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Said the Whale met lucky fans on a chartered yacht in Granville Island

Not only does Said the Whale love playing in Vancouver, but a great deal of their music is inspired from places around the city.

 Photo: Airmiles VancouverPhoto: Airmiles Vancouver

Said the Whale oozes the Pacific Northwest.

Not only does the Vancouver-based indie band love playing in Vancouver, but a great deal of their music is inspired from places around the city. In fact, their latest album is even titled Cascadia - a nod to the proposed country that would encompass B.C. as well as Washington and Oregon.

The band kicked off their latest tour on Friday, Sept. 6 at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, and they'll make a couple of stops in the United States before heading across Canada on the rest of their tour. Before that, however, the trio spent an evening at sea with some lucky fans.

As part of the Air Miles Stage Pass program, Air Miles chartered a yacht on Sept. 5 around Vancouver's Granville Island to host several Air Miles Collectors and contest winners for a private concert with the band.

Vancouver Is Awesome caught up with the band on board the yacht to chat a little bit about where the band draws inspiration, as well as why they love to play in Vancouver.

When asked where they draw their inspiration from, the band notes that this album focuses less on relationship issues than previous albums have.

"It’s always our personal lives," explains Tyler Bancroft, guitarist and vocalist. "Ben and I are the primary songwriters - we generally just draw from whatever is happening in our world at that time."

The band says that they are heavily influenced by their hometown, and that the Pacific Northwest always seeps its way into the songs.

"There's always a tree or two in there," jokes Ben Worcester, guitarist and vocalist.

The trio adds that Vancouver is their favourite city to play in because it's home. They have a chance to play to friends and family, and many of their songs have references to places they grew up exploring.

Worcester remarks that his favourite Vancouver spot was the Capilano River area, while Bancroft noted that he has a soft spot for False Creek.

"False Creek has always had a special place in my heart. My dad was a tugboat captain for my entire life - he’s over there right now playing with my son." 

Jaycelyn Brown, who plays keyboards, says that she has fond memories visiting Granville Island growing up. She recalls tasting fresh food from the market and enjoying the beautiful view.

"It is still such a wonderful place to visit."

The trio mingled with fans during the Vancouver cruise and took heaps of candid sunset snaps with them. They also playing an intimate, acoustic set in front of a wall of colourful balloons to top of the night.

 Photo: Airmiles VancouverPhoto: Airmiles Vancouver

Missed their recent Vancouver show?

Have no fear: Said the Whale make multiple stops in B.C. this month. Fans can catch the band in Nanaimo on Sept. 26, Campbell River on Sept. 27, Victoria on Sept. 28, and in Kamloops on Oct. 1.

 Photo: Airmiles VancouverPhoto: Airmiles Vancouver

 Photo: Airmiles VancouverPhoto: Airmiles Vancouver

 Photo: Airmiles VancouverPhoto: Airmiles Vancouver