#Tom Dobrzanski

[shivroygirls]

roy siblings, part II

jane austen / hasan minhaj / true blue by boygenius / the burial at thebes: a version of sophocles' antigone by seamus heaney / outgrow by lewis watson / the darjeeling limited directed by wes anderson / rule #4: fish in a birdcage by tom dobrzanski / greywaren by maggie stiefvater / antigonick by anne carson / i'll give you the sun by jandy nelson / the darjeeling limited directed by wes anderson / after abel by dante émile / matthew 18:15, the bible / the prince of egypt produced by gavin greenaway / all the bells say, succession / song for sasha banks by the mountain goats / all the bells say, succession / unknown source / all the bells say, succession.

+ bonus:

after abel by dante émile.

[americanahighways]

Video Premiere: The Fugitives “Wing and a Prayer”

Video Premiere: The Fugitives “Wing and a Prayer” #thefugitives #wingandaprayer #americanahighways #americanamusic #newmusic2024

The Fugitives – “Wing and a Prayer” The Fugitives have a new video for their song “Wing and a Prayer,” from their recently released album No Help Coming.  The album was produced and mixed by Tom Dobrzanski at Monarch Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia. “Wing and a Prayer” is Adrian Glynn on vocals, guitars, and bass; Brendan McLeod on vocals and guitars; Carly Frey on vocals and violin; and…

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: JULY 2023

July’s Under The Radar is our kind of Vancouver Special. Check out these summer releases from SaBand, Haley K Turner, Fake Shark, Not Sisters, Hillsboro, and Jonah Ocean!

1) SaBand - “We Don’t Like The Sun”

"We Don’t Like The Sun” is apprehensive and callous as it explores the “frustration and rage” of a strained relationship between father and son. I liken it to a dramatic garage rock song that has the smashing guitar solo and danceability, but a layered emotional core. It delves into the presence of an absentee parent while referencing ideals and ancient rituals (Mr. Righteous and “dance with Dionysus”); their enigmatic approach bears a rousing factor all on its own. The ultimate disappointment is heavy, but not surprising (“You failed to read my gaze / your smile remains”). SaBand does an excellent job in the sound department, working with producer Felix Fung to form a frenetic yet matured energy. The back half of the track really shines as the sorrows intensify. We care more than we like to admit when it comes to family.

The band’s new album What You Paid For is out now.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

2) Haley K Turner - “Can’t Find Her”

Haley K Turner’s latest single, “Can’t Find Her,” takes aim at disposable dating culture – a harsh reality for many. The alt-folk tune was recorded with Juno-nominated producer Tom Dobrzanski (The Zolas, Said the Whale), and is an amalgam of piano, guitars, and orchestral strings with uplifting intensity. Turner addresses those who abandon a relationship for the excitement of someone new, asking what happens when the cycle doesn’t repeat. Her voice has a timeless quality to it, weaving in and out of empowerment and heartache.

Turner grew up in Kelowna and as I currently reside in the city, I can’t help but assume her imagery alludes to the unfortunate but oft Okanagan wildfires. It adds a personal touch to music that is textured, relatable and gentle; the essence of being human.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Fake Shark - “Bummer Summer”

“Bummer Summer” is a bit of a self-inflicted pity party; the repercussions of burning every bridge at the solitary forefront.

It is concise but eye-catching. Eerie falsetto, a deepening hook and even rawer lyricism harbour a sense of longing throughout. While some of the band’s recent releases showcase more jangled, electronic-inspired sounds, their knack for shout-along punk and tight musicianship remain unmatched. “I used to be so much stronger / now I hang onto pain like it’s worth something,” frontman Kevin “Kevvy Mental” Maher sings with nonchalance. Billed as an anti-song of the summer, “Bummer Summer” drips with intrigue and sarcasm—a tragedy of one’s own doing.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

4) Not Sisters - “Shades of Blue” 

Online dating can be a tumultuous time as alluded to in “Shades of Blue.” The bedroom pop duo, comprised of vocalist Amanda Doucette and producer/multi-instrumentalist Tom Maguire, revels in the anticipation of a new flame and the brooding repetition of nights alone. It has a bubblegum sound but does offer lyrical depth beyond the lighthearted exterior (“I was trying to beat fate / cause this sh*t’s never calibrated in my favour”). Recalling a “rough four to five months” in Doucette’s past, the song muses over the prospects of love found and lost, unfortunate timing, and what it could mean for the future. Her vocals are playful, at times layered as inner thoughts are expressed. Their music is modern and fun while amplifying how our feelings can permeate into all aspects of our life—especially where hearts are involved.  

