HOLD THE MUSTARD PRESENTS - A Genre Glitch: Super Kawaii Headline the Chill House with Support from Dusty Pines, Villain Villain, and Fairy Goblinz
Saturday's show marked a GENRE GLTICH at the Chill House, with Super Kawaii making their Chilliwack tour stop count at the Chill House. Their performance marked one of the first Rap performances held at the venue, and the lineup was an unforgettable one that made for one of the most deeply memorable shows that I have worked at so far.
The second day of May was a hot one, with a temperature high being a tie to the record for the particular date. It was the perfect hot weather for a Saturday show - and what better way to spend a day away from the heat than inside of the Chill House with some exceptional live music to cool you off?
A summery, chatter-filled atmosphere was highly present throughout the parameters of the Chill House, with many people opting to spend their time chatting outside before the show rather than staying in the venue. This allowed for the space to come to life as soon as people began to pool in, and it was a surprising turnout for the show that exceeded expectations greatly.
The lineup of this particular show felt even more underground and almost club-esque than many other Chill House shows, with various different music fans and audiences all being drawn by different bands - meaning that there was without a doubt something for everyone on such an extensive lineup of different artists to choose from. It was without a doubt one of the most unique shows that the Chill House has had to offer so far, which is largely thanks to the booking choices made by Hold the Mustard Productions.
Artists from Chilliwack, Vancouver, and other surrounding areas all came to put on an unforgettable show at the Chill House, with the lineup having the most variety I have ever seen at a show. The bold artist choices and acts of self-expression were wonderful to see unfold, and it went better than anyone could've possibly expected for it to.
Each band made sure to take time to set up and organize themselves appropriately, leading to a cohesive sound in every set that showcased both the raw and polished sides of each artist on stage. The down-to-earth atmosphere of the show was heightened by humble and kindhearted artists lining the building with deeply enjoyable sounds.
Being at this show allowed for people to enjoy the sun without melting outdoors, and the music could be heard booming both inside and out of the venue from evening until late-night. It was an exceptional show packed full of unique talents, familiar faces, and incredible energy all around, with each of the four bands giving their all and making sure to play their absolute best at every turn.
The turnout of the night was exceptional, with an appreciative and supportive crowd coming together for kindhearted and talented artists that made sure the show would be a night for the books. The atmosphere of the show was even better than expected, and the entire night was one of the most fun shows that I have had the pleasure of working at so far.
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Fairy Goblinz made sure that the lineup for the night included a local set of talents, with the young teenage locals performing an exceptional set. The band are considered very familiar faces at the Chill House, as they perform at the venue very often and make sure to always play their best no matter the show - with this show being no different from their other strong performances.
The band is made up of exceptionally robust performers that have strong talents despite a highly laid-back energy both on and off stage. Despite how calm they may seem, their energy turns into something much deeper when they're on stage, blending influences and emotions into one exceptional spectacle of the show that truly showcases that the band never disappoints when they play.
For those who hadn't already been familiar with Fairy Goblinz, the band made themselves known and ensured that each member was given their props and introduction to the crowd; meaning that despite having a clear ringleader, every member was still spotlighted as their own entity. No member was left behind in the roaring surges of energy that were handed out during the band's set, and it was clear to see the massive appeal of the band from the very beginning of their set.
It was also clear to see throughout the band's performance that the members of the band enjoy working together, and they do it very well. The teamwork showcased by the band as well as the loyalty of their audience was something deeply inspirational to see from such a young band, and they pulled off their work on stage very well. Making the performance feel like a well-polished jam session was the best possible thing the band could have achieved, and they knocked the ball out of the park.
A great local following came out to see the band perform, with many of the band's friends coming to show their support for both the band and the local scene. The sense of community brought along by local pull is always incredible to see, and there's no better place to see Chilliwack come together than the Chill House.
The lead singer of the band was exceptionally charismatic, with her interactions with the crowd including talking between songs to provide context and clarity and coming down onto the floor to engage with and dance with the crowd, going above and beyond to include others and make sure the crowd was moving for their set.
Vocally, Fairy Goblinz had a set that ranged from great clean vocal performances to screams, blending Screamo elements into a highly undefinable genre palate that make Fairy Goblinz such a force to be reckoned with in the Chilliwack scene. A great sense of vocal projection despite the singer struggling with some difficulties with a sore throat showcased an incredible set of abilities within each track, and the vocals were without a doubt one of the main elements making Fairy Goblinz stand out as much as they did.
