Squamish Valley Music Festival Act of the Day: The Oceanographers

by Yolande Cole on August 7th, 2014 at 1:00 PM

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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

Vancouver’s the Oceanographers are set to play the Squamish Valley Music Festival for the first time this year. The indie-rock quartet’s musical resume includes winning the Cellar Launch Project and the FOX Vancouver Seeds competition last year. They’ve also opened for acts including Zerbin, Wake Owl, Dear Rouge, and San Francisco indie-rock trio Geographer. Members Clayton Dupuis, James Ediger, Matt Prior, and Sean Jantzi are also headed to Squamish with a new EP under their belts. The five-track album Reunion, which was recorded at Monarch Studios, was released in June.

Sea-to-Sky playlist

Clayton:

alt-J Taro

Cyril Hahn Say My Name

Toro Y Moi Rose Quartz

Chet Faker 1998

JPNSGRLS Circulation

Outdoor essentials

James:

A pair of Vans, a good jacket for nighttime, and gold bond, because chafing is your worst enemy.

I’d love to hang with...

Clayton:

Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys would definitely be the coolest dude to hang with at Squamish. “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I'm Not” and “AM” are two of my favourite Rock records of all time. Also, I really just want to ask him for some hair styling tips…

First festival experience

James:

My first festival experience was Coachella 2011. The lineup was stacked with Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, the Strokes, and Kanye West headlining the festival. I think the only person who enjoyed Kanye's performance more than me was Kanye.

What’s your fantasy festival lineup?

Matt:

My fantasy festival would consist of three days of non-stop Blue Man Group. If they're not available I guess we can get the Strokes or Jack White to fill in. Kanye can come too but only if he agrees not to talk between songs.

What’s your official rider request?

Clayton:

1 Plain white T-shirt
1 Ilford disposable camera
Ping Pong Table (Air Hockey will suffice in a pinch)
1 flat of San Pellegrino
Tacos (any kind but fish)

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

Matt:

Squamish should consider changing its slogan from 'get fueled by nature' to 'get fuel and continue on to Whistler'. 'Where sea meets the sky' should probably be 'where you can see people get high'.

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

Matt:

Axe throwing, it gives me an excuse to buy a new guitar. Or maybe chainsaw carving, if that event didn’t exist god only knows what those guys would be carving up in their spare time…