Interview with promoter and producer Jordan Grey - part 2

To read part 1, click here.

Cendrine Marrouat: What are the main challenges that independent artists encounter locally and across Canada?

Jordan Grey: I think that one of the main problems is that there is not a lot of funding for the Arts in British Columbia. Without funding, there are not a lot of resources available to really get your music out there. As well, we need more venues for these bands to play at. There’s nothing better then to show up at a venue and just enjoying the talent that is booked for the evening. I would like to see more venues opening, rather then seeing them close down as we have been seeing as of late.

Also, one thing that I have found is that a lot of bands don’t really know how to promote themselves. Yeah it’s really good to get your music out there, however if you don’t have a bio, it’s really hard to find out who you are and where you are from. I know that it’s Taboo to talk highly of yourself, however this is the time to do it and get people excited about who you are before hearing your music. Don't wait for someone to write something about you, write it yourself and add to it as you see fit.

CM: How is the independent music scene in British Columbia? Is it different from what happens in other provinces?

JG: The Independent Music Scene in BC is over flowing with talent, and a lot of times it seems that the Rocky Mountains cuts off Canada a lot more than we think. We talk to a lot of bands about this and they feel that if they were to relocate to Toronto, they would start getting the recognition that they deserve. We hear this and want to make it easier for bands to get the recognition that bands in BC so desperately want and need.

CM:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

JG: One thing that I have found in the last 2 years is that Canada needs a place to go to, to listen to the next big thing coming out of Canada. Since launching VanMusic.ca, we have become more aware of what Vancouver, Canada and the World is looking for. We will be soon launching our third makeover of the site to better provide what musicians and fans are looking for with the Music Scene.

In five years I see VanMusic as being the number 1 source for music. As you continue to let us know what you expect, need and want to see, we will continue to provide you with the most reliable and up to date news for all your music needs.

CM: Where can people find more information about VanMusic?

JG: The best place to find out more information about VanMusic is to really come and visit us online. While you are there, I think that you will find out more about the Independent Music Scene than just VanMusic. Because, that’s really what we want people to see VanMusic as, a reliable source of Local Talent. You will see the proud love and support that Canadians have for the music that comes out of this great Country!

CM: Any last words?  

JG: I just want to take the time to thank everyone in Vancouver and Canada who supports us. We are doing this for you and by you letting us into your homes and offices, we know that we are on the right track.

If you are interested in being on our Band Index List, please email myself at jordan@vanmusic.ca with your bio, a Jpeg and a video if you have one. Don’t forget to send your website so we can direct your fans to the proper place to find out more about who you are.

Again thank you Cendrine for taking this time to interview me and help with the local music scene. This Canadian talent that we have needs more people like yourself in promoting them.

End of the interview.

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Cendrine Marrouat is a freelance writer/reviewer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com