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The Sonic Collective

The Sonic Collective

The Sonic Collective: Music Nerds, Big Opinions, No Skip Button.

We’re four Canadian music fans with a lot of opinions, a few too many records, and absolutely no shortage of things to say about music.


For over a decade, The Sonic Collective has been digging into the albums, artists, and musical moments that shaped our lives. From timeless classics and influential hidden gems to special music-themed episodes, unexpected picks, and just-for-fun musical debates, we explore the stories behind the music, the people who made it, and the reasons it still matters. Expect music history, passionate arguments, personal stories, and the occasional reminder that kids just don’t get it these days.


But there’s more to music than the records already sitting in your collection.


Enter The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene — our Alberta-focused spin-off celebrating the artists, stories, and sounds coming out of our own backyard. We shine a spotlight on under-the-radar Alberta artists and the people building our local music communities, exploring a scene that goes far beyond the cowboy hats, country twang, and folk stereotypes. Alberta has a lot more to say, and we’re here to help you hear it.


Whether we’re revisiting an album that changed music, debating songs you never expected us to pick, or discovering the next great Alberta artist, The Sonic Collective is for people who love music, love a good argument, and are always up for something new.


Four hosts. One too many Scotts. Endless opinions.


Come for the music. Stay for the discussion and love of music.

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  • Avg 44 min
  • English

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  • S12 · E21
    November 4 · 45 min

    Album Review: The Tragically Hip - Day For Night

    Send us Fan Mail The Tragically Hip – Day for Night Review (The Sonic Collective) Hosts Alain DuPuis, Scott Coates, Scott Gregory, and Darren Scott return to The Sonic Collective to review The Tragically Hip’s 1994 album Day for Night, prompted by a prior opening-tracks episode featuring “Grace, Too” and Darren’s involvement with Calgary’s Gord Downie tribute fundraiser GEDfest. They discuss the band’s lineup, the album’s darker, more atmospheric shift from earlier bluesy rock, its deliberate sequencing, and Mark Howard’s production (noted for a “live in-studio” feel and strong dynamics). Standout tracks mentioned include “Grace, Too,” “Nautical Disaster,” “So Hard Done By,” “Scared,” “Greasy Jungle,” and “Daredevil,” plus Sarah McLachlan’s uncredited vocals on “Emergency.” They cover the band’s Canadian cultural impact, limited U.S. breakthrough, and the 1995 SNL appearance introduced by Dan Aykroyd. Album Scores (Out of 5) Combined Score Recommend: 4.75 Influence: 4.25 Overall: 4.4 Darren's Score Recommend: 5 Influence: 4 Overall: 4.5 Scott C's Score Recommend: 5 Influence: 4 Overall: 4.5 Scott G's Score Recommend: 5 Influence: 5 Overall: 5 Alain's Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 4 Overall: 3.5 Show Chapters 00:00 Show Intro 01:07 Why Review The Hip 02:16 Gord Downie Tribute Fest 03:15 Choosing Day For Night 03:51 Scott Coates First Listen 06:39 Scott Coates Track Highlights 09:15 Alan Newfound Appreciation 12:19 Alan Song Standouts 15:14 Scott Gregory Live Scene Memories 20:11 Scott Gregory Key Tracks Breakdown 23:25 Darren Band Lineup Context 24:33 90s Hip Memories 25:15 Live Shows and Gord 25:40 Darker Album Shift 26:27 Why Grace Too Works 28:42 Deep Cuts and Guests 29:32 SNL Breakthrough Story 32:01 Scott Coats Scores 34:26 Alan First Listen Review 36:08 Scott Gregory Fives 38:10 Darren Wrap and Scores 40:41 Next Album Reveal 43:33 Final Sign Off The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E20
    October 8 · 52 min

