Squamish Valley Music Festival Act of the Day: Rykka

Like Halloween, when the early October fogs start to roll in, and Kanye West when he isn’t cancelling his shows the day they are supposed to happen, it’s starting to feel like it’s almost here.

Yes, we’re talking about the Squamish Valley Music Festival, taking place August 8 to 10 at the Logger Sports Grounds and Hendrickson Fields. In anticipation of the big event—headlined by Eminem, Bruno Mars, and Arcade Fire—we’re spending the next few weeks rounding up local artists who’ll be playing the open-air party, and getting them to answer some important questions.

Like who they’ll be cueing up on the iPod for the Sea-to-Sky drive to the site, what they’ll be making sure to pack to make it through their set, the all-time dream-festival lineup, and who they plan to stalk backstage. Read on, but not before you pick up your Squamish Valley Music Festival ticket. The last thing you want to miss is today’s spotlighted act...

Featured artist

Rykka—known once upon time as singer-songwriter Christina Maria—has been busy over the past year, releasing a record, kicking ass in talent competitions, and touring the world. As a result, the dark-hued-dance-pop artist’s resume includes a Peak Performance Project crown, a Ryan Guldemond-produced debut (the ambitious and mesmerizing concept album Kodiak), and enough passport stamps to impress anyone who has ever dreamed of seeing the world. Not bad for someone who seems like she’s only getting started.

Sea-to-Sky playlist

Miley Cyrus Bangerz  Recently heard the album driving to Keloha fest, and I want more 'cause WHY NOT?

Drake Nothing Was the Same  I love this album so much.

Ratatat LP4  Best idea!

Janelle Monáe The Electric Lady  Loud.

Outdoor essentials

I’m not naturally organized. Knowing myself, I would probably forget everything at home in excitement. Good thing I’m really good at fashioning clothes out of things I find in the forest and sleeping in random positions in the car. In that case, baby wipes would save the day for all uses you could imagine. I’m well-versed in the art of the trucker shower.

I’d love to hang with...

I would love to hang with Lykke Li; we would write an entire record together backstage, then make amazing dramatic videos for every single song. I would also hang with Eminem, rap-battle him, and get it on video later to explode on the Internet and land me a rap-battle slot in his live show.

First festival experience

My first festival experience was Islands Folk Fest, where I found myself in a magic tepee in the middle of the forest jamming in the wee hours. I also saw the northern lights for the first time and met one of the most talented people I know: Brian Kowbayakawa (catch him playing bass for Serena Ryder).

What’s your fantasy festival lineup?

 As long as it was humanly possible to see everything, otherwise it would kill me.

• Lykke Li
• Ellie Goulding
• Sea + Air
• Kimbra
• Sia
• St. Vincent
• Mother Mother
• The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
• Beastie Boys
• Drake
• Mø
• M.I.A.

What’s your official rider request?

• 1.14L Bombay Sapphire gin
• 750ml Patrón tequila
• 24 Fat Tug OR very local beer 
• Disposable camera
• Unlimited ice
• Bottle of red wine + white wine (CHILLED)
• 10L of water (ohne gas)
• 2L tonic water
• 1L orange juice
• Peppermint tea
• Blue Gatorade + coconut water
• Cashews
• 2 Twix chocolate bars 
• Vegetable tray
• Schwarzkopf göt2b hairspray (or similar product)
• 3 avocados
• 5 grapefruits
• 4 limes

Trivia time: what’s Squamish’s official slogan?

“That's why we seize the moment try to freeze it and own it, squeeze it and hold it.” 

― Eminem

The festival takes place at Logger Sports Grounds and Hendrickson Fields. Quick—what’s your favourite logger sport?

Running on logs really fast in water. Is that one of them? Very practical. Also, apparently spitting tobacco juice in your opponents eye is not allowed, which is a courteous rule. 

Rykka plays the Squamish Valley Music Festival’s Meadow Stage at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (August 9).