Friday afternoon, the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival will host the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Showcase.
The event will feature five finalists, who will be judged by a live audience, a panel of judges and an online vote.
In preparation for the event, Aquinian reporter Natalie Jarvis spoke with each nominated act. And while online polls have closed, there’s still a chance to support your favourite act at the event.
MEET THE BANDS
Natalie Jarvis – The AquinianJens Jeppesen
Jeppesen will be making appearances all over the province this fall. However, the Rising Star competition holds something special next to nights spent in cafes and bars. “It could be another step forward in my career,” he says.
Jeppesen is currently working on his third album, titled “Time Alone.” The album will complete a trilogy that tells the story of an artists transition and development over a given period of time.
He rocks out to newgrass tunes, a genre most people have never touched base with. It is noted as a high-flying version of bluegrass. Elements of country and folk also play a role in Jeppesen’s work.
His lyrics are a vehicle for storytelling in his songs. The words contain genuine messages of human nature: love and longing, heartbreak and making the most out of our time spent alive.
Hearty, upbeat songs paired with a wholesome voice create a pleasing sound suitable to a wide audience. An artist like Jeppesen is sure to draw in people both young and old.
Writing music has been a part of his life for the past five years. He speaks with a calm confidence, describing his music as “fast, intense and enjoyable.”
“Before I go onstage I just warm up my fingers, go over a few tunes – yeah, just make sure my guitar is in tune,” he said.
When asked what words of wisdom he might offer to a young artist he says “practice like the devil,” a simple and distinct truth.
Weak Size Fish
For anyone who loves a high-energy performance, Weak Size fish won’t leave an audience disappointed. The sound is a blend of rock and reggae, with powerful, cheerful songs that leave people feeling good.
“I guess in one word we would describe it as fun and that’s what we aim to do is just make a fun, kind of ‘happy’ sound that’s danceable,” said Mitchell Bernard, guitarist and vocalist.
Formed in 2005, the Fredericton locals were originally an acoustic trio, and have since evolved into a six piece group. When not on tour, the boys have played several shows here in the city, including countless gigs at the Cellar and Capital Complex. The Rising Stars event is a great opportunity to support a local band. Young and determined, the boys are jumping at the chance to be recognized.
“It’s going to give us a little more attention and that’s the thing I think with all the bands right now – is that we’re all trying to get our name out there, so I think it’s gonna help a lot with exposure,” said Bernard.
Bernard was stumped when asked what advice he’d have for young bands looking to get noticed around the city.
“…wow. I’ve never been asked that question before,” he said with a laugh. “Young aspiring artists… I guess just to keep working hard and – oh geez, I think the right answer to that is that we’re still young aspiring artists so it’s kind of hard for me to give an answer to that.”
Babette Hayward
With a voice sweet as honey, Babette Hayward is bound to charm audiences. At just 19, the Saint John local hopes to release her first EP this fall. With just her guitar and humble smile, Babette will brave the stage at Harvest Jazz and Blues and play her heart out.
She describes her music as folk with elements of pop and blue grass. Her lyrics can be noted for their raw honesty.
Despite pre-stage jitters, she’s excited for the upcoming Rising Stars competition.
“Even if I don’t win, it’s not a big deal. It’s just good to be a part of it,” she said. “I think it’s going to get me a little more comfortable with a larger audience.”
Babette has been singing her whole life. It began in church, when she joined choir many years ago.
“I hated choir,” she said.
While music is part of her history, she only became serious about song writing about a year and a half ago. It’s something that she considers very personal.
Babette doesn’t have a particular ritual or routine she practices before hitting the stage. She likes to “have a few beers,” she says, laughing.
“It’s just – take deep breaths, I guess… I get really nervous.”
She paused when asked what words of advice she has for fellow aspiring artists.
“Get involved with your local area,” she said.
Babette is a girl who relies on instincts.
“If people are swaying you one way, go with your gut feeling.”
If you miss her at Dolans on the 18th, stop by for her acoustic set which we be held in Wilser’s room on Saturday night.
Sleepy Driver
Ethan Young Lai doesn’t rely on any particular ritual or mantra to prepare himself mentally before a gig.
“I think it just kind of depends on the environment,” he said. “It’s nice to have a beer and relax and just chat to the people that are there. That’s usually the best time.”
Lai has been playing music for what he describes as “many, many years – a long time.”
The Fredericton based group brings a fusion of alternative-country and rock to the stage.
“We’ve kind of been given the tag – alt. Roots, something in the vein of like a Wilco who is kind of playing with traditional material but then also using some – maybe less obvious influences like 80s synth-pop bands and the noise rock of like a Sonic Youth or some of Radiohead’s more whacked out stuff; we try to incorporate that too,” said Lai.
Lai was hesitant to offer any advice for young artists, as Sleepy Driver falls into that category themselves.
“That’s a good question. No one’s ever asked me that before,” he said. “I’d just say keep practicing, do what you feel is true to the music that you enjoy and get out there and play as often as you can.”
The band looks forward to the upcoming competition and the opportunities that could follow.
“Harvest is a really well known festival throughout the province and the advertising we get through them and CBC – you know – It’s only going to be a benefit,” says Lai.
Becka DeHaan & The Love Me Three Times Band
If one word was used to describe the sounds of Becka DeHaan and The Love Me Three Times Band it would be this: soulful.
“We have a couple of tunes that are kind of – almost sound gospel-like… but this isn’t like sweet angels singing this is like rock and stuff you would hear in a black Baptist church,” said Pat Flanagan, vocalist/keyboardist.
With a percussionist, a fiddler, and three on vocals and keys, the group has an interesting dynamic.
Flanagan pulled the group together and imagined what it would be in the early days of summer. The 60-year old has been playing music since he was 14.
“I’m not a rising star, I’m a setting sun but there are some rising stars in the group,” he said with a laugh.
The group aims to promote Becka DeHaan as an artist. The 25-year old has done extensive solo work and also plays with a nine piece group in Fredericton.
“We’re hoping that this will really bring some attention, as I say, primarily on her as an artist and us as kind of supporting players. That’s the way I really see what we’re doing here,” said Flanagan.
Becka recently took first place in “The i Factor,” a national competition which gives Canadian musicians at a visual loss a chance in the limelight. As a result, she will be the opening act for Terry Kelly, a blind musician from Halifax.
Flanagan said the Rising Stars event is a great opportunity for people to see Becka who normally wouldn’t.
With extensive experience, he shared some wise words for the young and hopeful musicians out there.
“As much as you can keep your ear to the ground, so to speak and be attuned to your audience so they’re going to come away with a better experience.”
