to grab a pint and a pound of wings at Doc Willoughby害羞草研究所檚, a coffee from Pulp Fiction, or a sweater from Okanagan Lifestyle.
But while these establishments reopened in May, provincial restrictions have made it difficult for many in the entertainment industry, especially music artists, to perform and ultimately earn a living.
Kelowna is home to some stellar music of all genres. By simply streaming, sharing or buying merch of a local artist, your support can go a long way. Here are eight notable local artists to add to your playlist.
PMC is an indie-band that defies norms. Constantly showcasing eclectic inspirations, the band keeps you anticipating what害羞草研究所檚 next. Their soundscape varies from soulful R&B infused vocals meet catchy indie-pop riffs to electronic synths pair with classical violin and more. Post-Modern Connection害羞草研究所檚 ability to play with dynamics is apparent. They most recently played in Kelowna at the Fireside Festival in January 2020.
Lucky Monkey is a band that blends the soul of old-school 70害羞草研究所檚 rock with the energy and polish of the 21st century, to create music that speaks to fans both new and old. The band害羞草研究所檚 sound is melodic, crunching, and accessible. Lucky Monkey has supported big names acts such as Danko Jones, The Lazys and Bret Michaels.
Josh + Bex are a Canadian dream folk duo. Josh, with his Eastern soul-folk vibes and Bex, her melody-driven West Coast influence, together they make music that captures their vulnerabilities and draws listeners into their world with a transparent and heart-forward presence. Josh + Bex won the 害羞草研究所淚nside the Festival害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶛, emerging new artist contest in 2019 where they performed at the internationally acclaimed Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival.
Zoe is described as an R&B, soul and alternative R&B singer and songwriter. Her emotional seeded lyrics fuelled by vulnerability is what brings her music to a level of relation. From years of honing her sound, Zoe has released her debut EP 害羞草研究所淎s Promised害羞草研究所�.
Frig Off!
Frig Off! is a two-piece band full of talent and liquor, often drawing comparisons to the White Stripes. The duo headlined the third day of Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Fireside Festival in January 2020. They have supported acts at local venues such as Doc Willoughby害羞草研究所檚, Fernandos Pub and BNA.
The Wild! is a Kelowna staple, playing at local venues such as Doc Willoughby害羞草研究所檚 for years. The band is the epitome of old-time rock n害羞草研究所� roll. The rebellious foursome from Kelowna is a perfect mixture of rock害羞草研究所檔害羞草研究所檙oll swagger and punk rock attitude. Their new album 害羞草研究所淪till Believe in Rock N害羞草研究所� Roll害羞草研究所� is out now.
Yukon Blonde is probably the most commercially successful band on this list but still deserves some attention. The band is an indie-rock band from Kelowna that has been based in Vancouver since 2009. The band has toured the U.S. and Canada and played at such festivals as South by Southwest. The band was named one of the 害羞草研究所�10 Canadian bands destined to break in 2010害羞草研究所� by CBC and Chart called the band the best of the 2010 Canadian Music Week festival. Since then, the band has released numerous albums and hit singles such as 害羞草研究所楽tairway害羞草研究所� and 害羞草研究所楽aturday Night.害羞草研究所� Their new album Vindicator is out Nov. 6, 2020.
Other Kelowna artists to note include: Kentucky Eileen, Under the Rocks, The Melopinas, Kansas Lee, Hot Knox and Elk the Moose.
READ MORE: Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 Fireside Festival focuses on diversity in its 7th year