    The Best Album Openers: Not The Ones You Think

    Send us Fan Mail The Sonic Collective: The Best Album Openers: Not The Ones You Think The Sonic Collective hosts Darren Scott, Alain Dupuis, Scott Gregory, and Scott Coates (from Bangkok) break from their usual classic-album reviews to each pick three albums they believe have the best opening tracks, discussing what makes an effective opener and their different selection philosophies. Darren chooses “Synchronicity I” (The Police, Synchronicity), “Excursions” (A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory), and “Grace, Too” (The Tragically Hip, Day for Night). Scott Coates selects “Where the Streets Have No Name” (U2, The Joshua Tree), “Let’s Go Crazy” (Prince, Purple Rain), and “Black Sabbath” (Black Sabbath, Black Sabbath). Scott Gregory picks “Rock ’n’ Roll Star” (Oasis, Definitely Maybe), “Ode to My Family” (The Cranberries, No Need to Argue), and “Drive” (R.E.M., Automatic for the People). Alain picks “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (Nirvana, Nevermind), “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes, Elephant), and “Rolling in the Deep” (Adele, 21). Noting their cultural impact and single status, the team discusses these picks. Some are familiar, but many haven't been seen on lists like this before. They highlight 1994 as a standout year, note The Low End Theory and Nevermind were released the same day, and close with Darren announcing the next album review: The Tragically Hip’s Day for Night, tied to the 10-year anniversary of Gord Downie’s death and Calgary’s Gord Downie fundraiser GED Fest. 00:00 Show Intro 00:40 Episode Setup 02:03 What Makes Openers 07:41 Darren Picks Three 12:38 Reactions to Darren 16:24 Scott Coates Picks 20:15 Reactions to Coates 25:17 Scott Gregory Picks 28:04 Drive Sets The Tone 29:30 Do Openers Need Hits 30:09 Scott Reviews Deep Cuts 31:20 Reactions To Scott Picks 35:07 Alan Goes Mainstream 38:59 Debating Alan Choices 46:22 Wrap Up And Patterns 49:17 Next Pick Day For Night 51:29 Final Sign Off The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E19
    October 2 · 37 min

    The AB Scene: Keith Dyck talks about GEDfest, A fundraiser in Gord Downie's memory

    Send us Fan Mail From a Calgary Bar to a Movement Across North America: The Story of GEDfest with Keith Dyck What started as a small Calgary fundraiser inspired by the music and legacy of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip has grown into something much bigger. On this episode of The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene, I sit down with Keith Dyck, founder of GEDfest, to talk about how he and his wife, Julie Johnson, turned their love of The Hip and their desire to give back into an annual celebration that now spans 12 cities across Canada and the United States. GEDfest began in Calgary in 2018, shortly after Gord Downie’s passing. What started with a small group of friends, a Tragically Hip tribute band and a fundraising goal has grown into a movement that has raised more than $732,000 for cancer-related charities. In 2026, GEDfest makes its first U.S. stop in Buffalo, NY, while continuing to grow across Canada. At the heart of it all is Keith’s desire to honour Gord Downie—not only as one of Canada’s most important musical voices, but as someone who used his platform to support causes and communities across the country. Keith and I talk about the early days of GEDfest, how Trickle Down, his Calgary-based Tragically Hip tribute band, came together, and how a fundraiser in a small Calgary venue evolved into a 12-city charitable event. Trickle Down was originally formed for GEDfest and has become a major part of the Calgary experience. We also talk about the connection between GEDfest and the Prostate Cancer Centre, where I work professionally. PCC is one of the cancer charities benefiting from the Calgary event, and the MAN VAN® will be on site October 17 to help raise awareness about prostate cancer and men's health. And Calgary is getting an extra night of The Hip experience this year. Due to demand, GEDfest has added a second Calgary show on Friday, October 16, in addition to the October 17 show at The Arrowhead. Both nights feature Trickle Down and the music of The Tragically Hip. If you're a Tragically Hip fan, a fan of Canadian music, or simply looking for a great night out that supports an important cause, GEDfest is a pretty special combination of music, memories, community and giving back. Listen to my conversation with Keith Dyck on The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene. Then grab some friends and experience GEDfest live in Calgary on October 16 or 17. Celebrate Gord. Celebrate The Hip. Support cancer care. To learn more or buy tickets to an event in your city, visit https://www.gedfest.ca Photo Credit: GEDfest The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E18
    September 13 · 39 min

