Featuring everyone from punk lifers and indie-rock favourites to drag performers, country crooners, electronic explorers and rising pop stars, this annual tradition offers a snapshot of a local music community at play. Equal parts beach day, mixtape swap and summer bucket list, these quick-fire Q&As reveal the songs soundtracking the season, underrated records worth revisiting, favourite local haunts, questionable beverage choices and the summer activities each artist refuses to participate in.

Most importantly, it’s a reminder that music scenes are built by people. So grab a towel, put on something that makes you feel good, and meet some of the artists helping shape Vancouver’s soundtrack this summer.

 

Connor Wilkinson (Passion Mango)

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“New Flesh” by Current Joys because it’s the best song of all time.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Misery by Ekkstacy.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
On the beach because it’s the only way.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Orange Crush Zero.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
My partner’s because I get to hang out with her.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Camping. I may be from B.C. but I don’t fit the Arc’teryx outdoorsy mold.

What’s coming up next?
June 27 at the Palms for RANGE Magazine’s 5-Year Anniversary.

 

Cherry Pick

Who are you?
My name is Cherry and I make grungey, gazey music under the name Cherry Pick. I’m from the Vancouver area and spend a lot of time booking shows and being around the local music scene.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Germs” by Acetone. I listened to it sitting under a tree the other day and it felt pretty perfect for summer.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Ö by Fcukers. It’s just really fun to dance to.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Probably outside Green Auto before a show, honestly. Or in my hammock at a park.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Those little cans of mango juice. No explanation needed.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The Dime because it’s on Commercial and cheap.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Nothing, honestly. I love summer.

What’s coming up next?
My EP release show is June 28 at The Pearl. I’m really excited for that one.

 

Joe Keithley (D.O.A.)

Who are you?
Joey Shithead Keithley—the founder of D.O.A., inventor of hardcore punk, activist, politician and Canada’s international music ambassador.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Travelin’ Band” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Because it kicks ass.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Take On the Tyrants by D.O.A.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At a water park in my hometown of Burnaby or hiding out in an air-conditioned library.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Ice water. We have the best water in the world here.

What’s coming up next?
The new documentary Something Better Change, which follows my life as an activist, my career with D.O.A., and my time serving as a city councillor in Burnaby.

 

Jeff Cancade (Devours)

Who are you?
I’m a DIY electropunk artist from Vancouver with five albums and a whole lot of gay angst under my belt.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley. It’s my favourite song of all time.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
The Year of Hibernation by Youth Lagoon. It makes me feel like a kid in August.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Hiding in the shade at Kits Beach. I’m basically allergic to heat.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Cold BC tap water. Nothing beats it.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
I’d rather sit in Dude Chilling Park with friends, but the patios at The Lido and Social are great.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Rubbing sunscreen into a very hairy body. Shade is my SPF.

What’s coming up next?
My new single, “A Cruel Fate,” followed by a summer tour and appearance at the Vancouver Jazz Festival.

 

Mister Pets

Who are you?
Mister Pets is the most punctual band in rock and roll.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Man Made of Meat” by Viagra Boys. In times of strife, be absurd.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Space Is Only Noise by Nicolas Jaar.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
In the shade. The melanin gods were not generous.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A mimosa. Good for merriment, good for scurvy.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Truck Stop Café. The battle for the lone table keeps you sharp.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
The grind.

What’s coming up next?
Khatsalano Street Party on July 11 and our debut album arriving in September.

 

Billy Hopeless (The Black Halos)

Who are you?
Billy Hopeless—founding member and singer of The Black Halos, and frontman of Billy and the Parole Models.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Rockaway Beach” by the Ramones. Dee Dee got it right the first time.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Based on a True Story by The Del Lords.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Stanley Park with my dog Rodeo, at the midway, or chasing pinball machines.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
An orange Slurpee with champagne. A street-punk mimosa.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Anywhere that welcomes dogs.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
The Grouse Grind. Sounds like a sweaty vision of hell.

What’s coming up next?
Khatsalano on July 11 and the Vancouver Hot Sauce Festival on September 11.

 

Dust Cwaine

Who are you?
Vancouver’s premier drag musician.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Allison Road” by Gin Blossoms. It’s always 1992 somewhere.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Hard Candy by Counting Crows.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At a Mabel League game cheering on the Mood Swings.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Aquafina water. If you know, you know.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
R&B Brewing. You never know when a drag queen might jump on your table.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Wreck Beach. People poop in the water.

What’s coming up next?
The Muppet Pride Drag Show on July 30 and Khatsalano on July 11.

 

Francis Baptiste

Who are you?
East Van-based Indigenous songwriter and harm reduction advocate.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Where Is My Love?” by Cat Clyde. I’ve been spinning it nonstop lately.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Janky Bungag’s self-titled record. Perfect for sunny Okanagan road trips.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
New Brighton Pool. Vancouver needs more outdoor pools.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
The hibiscus lemonade from Flourist.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The Charlatan on Commercial Drive.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Camping.

