KelownaNow wants to get to know the hard working, up and coming artists who fill our city with groovy tunes and we’re almost positive most of you do too!
Our Saturday Spotlight series that will feature a new, local act every other weekend, to better strengthen our scene and get to know the people behind the music.
Local fuzz-zested, psychedelic instrumental rock outfit, High Horse, has been playing music in the Okanagan as a group since early 2017. From progressive time signatures and improvisational interludes to infectious riffs, each High Horse song is an acid trip of its own.
How did the band come to be?
Andy and Brian met working in the local theatre scene, Brian and Rob revered each other's bands Rob(Lakeman) Brian (The civil dead). They all loved progressive and/or instrumental music.
How would you describe your music?
High Horse approaches instrumental music in an unconventional manor, while the band seems highly progressive with odd timing signatures one moment, they then weave into the song’s catchy hooks and mood stimulating melodies.
All of this is topped off by the band's tendency to open up in expansive improvised "jam” sections, because of this, no two High Horse performances are alike.
What groups or musicians have influenced you the most?
It is clear the band draws from wide array of musical influences such as 60/70's psychedelia, math and fuzz rock and various progressive forms of music.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing music?
Brian Looney (guitar) brings the overall compositions for most of the music, Robert McLaren (Bass) adds textures and subtle syncopation, Andy Ashley (drums) is the true driving force of the band with relentless polyrhythms.
Tell us about your favourite performance to date?
This summer the band was honoured with a mid-Saturday-evening slot at Kelowna's own "Tune it down, Turn it up" festival. The band played to a full house of enthusiastic psychedelic rock fans. Among the attendees was the legendary producer/musician, Dave Catching.
What achievement are you most proud of in your musical career?
This year the band enjoyed a studio session with legendary music producer Dave Catching. We recently released the debut album, Good Food, in January. The album has been 18 months in the making.
What is your favourite part about being involved in the Okanagan music scene?
Lately there has been a true interest or "buzz" about psychedelic art/music in Kelowna, perhaps it is the legalization of marijuana or the international scene is getting big enough that local artist are starting to draw influence from it. Currently we have a thriving community of alternative and/or psychedelic rock/metal.
Favourite local venue?
Muninn's seems to help anyone and everyone
Who do you want to nominate for a Saturday Spotlight?
Lakeman, Charles Mansion, Hot Knives, Gardner, Heat Score, Tidal Baby, Sweet Beast, Triple Face, and Cosmic Microwave Pickle.
If you know of a local band or musician the community needs to hear, nominate them for a Saturday Spotlight by sending an email to savannah@kelownanow.com
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