There was an exceptional range in sound and tone found throughout the band's entire set, with different styles and genres being put together to make something deeply memorable and strong in showcasing the different influences that the band carries with them. It was extraordinarily clear to see that the band are their own style and sound while still deriving from different influences, making their work very sturdy in terms of foundation.
Strong variety is something that helped to make the band stand out even more, with a sound that had plenty of different elements to attract fans of different kinds of music and genres. This allowed for people to bond over their set even if the band's main genres might not have appealed to them at first glance, and it showcased something much deeper within the band that isn't often seen in any performers.
Fairy Goblinz performed a set that contained a highly enjoyable and slightly upbeat sound that got the energy of the night high and into a very feel-good territory that was perfectly suited for such a sunny Saturday show. Their sound was something that was immediately felt throughout the entire venue, and the members of the band are absolute essentials in the Chill House community that can not be understated.
The band's sound had me swaying, allowing for the crowd to move along to their songs and feel the energy that they were feeding into the audience. This meant that the venue already had its first surge of energy within just 30 minutes of performance time, and the band made sure to make the evening worth everyone's while no matter who they were there for that night.Throughout their set, the band managed to withstand a great pace that did not ever falter. Breaks between songs were used to fill the space with something deeply important: band-to-audience communication. It was clear to see that the lead singer is exceptional with interacting with people on stage, and it felt as if the members of the band were truly made for the stage that they were standing on.
A mix of emotional songs and lighter material helped to keep the audience on their feet, providing something slightly unexpected with potent moments of vulnerability and a sense of raw, unfiltered feelings that were present throughout the band's entire set.
Songwriting was another clear strong suit for the band, with the more emotional moments of the set reigning in powerful lyrics that would be able to make even the most stoic concertgoers feel something. The unique members of the band come together into an incredible group of people - and it's a wild chemistry that doesn't come around ordinarily.
Great song structures made for a set that was balanced and well-organized, with perfectly formatted song lengths and in-between material ensuring that the band did not make their performance drag even one bit. The resulting set was something truly stunning to see live, and Fairy Goblinz are without a doubt one of the main Chilliwack local names to check in on.
Such a strong alternative sound is something that can often be hard to find, especially if you don't know where to look. Fairy Goblinz are just one of many examples of smaller local bands being the best possible artists to show your support to, and their intense fervor for the art of performance is something that rarely shines as bright as it does in their showcases on stage. The Chilliwack music scene allows for young alternative musicians to show off their sound, and it's a sonic palate that is meant for a certain audience that will always come running to the next gig.
Sonically, Fairy Goblinz made sure to have a stunning amount of depth that was completely captivating to listen to from start to finish, with their set running for the perfect amount of time and ensuring that fans were satisfied on every note. The depth of their sound included a blend of various different genres, as well as their respective subgenres that stand out most.
Some experimental aspects made their way into the band's set, with various different elements being completely unique to the band. This meant that Fairy Goblinz didn't blend in to the lineup or into the local scene at all - they're completely unique in every way imaginable.
The band made sure to play an exceptional set that was well worth the time they took to perform, and they made sure to set the energy for the rest of the night perfectly. They opened up the show with something heavier before Villain Villain would take the stage with their unique, 80's-esque sound; and it was clear to see that the members of Fairy Goblinz are true performers and musicians through and through.
The audience of the night reciprocated everything that Fairy Goblinz gave to them, with incredibly loud cheers from the crowd being heard reverberating throughout the walls of the Chill House. Seeing a band that is still so fresh receiving such props is something incredibly refreshing to see, and it's clear to see that the band won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
The entire space was filled with great music with a start time that was just over being on time, and the result was a satisfied crowd that was able to align themselves with the music before flocking to sit in the sun for a while before the next band took the stage, giving the time between sets a relaxed and summery feeling that is hard to replicate.
To view footage of the young talents on stage, see HERE to get a glimpse of what they sound like live.
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As the evening got breezy with a warm haze blowing over Chilliwack, Villain Villain took the Chill House stage to perform another alternative set for the nights mixed genre bill, with their set blending unique influences into a sound that is largely unheard of in modern rock. Being able to express yourself musically is one of the most important aspects a band can carry with them, and Villain Villain are no stranger to being completely unique in everything they do.
The band immediately made themselves apparent with a unique and highly interesting stage setup, with instruments that made the band stand out and lighting on the drumkit helping to make them visually intriguing, meaning that the band put on a show in all aspects - not just sound.
