Concerts Photos
Artemas at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
On October 29, Cypriot English singer-songwriter Artemas ended the North American leg of you’re really early… the tour at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC.
Vancouver based artist Asal opened and got the crowd jumping and singing by the end of her set. She will be on tour in North America early 2025 so keep an eye out!
Artemas is a British singer-songwriter and self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has quickly ascended from online sensation to an emerging force in the indie-pop and R&B scenes. Following the release of his debut album, pretty, Artemas has captivated a growing cult following, and his track “i like the way you kiss me” became a breakout hit in just four weeks, skyrocketing him into the global spotlight. Known for his DIY approach, he gained a passionate fanbase by self-releasing new music nearly every month and using TikTok to tease upcoming singles. Artemas’s sold-out pretty tour earlier this year was so in demand that he announced a second leg, you’re so early, proving his rapid ascent is no accident. His bold, self-assured live performances showcase an artist whose reach has only just begun to match his talent.
Appearing on stage at 9pm under flashing lights, he jumped right to business with “Death of Me,” “Special to me,” “Caroline,” and “You’ve been a bad girl,” running from one side of the stage to the other, getting close to the the audience at barricade. Throughout the night, the fans sang all the lyrics back at him, not missing a beat, especially for the last song of the night “I like the way you kiss me.”
Artemas will be on tour in the UK and Australia until early December. More info here.
Check out our favourites photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery.
ARTEMAS
ASAL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
There is something magical about voices matching the season. The excitement of walking up to the Danforth Music Hall on the perfect autumn night, only to be engulfed in raw, emotive rasp.
Lydia Maes really pulled me in. There’s such an emotional quality to her voice. The way she incorporates the saxophone and the way she hypnotizes the crowd. She played a beautiful set and then later came out with her fiddle, to join Buffalo Traffic Jam.
Colin Lynch completely caught me off guard, with a voice that sounds like he sells out stadiums. He’s young, but that soulful, raspy, depth speaks to every age.
Then came the one and only Buffalo Traffic Jam. Gritty, earthy harmonies took over the Danforth and the crowd was electrified. There’s something about their sound that feels both stripped down and warm at the same time, and the moment they started, we were all at their mercy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BUFFALO TRAFFIC JAM
COLIN LYNCH
LYDIA MAES
All Photo Credit: Bailey Morgan
Concerts Photos
Sabaton Bring Fire and Fury to Vancouver on North American Tour Finale
After many many years away from Vancouver, Sabaton returned to the PNE Forum on October 8 for a fiery night of heavy metal, military-themed theatrics and massive sing-alongs. The Swedish metal band chose the city to close out its North American tour, and it went out with a bang.
Opening the night was Pop Evil, whose modern hard rock offered a different sound from the headliner’s power metal. Tracks like “Trenches” brought plenty of energy, giving the crowd a reason to get moving before the main event. Their heavier riffs and commanding stage presence made for a solid start to the evening despite the low lighting.
Sabaton wasted little time making its return count. Kicking off with “Ghost Division,” the band delivered a wall of sound backed by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs and bursts of fire that lit up the Forum. The stage, complete with military-inspired hardware, gave the performance the feel of a full-scale production rather than a standard metal concert.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with his unmistakable voice and natural sense of showmanship. Songs like “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “Night Witches” showcased the band’s knack for turning historical stories into anthems built for thousands of voices. The crowd happily did its part, singing along throughout the night.
The spectacle never distracted from the music. Flames punctuated the band’s heaviest moments, adding extra intensity to “Bismarck,” “Fields of Verdun” and “The Attack of the Dead Men.” For the latter, the band leaned into the song’s subject matter with gas masks, adding another theatrical touch to an already explosive set.
The closing stretch was pure Sabaton. “Swedish Pagans” brought another huge audience sing-along before “Primo Victoria” and “To Hell and Back” sent the Forum into the night at full volume.
After seven years, Sabaton gave Vancouver plenty of reasons to welcome them back. Closing the North American tour with a performance this tight, loud and entertaining was a fitting end to the run. With commanding vocals, memorable choruses and enough pyro to warm the entire Forum, the band left little doubt that its next visit cannot come soon enough.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SABATON
POP EVIL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer