Live, In Review: Sled Island 2023 (Part 1)

Live, In Review:

Sled Island 2023

(Part 1)

By: Krystle McGrath

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Sled Island 2023 was a wild, hectic, jam-packed time. I think everybody that attends this festival is exhausted and smiling their face off by the end of it. I was happy to see so many people out this year, even running into some lineups outside venues! What a fantastic experience to see so many people enjoying live music in this city. With so many things going on at once, we’re all running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to catch the next awesome thing.

I saw a multitude of shows this year, but of course, I couldn't include every single one here. So, here is a little review of some of my favourites and some performances that stood out over the course of this incredible fest.

JayWood

From the first beat of JayWood’s set you’re dancing, you’re grooving, and you are feeling the vibe. With his friendly and exciting stage presence, you are pulled into the moment and completely enamored.

The bass lines were killer in this performance, which is always something I appreciate in a show. Nothing is the same without a good bass line! The guitar parts create a rainbow road, a wave of sound for you to float along on. One where there are no expectations for how you should engage with the music, but just letting you exist. Letting you soak it in and simply groove.

There is a soulful, emotion filled sound that JayWood emits through both his lyrics and song composition that reminded me of Frank Ocean; however, there were other times throughout the set where I felt more like I was dancing along to OutKast. To be able to mix thoughtfulness, playfulness, Salsa, and R&B is a talent that JayWood is clearly on the frontlines of mastering.

His messages about mental health and the reminder that “mama told me that you’ve got to know yourself” really put you in the right place to understand that taking care of your mental health is paramount and you can have fun while still speaking about important topics.

Krill Williams

I love this local band! It is no secret that I enjoy a good female presenting band, but the fact that these talented (mostly) female presenting band members have come together to create such a cohesive and fulfilling sound is really everything I could ask for - especially to come out of Calgary.

The synth and the keys are incredible, they add so much depth and texture to songs that already have a strong base and identity, taking them to another level. A Krill Williams performance is dreamy, floaty, and sure of itself. It has something to say. Creating a performance is not just about the music, though that is of course a huge part of it, but rather the experience. This band did a great job of outfit coordination so it was obvious they had prepared for this event and showed up to show out! Fabulous, shiny matching fits truly made this a sight to see.

Their song “High Tide” includes some really great harmonies that I really enjoyed hearing live. Krill knows how to make some dark and moody tunes that include some grungier, harder, crunchier moments in their set allowing them to reach a broader and wider audience.

Oranje

I had never heard Oranje before Sled. I had heard of them, but never heard their music. But that is what Sled is all about! I headed down to the Ship to grab some deep fried pickles and got to enjoy the musicianship from this great band! They just released a new record and certainly packed the Ship to its gills.

You definitely want to be wearing ear plugs for this one so you can enjoy the full instruments in all their glory. Taking them in one by one - the guitar has wild moments in the spotlight and the drums are central in every tune.

You can tell this band likes what they do; fully getting into it with their whole bodies, every single song. Interacting with their extremely responsive crowd in a way that only a true power band can do.

Neighbourly

It was a real trip to see a full show at newly renovated Modern Love (previously Broken City). It was so fun to experience this new venue and what it has to offer the city; they have big shoes to fill coming in after the beloved Broken City, but they’ve done a fantastic job with the space and seeing Neighbourly here was phenomenal. Definitely one of my favourite finds of the festival, Neighbourly is groovy, surf rock that is so light and fun that you have to dance!

The thing that really stood out to me on top of their funky beats, great use of the whammy bar (especially in their new song), and a very talented and soft female vocalist/bassist, was the fact that they are not afraid of silence. They do not shy away from pauses between verses and parts of their songs. It can be very hard, especially at a festival show, to not find awkwardness in those moments, but this band utilized it in such an artful way that it added a lot to the performance and definitely left me wanting more.

Throw on your dancing shoes for this band because you will definitely want ‘em!

Swimming

This is a band that I probably wouldn't get to see if it wasn't for something like Sled Island because it is a different genre than I typically tune into, which is why I am so grateful for this experience because I would have been so disappointed to miss this!

Swimming is what I personally found to be approachable punk music. The full sounding drums kept me drawn into the music the entire time, and the project almost gave me Oso Oso vibes with a little more punk than rock of course. I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially seeing it at The Ship, Calgary’s local gem that is the perfect place to see a punk show. Or any show for that matter!

I love sledding around! Seeing pals, enjoying shows, eating good food, and drinking good beer is what it’s all about. Sled Island never fails to disappoint and I can’t wait for next year!

- Krystle McGrath