Villain Villain have a highly unique sound that is reminiscent of 80’s oddball rockers - but with their own twist. This individuality carries out in each of the band members, and their unique aesthetics and varied sound allows for them to constantly put on exceptional performances that will leave first-time viewers coming back for more in most scenarios.
Atmospheric elements and distortion were also thrown into the mix during the band's set, with the audio of the entire performance being exceptional in quality and continuing for a great overall runtime that never once went stale. The resulting set was something well-worth sticking around for, and every element came together perfectly.
A varied sound that uses unique soundscapes to immerse the crowd into their unique performance experience is something that you will find in any Villain Villain performance, with their set on the Chill House stage being no different. They made sure to give the venue everything they had even despite the unfortunate absence of one of their members, and they put on a very proper show that made the Chill House feel even bigger for a short while.
Villain Villain performed with an infectiously catchy sound, making them an absolute must-see from the show on Saturday. It goes without saying how truly talented everyone who comes to play at the Chill House is - but there's a unique way that Villain Villain's sound sticks that you don't typically see.
There was an impressive usage of distorted synth elements and effects within their set that were unmistakable in how unique they were, with the usage of synths being something that no other band had throughout the lineup of the night. This helped to set Villain Villain apart even further from other bands in both the scene and on the bill from the night - and it's always refreshing to see a synthesizer keyboard on the stage.The band played a set that was notable for being bassy and loud, with their instruments turned up to the max and their skillsets being something marvelous to hear live for the first time. Alongside other sonic elements that kept their performance sharp, the intensity in which the volume they played in was at was a tough piece to beat in the puzzle.
Each member of the band made sure to show off their energy and respective skills on a very large and impressive scale, turning the space in the Chill House into a full-blown spectacle to be enjoyed by all. It was clear and refreshing to see on stage that the members of the band work exceptionally well together, with a clear chemistry and strong work ethic being shared between the band as a whole leading to an unforgettable performance.
As the band's set came to a close, they made sure to dedicate a track to their bandmate Shaun, who was not able to perform with the band due to circumstances of severe illness. This allowed for them to honour their friend while still carrying on as a band; especially because any bandmember would want their close friends and bandmates to keep playing and getting their sound out no matter the circumstances. It was a potent tribute that made sure the Chill House knew that their bandmate is still with them even when he can't be there physically.
They made sure to end their set off with a brand new song, which was met with positive reactions all across the board. Their strong performance style was something that resonated deeply throughout the entire venue, and it truly was a performance for the ages.
It was incredibly refreshing to see how the band are themselves in every way on and off of the stage, and their aesthetics are fine-tuned based on aspects of themselves; no tacky gimmicks or anything that tries to blend in, just truth in music and sound. The band felt comfortable, yet organized and well-suited for their set, with their performance allowing them to have fun and jam to their finely crafted music while still providing something incredibly sharp.
Their energy of the band doesn't stop once they were off the stage, either. As the members of Villain Villain are incredibly fun people both on and off the stage, and their exceptional stage energy comes from what great people they are on the inside, with the members of the band being particularly great to work with overall.
Villain Villain also carried over a high energy that was perfectly suited for dancing, with their lighter elements shining through over a darkened visual aesthetic to provide the best of both worlds for the double-sided audience of the night. They made sure to know the audience they were playing for, using their iconic sound and adapting to the ambitious lineup of the night by playing one of the absolute best sets of the entire night.
The band made sure to give their all into their performance, with lots of constant on-stage movement and various different sonic elements coming together into a set that felt wildly organized and deeply consistent. You could feel every layer of sound and practice unwinding in the moments that the band spent on the stage, and by the end of their portion of the show you were sure to be able to leave with a new favorite band on your radar.
I can say without any sense of doubt that Villain Villain are one of my new absolute favorites in the semi-local, yet far away Vancouver scene; and they're a band that are an absolute must-see in every way. You'll never be disappointed at a Villain Villain show, and they gave the Chill House a night to remember.
To catch a glimpse into Villain Villain's world, see HERE
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Dusty Pines are without a doubt the most iconic female band in the British Columbian rock scene, with their screamy all-female sound being incredible to see and hear live. There's no band doing it quite like Dusty Pines, and it's clear to see in every show that they truly love what they do - and that they truly love the Chill House, too.
Not only are Dusty Pines one of the most iconic all-female bands in the scene - they are also one of the most iconic bands in the scene period. There's no doubting the impact that they have; and if you're a familiar at the Chill House or any venues in similar areas? You know Dusty Pines incredibly well.
