In the past, Vernon has been cursed with that “nearly dead” moniker when it comes to the city’s nightlife.
A North Okanagan-based act wants to change all that.
Collaborative project Wake the Dead features a couple of hip hop MCs, a DJ known for spinning his own mixes, a producer who has played guitar in a number of bands, and a singer who could give Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas a run for her money.
Wake the Dead is not only releasing its debut album this spring, it is headlining its first show, Saturday at Status Nightclub in Vernon.
“Banging beats, killer rapping and soulful singing describes us pretty well,” said Vernon’s Rory MacLeod, aka NOX, who has been weaving words for more than a decade. “Our sound is a mixing pot of genres and styles, everything from classic NY-style hip hop to blues-influenced jams and dance tracks.”
Along with NOX, Wake the Dead features fellow Vernonite H2O (Darren Walmsley), the former house DJ at Monashee’s, as well as BDub (Shane Bouthiller, of now defunct band Cold Driven), TuTch (Tony Hutchings), and Saranaedya (Sarah Reddick), who are all from Armstrong.
After recording solo projects at Bouthiller’s studio in Armstrong, and collaborating on each other’s songs, Wake the Dead decided to put its versatile vocal approaches into a group project.
“Building the songs around Sarah’s hooks and melodies is what sets us apart from most hip hop acts,” said MacLeod.
Since getting together last year, Wake the Dead have released a video and have been performing a few opening slots, including the recent Mad Child show at Status, to generate some buzz before their album drops.
The group will perform some of those songs off their upcoming album at the headlining show.
“Fans can expect to be an interactive part of our live shows. Be ready to dance and sing along with catchy songs that will get them up and moving,” said MacLeod.
Wake the Dead takes the stage at Status (2900 29th Ave., Vernon) Saturday, March 25. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. $5 cover before midnight. Show is 19-plus.