Everyone loves a local success story, especially when it comes to homegrown bands. It gives us someone to root for and a chance to channel our inner hipster as we claim to have known them ‘before they were cool’ or ‘hit the mainstream,’ with built-in anthems to join us together in celebrating art, culture and community.
You could say, it strikes a chord with everyone.
Since 2007, Said the Whale! has been that band for many Vancouverites, providing beautiful melodies and catchy indie-rock hooks to charm and engage listeners - who affectionately call themselves ‘SaidHeads’ - all while maintaining a distinct loyalty to their West Coast roots.
Now, the group - comprising Ben Worcester, Tyler Bancroft and Jaycelyn Brown - is switching things up and trading in their guitars, drums, keyboard and bass for a new sound to add a fresh perspective to your familiar favourites.
For one night only, the Juno® Award-winning band is joining forces with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for a can’t-miss concert experience at The Orpheum on April 19, and you don’t even have to take the “99 to the moon” to get there.
Turning quarantine into art
During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, the band was tucked away in their respective homes, pushed into a forced break from the touring cycle they had grown accustomed to over their 14-plus-year career.
However, when times got dark, and many couldn’t see the light, the band thought of the fans, and singer-songwriters Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester, along with keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown and bassist Lincoln Hatchen, took the mandated downtime and used it as a unique opportunity, creating new material with their producer Steve Bays (of other favoured B.C. rock group Hot Hot Heat), prompting the creation of the most “towering, maximalist music of their careers.” This labour of love became the group’s seventh album entitled Dandelion.
Now, the band is re-energized and excited to get back on stage and experience the difference between real and show in front of a crowd.
A magical musical mashup
Set to be an unforgettable concert experience, the show will feature the songs fans know and love with the unique twist of incorporating the incredibly talented musicians of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to generate an enhanced experience complete with a comprehensive symphonic treatment.
While the band is no doubt a powerhouse on its own, fans can expect a captivating and memorable performance, with over 70 musicians on the stage to create the perfect blend of a classical style fused with the fun-loving, free-spiritedness inspired by the indie rock genre.
The event is also an opportunity to celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant music scene as these two seemingly opposing sounds blend together to create something unique and special, representing the city, its fans and its music.
Don’t miss out on your chance to witness and be a part of this unique, one-night-only event that is sure to be a whale of a good time.
For information on the event, and to purchase tickets, visit vancouversymphony.ca/event/said-the-whale-with-the-vso/.