    Album Review: Britney Spears - Blackout

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description — Britney Spears: Blackout (2007) In this episode of The Sonic Collective, the crew revisits one of the most surprising and influential pop albums of the 2000s: Britney Spears’ Blackout. What begins as a look back at the chaos of 2007 quickly turns into a deeper conversation about how an artist under immense public pressure helped usher in a new era of electronic, club‑driven pop. The group explores the album’s dense, hyper‑processed production, its forward‑looking electronic textures, and the role of producers like Danja, Bloodshy & Avant, and The Neptunes in shaping a sound that would dominate pop for years. Some members admire the innovation and influence; others struggle to connect emotionally with the club‑centric songwriting and relentless sonic intensity. Sympathy for Britney’s personal circumstances adds another layer to the discussion, especially around how Blackout served as an escape rather than a diary. The episode wraps with a lively scoring round—one that makes it clear the team doesn’t exactly agree on how Blackout holds up today. Respect for its impact is universal, but enjoyment varies wildly. Album Scores (Out of 5) Scott C’s Score Recommend: 1 Influence: 1 Overall: 1 Alain’s Score Recommend: 2 Influence: 5 Overall: 3.5 Darren’s Score Recommend: 1.5 Influence: 2 Overall: 1.5 Scott G’s Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 5 Overall: 4.5 The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E17
    September 8 · 1 hr 42 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Discovery, Community & The AB Scene - A 2026 Recap

    Send us Fan Mail Sled Island Festival Series: Discovery, Community & The AB Scene - A 2026 Recap What Happened When We Lived It (and Why The Sonic Collective Is Changing) Darren Scott recaps The Sonic Collective’s first on-location coverage at Calgary’s Sled Island festival, describing four days of interviews, discoveries, and constant schedule changes alongside photographer Kelly Shaw. Starting with JJL at Central United Church, Darren highlights shows by Brock Geiger, Sun Glaciers, Bridgeland, Ekthros, Lana Del Reybes, Once, Moonbeam, Arlo Maverick, and K-Rizz & The Family, emphasizing the festival’s community feel where artists and fans mingle. Kelly shares standout moments including Tiny Wings, Sharon Udoh, Dreezus, and Midnight Peg, while Ben Leon of Dandy Brewing and his teen Basil discuss Sled’s diverse curation and the importance of all-ages venues. Darren interviews Arlo Maverick about his Edmonton origins, mentorship, and giving back, then announces a new Sonic Collective series focused on Alberta music: The AB Scene. 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:40 Sled Island Mission 01:35 Festival Payoff Begins 02:43 Thanks to Kelly 03:12 Wednesday Kickoff 04:12 Church Calm JJL 05:40 Brock Geiger Live 07:01 Palomino Night One 08:53 Thursday Noise Shock 11:20 Dickens Synth Pop 13:59 Ship Anchor Surprise 15:51 K Rizz Powers Through 17:30 Sled Schedule Lessons 18:51 Kelly Joins the Mic 27:19 Kelly Poem Moment 29:10 Community Takeaways 30:08 Meet Ben and Basil 31:29 Lineup Highlights Talk 34:31 All Ages Sled Guide 36:36 All Ages Venues 38:41 Favorite Sled Sets 40:03 Recording Mascara Tape 42:03 Why Dandy Sponsors 44:58 What Makes Sled Special 49:25 More Teen Bands 51:58 Dandy Fest Details 54:22 Community Reflection 55:47 Discovering Arlo Maverick 57:03 Arlo Origin Story 59:29 Mentors And Bootcamp 01:03:06 Studios And TV Break 01:06:17 Career Highlights Singapore 01:08:15 Paying It Forward 01:11:03 Songwriting Workshops 01:14:07 Community Builds Scenes 01:15:49 Sled Island Set Breakdown 01:20:15 New Projects Ahead 01:24:25 Festival Reflections 01:25:10 Personal Highlights 01:27:22 Lessons Learned 01:32:42 Sled Island Survival Tips 01:38:51 A New AB Scene Series 01:40:53 Final Thoughts 01:44:02 Closing Credits All music used in this episode is copyright of Arlo Maverick. Photo Credit: Kelly Shaw - A view @ The Palamino The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E16
    August 28 · 56 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Arlo Maverick Interview and Kicking off The AB Scene