Their self-produced debut EP Feelings Make Us Human is out now. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Hillsboro - “Exit Plan”

I love a good west coast introduction—having not been familiar with Victoria’s Hillsboro prior to their pitch email, I am now well sold on their grungy, indie pop rock marriage. Lead vocalist and guitarist Nima Walker’s own tortured past is at the core of their upcoming debut record, reflective of his “newfound intoxication with self-ruin” at the start of the pandemic. “Exit Plan” is the pain; actions and thoughts driven by destructive tendencies and delirium. It lacks pleasure and redemption while unraveling with alarming ease (“No sleep with all the noise and speed / Just find me when you want to leave”). Their sound is distorted vibrancy, reaching for resolve amidst agitation at every corner.

A forewarning of the shame and anguish associated with self-loathing and longing, with the essence of 90′s alternative, “Exit Plan” is devoted to their burden. I feel saddened by the lived gloom, but hopeful knowing Walker’s recognition of his limitations burned a gritty path forward. The band’s album will be released on September 15.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

6) Jonah Ocean - “Heaven”

Gorgeous choral harmonies open Jonah Ocean’s “Heaven” – as much a feeling as it is a place. Floating synths and grooving guitars form the melody; a drum knocks like a heartbeat. Akin to a breezy summer night, “Heaven” portrays the euphoria felt from music and from sharing that experience with others (“Hold me just like I was in the womb / Like god was in the room”). Jonah has a diploma in jazz/contemporary guitar, also integrating pop, rnb, and a killer croon. Lush and imaginative; desire without worry. You can’t get much closer to a moment than this.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

[independentartistbuzz]

OurGlassZoo Debuts "Unforgettable"

A fresh mix of electronic rock with a few drops of synth pop are the secret ingredients of the Vancouver-based band, OurGlassZoo. The band completed the recording of its first full length album entitled, Aftermath, with the support of Creative BC in late 2021. Two singles, “Free” and “Here” have already been released and have received significant radio airplay. 

Their new song, “Unforgettable,” is about that time in our lives when we are in between chapters and feeling a little stuck. A lot of us like to take a road trip to clear our heads and move on from what has been haunting our past. The song is precisely about that moment: when you are driving down a long winding road through a canyon or a valley, the windows are down and the wind is caressing your skin. You are on your own and finally have time to distance yourself and reflect. 

Listen and watch the melancholic song, “Unforgettable,” which marks a new chapter in the band’s career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6TpyS1GBwg

Musically, OurGlassZoo wanted to approach their album without a particular genre in mind. They wanted listeners to join them on a musical journey and let each song affect them in their own way. The album contains collaborations with Indo-Canadian electronic producer O.K.A (“Reminisce” & “Paradise Reprise”), Hip Hop artist Prevail from Swollen Members (“Free”), guest singer Erin Puckey, a brass section lead by Gavin Grochowski, cellist Jonah Ocean, Keyboard player Tom Dobrzanski (“The Zolas”) and pianists/composers Sandra Stadler & Baenz Isler. It was a big undertaking with a blend of colors & genres. 

[aestheticnap]

that's my generation

[funkybanana]

❤️❤️💕❤️❤️

[marqueeofstars]

Having The Zolas home and playing for us Vancouverites was such a treat!

[finetimesfinetimes]

Four songs tracked!

[loganreidmedia]

Photo I took of Tom Dobrzanski of The Zolas thezolas at Scenefest 2014 at Montebello Park in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, Canada on 06/29/14.

For more photos, go to http://www.loganreidtv.com

[magiemagie]

Mags’ favorite things, an excerpt: Gig posters.

[doctorjuvenile]

two toms what

[lostcoastcalling]

Such an amazing venue for live music. I was literally (not kidding) one meter away from both Zach and Tom for the entire show.

Clip from Local Swan (sound goes wonky at the end)

[fuckyeahthezolas]

Photos by Kirsten Berlie

[aestheticnap]

Ż°łA$

“seeing me dazzle is a way of life"

~ thezolas

[funkybanana]

First time I heard this song live I thought it was, "Seeing me dazzle is a way of life" and let me tell you I think it's a better lyric because who tf knows what CV dazzle is???

[bvwinstax]

We Are The City in Tom Dobrzanski's studio. WATC: Our friend @brianvanwyk took a Polaroid of us. Heyday photo. #watcalbum