This show marked what was my second time seeing the band perform at the Chill House, with this time being even better than the first. Their set helped me to gain a greater appreciation of their sound that I would not have had without their absolutely incredible pre-headliner set, and their draw is something entirely understandable with the sheer quality of their performances.
An awe-inspiring Riot Grrrl-esque sound is something that makes Dusty Pines stand out, with their harsh and aggressive sound still being upbeat enough to resonate with much more general crowds while having something with a bit more overall edge. The band made for the perfect addition to the show, with their set providing another leap in energy before the long-awaited headlining set. There was no going wrong with this show, and Dusty Pines had one of my absolute favorite sets of the night despite how fun the entire night was overall.
Within seconds of the band taking the stage, the members each had their own commanding stage presence that could be felt throughout the entire Chill House - an energy wave beaming across the venue as a whole while the music started and heads darted to the stage. Many of the audience members had been prior fans of the band; and those who weren't are sure to be fans of the band now.
There was a great energy on stage that could be felt in what felt like an instant, with the band being able to sweep listeners off their feet and capture a unique side of the music scene that is absolutely stunning to see when it does come up. The members of the band were clearly in their element, and their genuine looks of joy and passion for what they do up on the stage of the Chill House was almost touching.
That passion on the stage wasn't wasted. The band put their absolute best into performing - with their all being apparent on the stage while they played a deeply organized set. Each of the members made sure to have fire in their veins while they were on the stage, leading to a performance that could be felt in every square inch of the venue and beyond through sonic surges and instrumental depth.
Their set was played loud and with intensity that comes from one-of-a-kind talents, with their performance being incredibly full of pride in what they do with clear and cohesive audio that was perfect for those looking to truly hear and feel the band in every moment of their performance. You won't get a better sound than what is presented at the Chill House - and it was clear to see that Dusty Pines knew how to utilize that loud underground sound to create an impactful and deeply potent set that will never go forgotten.
Both a great instrumental sound palate and wonderfully strong vocals were present throughout the entirety of Dusty Pines' set, with their combined talents being absolutely perfect for one another. The members of the band compliment each other exceptionally well, and the range in which Dusty has is especially impressive to hear in a live context, as you can truly hear every detail that goes into their music.
The band showcased strong lyrics of empowerment and rising forward through catchy songs that are sure to stick with those who were in the crowd of the night, and their sound is something that blends various different strengths into one delightful bundle that is perfectly suited for the Chill House stage.Fans of the band were sure to enjoy the fact that they had new material offered up during their set, adding a fresh touch to their setlist to keep things new and exciting for those who may have seen them before. This showcased the true dedication and creativity that the band holds, and it made sure that their set had enough depth to completely rule the night. A deeply meaningful new tribute cover was also played alongside a setlist packed full of various different originals, and it was an impossibly well-crafted set that could never properly be beat.
Such an upbeat and happy set was something that the night needed, and it helped to carry on the good vibes that had started before the doors of the venue had even been opened. The drastic changes in sounds and performers made sure that people of all ages and tastes showed up, and Dusty Pines were one of the starring highlights of the entire. night.
The energy that Dusty Pines gave to the Chill House was truly outstanding in every way possible, and they were a band that had it all while still having even more extra depth added to top everything off.
This set helped to create another surge of energy as the night seized its final moments - and they made sure to use their slot on the stage wisely and with a massive amount of power that could not be beat. It was entirely exhilarating to be there for, and it was something that showcased who Dusty Pines are and why they're so important in the Canadian scene exceptionally well.The band used both incredible playing and a great pace to make their set feel comprehensive and complete. There was absolutely nothing missing in their energy or sound, and they gave their all to create what was arguably one of the best sets of the entire night - despite the level of talent and variety being impossible to choose from.
Such an expressive band is always a surefire way to make a performance stick in people's heads, and Dusty Pines have become a household name for good reason. It was exceptionally clear to see just how much passion they have for their craft - and it was reflected with immaculacy on the Chill House stage last Saturday.
Dusty Pines are a band who gave their absolute most into performing - something that they have become known for over their years of performances. This means that they gave the Chill House one of many moments to keep in the books forever, and their true passion for performing was seen through the radiant smiles of the band members as well as the depth in which they played with.
The band's heavy and infectious sound was something that immediately had me moving, and the energy that they brought to the stage was truly one of a kind in every way. Dusty Pines are a band that are an absolute must if you're ever in the area of a show - and they're sure to be back at the Chill House in the near future.