    Send us Fan Mail Arlo Maverick | The Sonic Collective Sled Island Festival Series and Introducing The AB Scene The Sonic Collective’s Sled Island series comes to a close with an interview with Edmonton hip-hop artist Arlo Maverick—and with this episode, we open the door to something new: The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene. A four-time WCMA nominee, Arlo has built a reputation for thoughtful, relatable hip-hop that blends sharp wit and wordplay with elements of Afrobeat, gospel, soul and EDM. His music explores everything from relationships and work-life balance to grief, healing and the realities of everyday life. In this conversation, Arlo talks about his journey as an artist, the Edmonton and Alberta music scenes, and his approach to performing hip-hop with a live band rather than relying solely on the traditional MC-and-DJ format. He describes his live performances as a “symbiotic exchange” between artist and audience and shares some of the experiences that have taken him from Alberta stages to performances in the UK and South Korea. We also talk about his latest album, Blue Collar, a socially conscious record that examines the challenges facing working-class people, and the ideas and experiences that shaped it. Arlo has shared stages with artists including Classified and Shad, headlined festivals such as North Country Fair and Sasquatch Gathering, received international airplay, and appeared in publications including Noisey and Exclaim!. This conversation marks the final chapter of our Sled Island 2026 interview series—and the beginning of a new series dedicated to discovering and celebrating the artists, stories and music communities that make Alberta’s music scene so unique. Welcome to The AB Scene. In This Episode Arlo Maverick’s journey through Alberta’s hip-hop scene The Edmonton music community and the broader Alberta scene Blending hip-hop with Afrobeat, gospel, soul and EDM Why Arlo performs with a live band The relationship between performer and audience Touring internationally and performing in the UK and South Korea Opening for hip-hop artists Classified and Shad The inspiration behind Blue Collar Working-class realities and social commentary in music The importance of storytelling and authenticity in hip-hop The future of Alberta’s music scene The end of the Sled Island series—and the beginning of The AB Scene About Arlo Maverick Arlo Maverick is a four-time WCMA-nominated Edmonton hip-hop artist whose music aims to move audiences both physically and emotionally. His songs combine clever wordplay with musical influences that extend beyond hip-hop, while always keeping hip-hop at the core. His music has received airplay in the United States, Japan and other countries, appeared in publications including Noisey and Exclaim!, and charted on national campus radio charts. His live-band approach to hip-hop has led to festival headlining performances, international touring and opportunities to share stages with some of Canada's best-known hip-hop artists. Arlo is currently promoting Blue Collar, an acclaimed album offering social commentary on the challenges faced by working-class people. About The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene For more than a decade, The Sonic Collective has been talking about the albums and artists that have shaped our musical lives. With The AB Scene, we're turning the spotlight closer to home. This new series explores Alberta's music community through conversations with the artists, musicians, producers, promoters and other people who help make the scene what it is. From Calgary and Edmonton to communities across the province, The AB Scene is about the people behind the music—and the stories that don't always get told. And it all starts here, with Arlo Maverick. All music used in this episode is copyright of Arlo Maverick. Photo Credit: Aaron Pederson https://www.pedersenstudio.com/ The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E15
    August 22 · 33 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Kelly Shaw on Experiencing Sled Island 2026

    Send us Fan Mail The Sonic Collective: Sled Island Festival Series Kelly Shaw on Experiencing Sled Island 2026 Darren Scott sits down with his good friend and fellow music lover Kelly Shaw to talk about experiencing Sled Island 2026 together. Kelly joined Darren for four days of shows, helping gather audio, photos and video while discovering artists, venues and sounds from across Calgary. They talk about the highlights, surprises and unexpected discoveries of the festival, from ambient music in a church to hip hop at The Ship & Anchor, and what happens when you throw your carefully planned festival schedule out the window and simply follow the music. And there was one performance that affected Kelly so deeply, it brought him to tears. It's a conversation about music, friendship, discovery and why Sled Island continues to be such a special part of Calgary's music community.Listen now and experience Sled Island through the eyes of two longtime music fans. Kelly's Word Works sled island fest it’s calgary’s best lifts your awe to the crest fest director and guest curator down to be your joy cultivator every year assures a new pulsator comedy, art and astounding tunes lineup so large the schedules in runes the best time of all your moons so many bands, shows and venues beg you forgo your sensible shoes gotta look cool at united pews treads and hipster cycles get you around any direction you’re wonder bound the community feel will astound patrons diverse, inclusive, all ages tribes of all stripes keen for stages everyone free from their cages artists and genres across the spectrum some will blast and some will hum either way your soul they’ll plumb so bring your curiosity it’s discovery enriching your performance art history sled’s goodness no longer a mystery sled island fest it’s calgary’s best my love confessed —— SLED FEST BEST Copyright: Kelly Shaw Photo Credit: Kelly Shaw - Kelly (Right) and Darren (Left) out Sledding The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E14
    August 21 · 47 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Ben & Basil Leon on Sled Island, Music & Community

