Sunshine at Solstice

Alli Sunshine plays to the Solstice Cafe

The Solstice Cafe in downtown Victoria hosted Trevor Davies album release show Friday night, and for the 60 or so people that attended, they were treated to a nice coffee house experience. Unfortunately for Trevor though, due to some technical difficulties that really slowed down his set, it was the two opening acts that really stood out.

Alex Hicks started the night with a beautiful set. Hicks, a member of Raw Hunnie, had a super strong voice that really dominated the cafe. She played the guitar quite nicely, and apart from one little slip-up during a song, she played lights out. She seemed comfortable for the most part, her interaction with the crowd was decent. She has a phenomenal voice, and I'll keep an eye out for her in the future.

Next up was Alli Sunshine, and filling in for the Blue Sparrows was Trevor Davies' band mates, Bassist Phil Albert, and drummer Dave Klasen. Sunshine was the reason we were at the show, and she didn't disappoint. She is a very personable performer on the stage, and you get a real sense of her enthusiasm. Even with band members who had never played with her, and on a borrowed keyboard, she had the cafe's full attention. I was very happy to find that her voice was even better in person, and I'm really curious to see her with her own band now (especially with some guitar!).

Trevor Davies closed up the night at the cafe. As I mentioned earlier, they had some problems with their gear, and the set never really had a flow. Those difficulties shortened their set, and it was really too bad. I'm not sure if it was the difficulties, but I don't think their stuff is for me. Not to say it isn't good, because the crowd that Davies brought in last night certainly seemed like they got what they wanted. All in all, it was a great Friday night.

Everybody should be Making War

This rad cover shot was taken by my buddy from
www.cylerparent.com

Well Ellisa Hartman is fast becoming an Island SoapBox favourite, and the Making War E.P. has strengthened her case.  I remember her excitement for the release, and I can understand why.  The 6 song E.P. is a great showcase of her talents, and should please current fans as well as intrigue new ones.

"Making War" and "Smitten" are probably the two catchiest tunes on the album.  Both make you want to sing along, and I think these two will catch your attention and really allow you to enjoy the rest of the album, which rings along at a slightly slower pace.  As it's 6 songs, it's a quick play, but an enjoyable listen that will leave people searching out more Ellisa Hartman.

She is another musician on Vancouver Island who is just so incredibly personable, you want her to succeed.  This album is definitely a strong performance, and I think demand for this now Campbell River based musician should be on the rise.  Look for an interview in the coming weeks with Ellisa!

Searchlight Top 60

Well the surprise just gets better.  Thank's to all your votes, Island SoapBox has cracked CBC Radio 3's Searchlight for the Best Canadian Music Website.  Thank you all very much, it is very flattering and humbling.  The idea of spreading the word about music I enjoy was what pushed me to start writing this, and I'm just so excited that there a few more eyes and ears out there right now!  With so many other fantastic sites that do the same thing still on the list, I think the most obvious point that has come from this competition is the amazing music community that exists here.  Every music fan in Canada has something to be proud of.  The talent is phenomenal, as well is the support.  Make sure you keep voting, and help this community along further!
I have a contest going right now, in hopes of hearing who you are voting for, I would love for you to enter!

Feel the R3 Love

Can you feel the love around here?

I am still way too excited to be part of this! So many good blogs and websites are on the list, and it seems everyone knows each other some way or another.  In spirit of this, I'm going to do a little contest! Leave a comment below for who you will be voting for.   I'm gonna give out a prize or two to some people that leave comments randomly!  I have a bad-ass CBC Radio 3 shirt that just makes sense to give away first.  And of course make sure you vote daily, a winner will be announced March 10! 

Add some Sunshine to your winter listening

Alli Sunshine and the Blue Sparrows offered up The Muse E.P. this past December.  Now I should have spread the word on this earlier, but hey, we're here now!  I've been listening to this album quite a bit over the past month, and Nanaimo certainly has another group to be proud of.

This is an excellent 5 song showcase that has me eager to hear (and see) more.  Alli Sunshine has a beautiful voice, which easily keeps your interest itself.  The instruments are equally great, and I enjoy the diversity of the 5 tracks.  "House of Hanover" and "Baby" are my favourites, I can't choose between the two.  "House of Hanover" is a gorgeous song, a slower pace that really let's you enjoy Sunshine's brilliance.  "Baby" has a super fun guitar solo that makes me love the entire album.  The whole song is fun to hear build, and I just really enjoy how it leaves me feeling.

The Muse E.P. is worth your time for sure.  The group sounds wonderful, and I think can safely say this is a job well done.  All 5 songs create an interest to hear more. A great Vancouver Island group that will be worth watching out for.

R3's Searchlight

I was totally shocked and pumped to find out Island SoapBox is long listed on CBC Radio 3's Searchlight for the best Canadian music website.  I hope that you can go there, and vote for your favourite blog (if that happens to be this one, then you are awesome, rock on!).  Please get on and vote regardless, as it helps people spread the indie word around this beautiful country!

photo courtesy: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfk-NCSsmQX4vScRAd_EAeKnxeQLZjoFomiCl19eyPj2bcFV2zMYvTHkDfgxo55JMhFOPMkepyTcemeD2IC-dcsREyoJnQXnotP6YYtlCSffEBPslMHNXrnea_nGJQaRJACSRgK3vdPw/s1600-h/shock.jpg

Island Time

So yeah, I've been enjoying the new year.  A whole lot actually :) Look for Island SoapBox to come back in February with more material.  Now if you will excuse me...

*photo courtesy www.amylangfield.com