To see a portion of the band's set on camera, see HERE
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Super Kawaii provided something entirely different all the way out from Vancouver as part of their extensive ongoing tour, with their sound being almost completely unheard of at the Chill House. They ended off the night with a bang, using the stage in a way that I have very rarely seen at the Chill House while creating a deeply bouncy and energetic energy that had their fanbase incredibly excited to be seeing them after hours of other talents taking the stage to provide their support for the group.
The unique anime-influenced Rap group have very interesting stories that were shared with me prior to their set, with their sound being a distinct mix of countless different influences that come together into a largely Trap-based sound that uses violent and tongue-in-cheek lyrics to create a wild and rowdy atmosphere.
It was clear to see throughout their set that the group are made for the stage, with their unique energies coming together to make for a performance that was even better than expected. They made sure to play various different discography essentials all while still actively expanding their musical catalogue, and the setup between the group was wonderfully professional and interesting to see unfolding on stage, with the energy between the members being split down the middle and surging time and time again in constant waves.
The group drew in both a local and home-based crowd that was diverse and excited to finally see the group take the stage, with various different fans socializing and sharing their love for the group ahead of the show. Such a diverse crowd had to have been exhilarating for the group to see while performing, and it was no wonder as to why so many people showed up to make this night possible for everyone involved.Super Kawaii had a unique and chaotic stage presence that was unlike anything else I have ever seen, with the lead rapper Tyrow constantly jumping on stage and making sure to get the crowd moving while keeping a consistent and highly impressive energy in tact. The groups stage tactics were clearly well-practiced and well suited to their sound, and they made sure to give their all to the venue to end the night off with a massive eruption of energy.Seeing a group that is made up of members who are so uniquely themselves and true to themselves at every turn is highly refreshing to see, with the lead rapper being deeply charismatic in his performances and great teamwork with other people; and the members of the group were all truly great to work with.
Many of the pop vocal portions had surprisingly great vocals, with a clear and refreshing vocal palate leading the group's set into something that was much, much more than just a Rap set. Super Kawaii are a group that are almost impossible to define, and their Chill House performance made that fact even more apparent. The group has a highly stylized sound that you truly won't find anywhere else, and their performance style is highly enjoyable to see.
Each member had an impressive level of stamina for singing, rapping, dancing, and jumping around on stage, with their call and responsive music being perfect for crowd work and jumping for audience members. Every member also has their own style that was showcased on stage, with each of them having their own chances to shine through multiple on-stage opportunities.
Super Kawaii are a completely authentic group that are always unapologetically themselves while on and off the stage, and they make sure not to perform over a vocal backing track - going into the instrumental and memorizing their own songs in a professional manner that sets them far apart from many other rappers.
The Chill House marked show number six of the group's ongoing tour, which means that people who have seen other shows of the tour might have just been in for another treat in Chilliwack last Saturday. Their stop at the venue marked one of the most important shows of the entire tour, leading to more coverage for the band when compared to their other stops so far - it's clear to see the growth that the group are achieving in real time, and this current tour is a massive milestone.
Feel-good energy could be felt throughout the entire Chill House while Super Kawaii performed, and it was truly an exceptional end to the night that helped to wrap everything up with a headlining set that was highly anticipated by many of the audience members that night.
Super Kawaii's performance at the Chill House was a great display of both influences and teamwork - showcasing all of the sounds that make the group themselves while allowing time for each member to show off their unique traits and qualities on stage. The group made sure to stand together on stage in a great formation while keeping their performance both visually and audibly striking; and there wasn't a dull moment even once in their set.
You won't find a more unique group of people than Super Kawaii; and they were absolutely incredible to see after getting the honour of working with them.
To see footage of the group's set, see HERE
For an exclusive video interview, see HERE!
And to see their music videos (which are impressively self-made!), see HERE
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all of this looks so fun omg!! :) I love your work about these shows, and I want you to always know how amazing you do and that you've got to keep up the good work! love you!
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing write-up Lex! You describe everything so well that it feels like I didn't miss a thing and I was even there@ Each band sounded unique and passionate about what they do which is always nice. Keep up the excellent work Lex! 🙌🖤
ReplyDelete*wasn't..😅
ReplyDeleteWow what an excellent write up/review!
ReplyDeleteLoved the footage shared as well!
You sure are a gifted young writer!
Another action packed night at the Chill House. Its so awesome bands have a place to showcase their talents in Chilliwack.
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