What’s coming up next?
Canada Day in New Westminster on July 1 and the MOV Patio Party on July 3.

Pasang Galay (Wack)

Who are you?
We’re WACK, a Vancouver neo-dance psychedelia band.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Czar” by Holy Fuck. Pure warehouse-party energy.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Honey by Caribou. Dan Snaith doesn’t miss.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At the river in North Van or posted up at Wreck Beach.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Vodka or whiskey mixed with a lime NÜTRL over ice.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Havana’s, if you can actually get a table.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Watching TV during daylight hours.

What’s coming up next?
A remix of “Ask Me Honey” plus shows throughout the summer, including Eastside Arts Festival and Chilliwack Mural Festival.

 

Elliot C. Way

Who are you?
A songwriter and performer making country music that feels like worn-in denim and sounds like a cassette from your grandpa’s truck.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Slow Burn” by T.G. Sheppard. It’s sexy country with rock and roll swagger.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Bob Dylan’s Infidels. Slick, sunbaked and full of effortless groove.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Chasing secret swimming holes with my wolf-husky Emmy Lou.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A properly made Michelada, with just a touch of clam.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Havana is a classic, but the Backeddy Pub in Egmont might be my favourite patio in B.C.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Third Beach drum circles and Bluetooth speakers in nature.

What’s coming up next?
Hot Country Nights at the Vogue Theatre on June 27, plus more North Country Collective events this summer.

 

Lila Gray

Who are you?
I’m Lila Gray, a Vancouver-based bilingual pop artist and producer.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
My new single. I can’t say too much yet, but I’m proud of the production.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Omar Apollo’s God Said No. Nothing beats biking around with “Less of You” in your ears.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Biking through Pacific Spirit Park, ending up at the beach, then grabbing Rain or Shine.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A gin and tonic with lime. Easy, refreshing and always good.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
My own. I love hosting friends and dusting off my bartending skills.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Not hitting my summer reading goal.

What’s coming up next?
NXNE in Toronto on June 13, with old songs, new songs and a very fun cover.

 

Nikkaela

Who are you?
I’m NIKKAELA, an R&B artist and creative from Vancouver making music rooted in emotional honesty, dance and storytelling.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“HOML” by Isaia Huron or “FORWARD” by SBTRKT and Leilah. Both feel like golden hour in the city.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
The Nujabes Instrumental Public Playlist. Perfect for a bike ride.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
By the water, on a boat with friends, or driving around Vancouver at sunset.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
An iced matcha with strawberry cold foam. It tastes like summer and keeps me functioning.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Cactus Club English Bay at sunset. The view is unbeatable.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Staying inside. I live for summer nights and spontaneous memories.

What’s coming up next?
An EP is on the way, along with more singles and creative projects tied to “Body Language.”

 

Luke Brown (Beach Bown)

Who are you?
I am Beach Bown. Well, technically I’m part of it.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Meant to Be” by Shaun Goh.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Sports Car Era by Devours.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At the Spanish Banks Off-Leash Dog Area because it’s the best beach in Vancouver and you don’t see the city.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
An iced Americano with a splash of milk because it’s refreshing, and Vancouver coffee tastes the best in North America.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
I’m probably not the first person to say it, but BATCH near Kits Beach.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Going hiking. I always forget how close the mountains actually are to us here.

What’s coming up next?
Our EP release show at the Fox Cabaret on June 26.

 

Haleluya Hailu

Who are you?
Haleluya Hailu, Vancouver’s Black girl indie-sleaze pop-rock star.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Get Busy” by Sean Paul. No park hang can resist it.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Folie à Deux by Fall Out Boy or Sunlight by Herbie Hancock.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At Dundarave Beach, watching the sunset and generally lazing about.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Juke’s frozen margarita with a Jr. Juke chicken sandwich.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Juke, then inside to Chickadee Room when it gets late.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Clubbing on Granville or paying for a FIFA ticket.

What’s coming up next?
Vancouver Jazz Festival and a full-length record that’s nearly finished.

 

Jian Ross

Who are you?
Sad-girl alt-rock singer-songwriter kitten from Vancouver.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“A.M. 180” by Grandaddy. Scientifically proven to reduce road rage.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Beats and Breaks from the Flower Patch by Kitty Craft. Happy, nostalgic and all killer, no filler.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At Trout Lake watching babies, ducks, geese, turtles and dogs.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
An Enlighten Mint Yerba Mate. I say it’s the flavour, but it’s probably the caffeine.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
My parents’ backyard in Coquitlam. Serene, beautiful and the drinks aren’t $12.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Open-toed shoes in public.

What’s coming up next?
Bottle Rocket Fest at Russian Hall on July 3.