    Send us Fan Mail The Sonic Collective: Sled Island Festival Series Ben & Basil Leon on Sled Island, Music & Community Darren Scott talks with Dandy Brewing’s Ben Leon and his teenager Basil about their experiences at Sled Island 2026. Ben brings a unique perspective as a musician who played at the very first Sled Island, while Basil shares what it’s like experiencing the festival as a young music fan limited to all-ages shows. But the highlight of the conversation comes when Basil tells a touching story about Calgary musician and percussionist Chris Dadge helping them on their own musical journey. It’s a beautiful reminder of the generosity, mentorship and community that makes Alberta’s music scene so special. Listen now and discover another side of Sled Island. Support the show

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  • S12 · E13
    August 18 · 37 min

    Album Review: Chris Stapleton - Traveller

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Sonic Collective, we take a deeper look at an artist we all knew by reputation but had never fully explored as we review Chris Stapleton’s 2015 debut album, Traveller. We praise Stapleton’s powerful, emotionally expressive voice, songwriting background, and ability to blend traditional country with blues, rock, and soul, with particular attention to the album’s storytelling, authenticity, and Stapleton’s musical partnership with his wife, Morgane. We also reflect on his breakthrough performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards. While some of us found the album somewhat slow or wished for more upbeat tracks, we all agreed that Traveller is a strong, heartfelt introduction to modern country music. The consensus is that its emotional honesty and stripped-back production make it especially appealing even to listeners who aren't normally country fans. The episode closes with Scott Gregory announcing our next album review: Britney Spears’ 2007 album, Blackout. Alain Dupuis and The Sonic Collective Album Scores (Out of 5) Combined Score Recommend: 4.5 Influence: 3.5 Overall: 4 Darren's Score Recommend: 4.5 Influence: 4 Overall: 4 Scott C's Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 2.5 Overall: 3.5 Scott G's Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 3.5 Overall: 4.5 Alain's Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 3.5 Overall: 4 The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E12
    July 7 · 38 min

    Album Review: Brian Eno • David Byrne – My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

    Send us Fan Mail Sonic Collective Album Pick (June 2026): David Byrne & Brian Eno — My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1981) The Sonic Collective hosts Alain, Scott Gregory, Darren, and Scott Coates discuss Scott Coates June 2026 album pick, David Byrne and Brian Eno’s 1981 collaboration My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, chosen after Scott got tickets for a David Byrne concert and wanted to explore beyond Talking Heads hits. They frame the record as an early blueprint for modern sampling and loop-based production, built from funk grooves layered with found audio like radio voices, sermons, and other global influences, created with labor-intensive tape techniques and with attention to sample licensing (including removed tracks). While acknowledging its innovation, historical importance, and influence on later hip hop/electronic production, they largely find it challenging and not very enjoyable to listen to, scoring it low overall. 00:00 Welcome to Sonic Collective 00:57 June Pick Reveal 02:04 Album Context and Setup 03:04 Alan Reaction and Critique 08:20 Scott G Context and Favorites 17:22 Darren Historical Perspective 22:47 Scott Coates Final Take 25:38 Scores and Ratings 33:47 Next Month Pick Traveler 36:10 Theme Music and Sign Off Overall Scores: Recommend: 2.1 Influenced: 2.1 Overall: 1.9 Scott Coates Recommend: 1 Influenced: 1 Overall: 1 Darren Scott Recommend: 2 Influenced: 4 Overall: 2 Scott Gregory Recommend: 4 Influenced: 2 Overall: 3 Alain Dupuis Recommend: 1.5 Influenced: 1.5 Overall: 1.5 The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E11
    June 30 · 1 hr 20 min

