Scene directory
The Vancouver organizations this publication depends on. Campus radio, other outlets, labels, record stores, and the non-profits that keep all-ages shows and safer spaces going.
UBC's campus and community station, on the FM dial since 1982 and broadcasting more than a hundred locally focused programs in seven languages. Volunteers from the campus and the city make the shows, and the station trains anyone who wants to host one.
SFU's campus and community station, broadcasting from Burnaby Mountain to much of Greater Vancouver and streaming online. Its volunteer programmers cover independent music and perspectives underrepresented in mainstream media.
A member-owned community radio co-operative broadcasting from the Downtown Eastside since 1975. More than 300 volunteer programmers make shows in over ten languages, covering music and perspectives underrepresented in mainstream media.
A concert-photography and review publication covering Vancouver shows alongside concerts across Canada and beyond. Reviews and photo galleries give readers another view of the rooms we cover.
CiTR's print arts magazine, published continuously since 1983 and the longest-running independent arts and culture magazine in Vancouver. Six issues a year, free, distributed across the Lower Mainland.
A Vancouver event-listings platform with a daily calendar covering music, arts, and other things happening around the city. A useful starting point for finding a show tonight.
Vancouver's alt-weekly institution, covering the city's arts and music since 1967. The monthly Van Jams column and can't-miss concert lists remain a reliable read on what is moving in local music.
A Vancouver-based music and culture magazine covering emerging artists alongside established names. Interviews, reviews, and features appear online and in its print editions, with contributors across Canada.
A Vancouver-founded publication covering jazz and other creative music through a curated gig list, artist stories, a newsletter, and a podcast. A useful guide to the players and smaller rooms around the local scene.
A digital magazine devoted entirely to independent arts journalism in Vancouver, from new-music season announcements to venue-policy news. Some of the most consistent long-form culture coverage the city gets.
An independent Vancouver label whose current roster includes Marianas Trench and Carly Rae Jepsen. Part of the 604 Group, alongside Light Organ Records and 604 Studios.
A DIY label pressing small-run vinyl for Vancouver artists since 2011, right down to an annual Christmas single. The label layer of the local scene at its most personal.
604's indie-minded sibling imprint, launched in 2010 with its own mandate and a roster that includes the Zolas, Hotel Mira, and Fake Shark. The bridge between the DIY layer and the industry proper.
An independent Vancouver label founded in 1991, with a catalogue that includes the New Pornographers, Neko Case, and cub. Its releases and artist signings continue to connect listeners with local and Canadian independent music.
Founded in Vancouver in 1984, Nettwerk is an independent music company with an international roster. A management-led buyout backed by Create Music Group increased management ownership, with Beedie Capital continuing as a shareholder.
A Vancouver label and event project releasing electronic music. Its catalogue includes records by Unknown Mobile, Kennedy, and Max Ulis, alongside the Rhythms of the Pacific compilations.
A Commercial Drive record shop with new releases, staff picks, and a catalogue spanning electronic, experimental, jazz, rock, and more. Its website also covers special orders and buying, selling, and trading records.
An independent record shop founded in 1996 and at its current West Hastings location since 2003. New and used vinyl across genres, alongside DJ accessories, art supplies, and collectibles.
On the Drive since 1982, with a hand-picked selection that runs from Tom Waits to Tinariwen and a till that sells local show tickets. World music is the specialty; the whole shop is the point.
Vancouver's oldest independent record store, running since 1981, with in-store shows and release parties that make it a small venue in its own right. New and used vinyl, 45s, posters, and deep local memorabilia.
A Commercial Drive shop selling new and used vinyl, CDs, and artist merchandise, with live performances on its calendar. It also buys records and CDs; check the shop's guidance before bringing in a collection.
A Main Street record shop with new releases, staff picks, and concert tickets for Vancouver venues. Its in-store events and local music selections make it a useful stop between shows.
A community music shop focused on independent physical media, including cassettes, records, and artist merchandise. Its links include listening events and an application for artists who want the shop to carry their work.
A long-running Kitsilano record shop on West 4th Avenue. The link leads to its Record Store Day Canada listing while the shop's own website is unavailable.
The charitable society behind the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, founded in 1985. It also presents concerts throughout the year and supports music education through youth performances, mentorship, and workshops.
A volunteer-run non-profit helping girls and non-binary children and youth aged 8-17 build confidence through music creation and performance. Workshops and technical training create space for participants to form bands, write songs, and learn together.
A B.C. non-profit offering sexual-violence prevention, consent, and bystander-intervention training for nightlife, hospitality, and music communities. Its Granville Street outreach team also helps vulnerable patrons access transport, charge phones, and connect with support.
B.C.'s music industry association offers travel grants, the ARC artist accelerator, and professional development. Its Jumpstart series includes educational resources and consultations, while Let's Hear It gives emerging B.C. artists a live showcase platform.
A Vancouver charity funding access to music therapy across B.C. and Canada. It supports the salaries of certified music therapists and reports more than $4 million provided to music therapy programmes.
The non-profit behind the Folk Fest at Jericho Beach Park, staged since the 1970s. Members vote at the annual general meeting and can stand for the board, and volunteers put the weekend on.
A charitable society presenting concerts across genres and working toward a purpose-built music centre. Its programming and partnerships support the case for affordable, accessible music spaces in Vancouver.
A non-profit society presenting experimental and contemporary music in Vancouver since 1973. Its concerts, sound installations, and community projects connect audiences with new approaches to listening and making music.
An all-ages advocacy organization remembered for its shows, workshops, and push for a permanent alcohol-free music space. Its archived posts document Vancouver's fight for accessible places where young people could make and hear music.