 

WAIT//LESS

Who are you?
We are WAIT//LESS.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“STAMPEDE” by Genesis Owusu. The beat, guitar and vocal bite are delicious.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Destroy Myself for Fun by Negative Blast.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At the park, the beach or the backyard. We’re bronzing.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A margarita. Salty, fresh and incredible.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Our friends Ben and Kitt’s place. They planted banana trees.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Crying. Save that for January.

What’s coming up next?
We’re writing, casting spells and working on new music. Stay tuned, stay tanned.

Duke & Goldie

Who are you?
A ’60s/’70s-inspired Americana and cosmic country duo living on the West Coast.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Alvarado” by LA LOM. Groovy, tropical and perfect for summer.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
5’ll Getcha Ten by Cowboy.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At the beach with friends, guitars, ocean dips and sunset views.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Coconut water and tequila. A hydration vacation.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The Lido. Great staff, great vibes.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
The Grouse Grind.

What’s coming up next?
Surrey Soccer Fan Fest on July 4, Golden Skybridge on July 11 and Sunfest on August 2.

 

daysormay

Who are you?
We’re daysormay: Aidan, Carson and Nolan.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Olhando o Mar” by Leny Andrade and “Matita Perê” by Antônio Carlos Jobim.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Arthur Verocai’s self-titled album. The perfect soundtrack for a sunny day.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Either in the studio or at Lynn Canyon, probably both on the same day.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
An iced Americano, espresso tonic, ice-cold water or Blue Gatorade.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The front steps of someone’s house. Just good vibes.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Ignoring the sunset. You have to stop and pay respect.

What’s coming up next?
Opening for Tiger Really at the Fox Cabaret on June 13 and playing Green Auto on July 3.

 

Kylie V

Who are you?
I’m Kylie V, a 22-year-old indie folk-rock singer-songwriter based in Vancouver.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Runner” by Hovvdy. It feels like warm sun on your face.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
American Water by Silver Jews. I’m having a Silver Jews summer.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
In my cool basement suite writing songs. Please don’t come find me.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A Spaghett: Miller High Life with Aperol and lemon.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
My mom’s balcony. I guess I’m not really a patio person.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Overheating. I’ll go to great lengths to avoid it.

What’s coming up next?
RANGE’s five-year anniversary show on June 27 at the Palms in Vancouver.

 

Ears

Who are you?
We’re Ears: a jam band with a lust for techno and dance jams.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“I Kiss Your Lips” by Tokyo Ghetto Pussy.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
El Inigualable by Beny Moré.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
The Lynn Creek rope swing spot, chasing icy river dips.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Strong homemade kombucha with a little Destroyed Water mixed in.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The patio at Waears House (WACK and Ears HQ).

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Playing a no-smiling show.

What’s coming up next?
We’re cooking up a late-night dance party. Join our contact list to hear about it first.

 

Madisyn Gifford

Who are you?
I’m Madisyn Gifford, a folk-country singer-songwriter based in Vancouver.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“The Swimming Song” by Loudon Wainwright III. My forever summer anthem.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Got Him! by Ethan Tasch. So good and so summery.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Paddleboarding at Crescent Beach. That’s summer to me.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
Mint Yerba Mate, always.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Mine. The barbecue gets fired up the second it hits 18 degrees.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Spikeball. That’s a dislocated shoulder waiting to happen.

 

Kevvy (Fake Shark)

Who are you?
I’m Kevvy from Fake Shark: frontman, songwriter, producer and devoted servant to my cat, Magic Mew.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. The lyrics are hilarious and the groove is undeniable.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Channel Orange by Frank Ocean. I don’t know if it’s technically a summer album, but that’s when I always listen to it.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
At Jonathan Rogers Park, hopefully surrounded by other people’s dogs.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A light beer with pickle juice. My Irish friends hate it.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
The Narrow Lounge on Main Street. Great people-watching and day drinking.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Swimming. I’ll come to the beach, but I’ll be reading a book while everyone else frolics.

What’s coming up next?
Fake Shark plays Phillips Backyard Festival on July 12 and Barnside Harvest Festival in September.

 

Emmett Jerome

Who are you?
I’m Emmett Jerome, a songwriter and musician living in Vancouver.

What’s one song soundtracking your summer?
“Wet T-Shirt” by Ruby Waters. Ruby is the coolest and this song is super hot.

What’s the most underrated summer album ever made?
Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones. I save it for those few glorious months of West Coast summer, and “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” never misses.

Where can we find you on a hot day in Vancouver?
Sweating it out in the van with the boys, probably on the way to a festival.

What’s your most crushable summer drink?
A Canchánchara, Mojito or Cuba Libre. I spent the winter in Cuba and came back with good habits.

What’s Vancouver’s best patio?
Batch Kitsilano. Sunset views, live music and good vibes every time.

What’s your annual summer hard pass?
Slowing down. Vancouver summers are too short not to squeeze every drop of fun out of them.

What’s coming up next?
I’ll be playing NXNE in Toronto on June 12 and the Fox Cabaret in Vancouver on July 3.