    Sled Island: The Festival That Changed Calgary Music

    Send us Fan Mail Sled Island: The Festival That Changed Calgary Music | The Sonic Collective Darren Scott of The Sonic Collective introduces a solo Sled Island 2026 segment. He frames Sled Island in Calgary as an affordable, volunteer-driven, multi-venue “festival of discovery” that prioritizes community, diversity, and intimate live experiences over headliners, algorithms, and phone-first “Instagram moments.” The episode traces Sled’s origins in 2007 under Zak Pashak, its evolution beyond indie rock (including a 2017 Flying Lotus curation), and its resilience after the 2013 Calgary floods, while spotlighting local voices: Conrad Montana of Les Gigantiques, Cartel Madras (discovered at Sled and signed to Sub Pop), K-Riz, Brock Geiger, and Sun Glaciers. Darren highlights venues, local sponsors, CJSW, and argues Sled’s impact is cultural—building connections, collaborations, and changing perceptions of Calgary. If you want to understand what Sled is all about and hear the story from local Calgary artists, then you came to the right place. 00:00 Welcome to Sonic Collective 00:41 Darren Goes Solo 01:08 Why Music Matters 02:33 Sled Island Vibes 04:31 Calgary Music Community 07:23 What Is Sled Island 09:08 Calgary Before Sled 12:13 Conrad Montana Memories 18:12 Festival of Discovery 21:03 Cartel Madras Breakthrough 31:29 Calgary Grows Up 34:38 K-Riz and the Family 40:59 Artists Watching Artists 41:32 K-Riz New Album Plans 42:54 Human Scale Festival 44:39 Venues And Local Sponsors 47:23 Serendipity And Safety 50:16 Volunteers And Traditions 52:18 Brock Geiger Interview 01:00:28 Creativity Without Boundaries 01:02:54 Sun Glaciers On Scene 01:08:22 2013 Flood Turning Point 01:10:54 Why Sled Matters Now 01:15:39 Final Takeaways And Thanks Photo Credit: Kelly Shaw - Clipping performing at The Palace with Cartel Madras The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E6
    June 16 · 33 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Les Gigantiques Interview Conrad Montana

    Send us Fan Mail Conrad Montana (Les Gigantiques) on Sled Island, Calgary’s Music Scene & a 20-Year-Old Album Finally Released Darren Scott of The Sonic Collective continues the Sled Island series with a conversation featuring Conrad Sawatzky (Conrad Montana of Les Gigantiques), a longtime Calgary musician who has been active in bands including Anxious Poets, the Shinolas, Cripple Creek Fairies, and The Deadly Skulls. Conrad shares his musical beginnings, his role in local preservation efforts like the Rat’s Nest Recording Society, and his early connection to Sled Island through Zach Peshack and Pop Montreal. He recalls standout Sled memories (Guided by Voices, Television, Yo La Tengo, and more), highlights Calgary venues supporting live music (Loophole, Blocks, Palomino), and discusses what makes Sled unique, including its diversity and discovery-focused playlists. The episode also covers Les Gigantiques’ newly released album—recorded 20 years ago, rediscovered by Trap One Records—now streaming, with vinyl coming in August and a release show August 23 at Blocks. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ 00:00 Show Intro 01:08 Sled Island Series Setup 02:13 Guest Conrad Montana 04:12 How We Met 04:48 Conrad Music Origins 07:12 Preserving Calgary Tapes 09:08 First Sled Island Connection 10:50 Favorite Sled Memories 12:53 Calgary Venues Today 14:43 Day In The Life 17:03 What Makes Sled Unique 20:17 Les Gigantiques Album Story 22:32 Sound And Stage Energy 24:44 Tour Plans And Sled 2026 26:15 Local Band Shoutouts 28:24 Advice For New Musicians 29:34 Show Plug And Farewell 30:57 Host Wrap Up 32:44 Subscribe And Closing Credits The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E7
    June 16 · 24 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: K-Riz Interview

    Send us Fan Mail K-Riz on Sled Island 2026, Calgary Hip Hop, and One Way Ticket to Heaven | The Sonic Collective In this Sonic Collective Sled Island series episode, host Darren Scott interviews Western Canadian artist K-Riz ahead of Sled Island 2026, discussing his journey from Edmonton and Toronto, his genre-blending sound (hip hop, R&B, pop, jazz, reggae), and his reputation for powerful live shows with K-Riz and the Family. K-Riz shares how he first connected with Calgary’s scene, his early Sled Island experience opening for Thundercat at the Palace Theatre, artists he’s discovered there, and how the festival helps build community and broaden hip hop audiences—especially through more artists performing with live bands. He also highlights key Calgary venues, his work as an educator at the National Music Centre, and details an upcoming album, Heaven, recorded at NMC, plus upcoming Sled Island and Stampede performances. June 18th Sled Island @ The Ship & Anchor Stampede Coke stage July 10th Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krizmusic/ 00:00 Show Intro 01:07 Sled Island Series Setup 02:32 Meeting K-Rizz 03:25 Origins and Early Career 04:49 Edmonton to Calgary Move 05:50 First Sled Island Memories 06:22 Festival Discoveries 07:45 Hip Hop at Sled Island 09:23 Calgary Scene and Venues 12:28 Community and Collaboration 15:39 New Album and NMC Work 19:04 Upcoming Shows and Where to Listen 20:27 Sled Island Picks and Wrap 22:38 Closing Thanks and Sign Off The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E8
    June 16 · 30 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Brock Geiger Interview

    Send us Fan Mail Brock Geiger on Sled Island 2026, Calgary’s Music Community & His Debut Album “Some Nights” | The Sonic Collective In this Sonic Collective Sled Island series episode, host Darren Scott interviews Calgary-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and audio engineer Brock Geiger ahead of Sled Island 2026. Brock shares how he started playing music in Calgary, learned touring and studio life through bands like The Dudes and Reuben and the Dark, and built his production practice into Studio B. He discusses making his debut solo album, Some Nights, beginning during COVID in his home studio and later expanding it at Sound City in Los Angeles with notable players. Brock reflects on Sled Island’s impact, memorable early festival experiences, what makes the festival’s audiences unique, and how it supports Calgary’s independent scene. He also previews current projects, his Sled Island 2026 sets, recommended local venues, and advice for emerging artists. Upcoming Performances 2026: June 17 - Dickens (Sled Island) June 20 - Dandy Brewing (Sled Island) July 25 - Calgary Folk Festival (as RALEIGH) https://www.brockgeiger.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brock__geiger/ 00:00 Show Intro 01:03 Sled Island Series Setup 02:33 Brock Geiger Background 02:44 Calgary Roots Early Bands 04:16 Touring Session Work 05:37 Recording Producing Obsession 07:56 Studio B Launch 09:00 Solo Album Some Nights 10:09 Sound City Upgrade Sessions 12:06 Sled Island First Memories 14:34 Playing Sled Island Community 15:36 Festival Impact On Calgary 17:51 Sled Audience Energy 20:53 Networking Through Festival 21:59 Current Projects LP Two 23:01 Sled Island Shows Schedule 23:54 Best Calgary Venues 25:19 Must See Acts This Year 25:58 Where To Find Brock 26:33 Advice For Musicians 28:26 Wrap Up And Credits Brock Geiger Photo Credit: Sebastian Buzzalino The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E9
    June 16 · 21 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Sunglaciers Interview Evan Resnik

    Send us Fan Mail Sun Glaciers’ Evan Resnik on Sled Island, Calgary’s Music Scene & New Album “Spiritual Content” | The Sonic Collective The Sonic Collective hosts Darren Scott in a Sled Island interview with Evan Resnik of Calgary band Sun Glaciers, discussing the group’s origins from early basement jams to evolving into a steady lineup, their early acceptance into Sled Island in 2016, and Resnik’s influences from grunge and classic rock to post-punk and eclectic artists. Resnik reflects on discovering Calgary’s scene through Chad VanGaalen while living in France, describes Calgary as a diverse “melting pot” of genres, and explains what makes Sled Island unique, including its curation, guest curators, and energized crowds. They cover Sun Glaciers’ fourth album, “Spiritual Content” (released late March), its more stripped-down live-ready approach, the “Only Love” video shot at a house on Mission Road, upcoming festival dates like Dandy Fest, and local venue shout-outs including Palomino, The Legion, Dickens, and Ship & Anchor. https://www.instagram.com/sunglaciers/ https://www.sunglaciers.com/ 00:00 Show Intro 01:06 Sled Island Series 01:31 Meet Evan Resnick 02:47 Band Origin Story 04:51 Calgary Roots 05:18 Early Influences 06:20 Finding The Scene 07:28 Calgary Sound Today 08:41 Discovering Sled Island 09:27 Festival Connections 10:51 Playing Sled Crowds 11:45 What Makes Sled Unique 12:41 New Album Spiritual Content 13:48 Only Love Video 14:53 Upcoming Shows 15:17 Venues That Support Music 16:30 Diversity And Inclusion 17:01 Must See Sled Acts 18:18 Final Plug And Thanks 19:20 Host Wrap Up 20:58 Subscribe And Credits 21:27 Signing Off Photo Credit: Sebastian Buzzalino The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E10
    June 16 · 29 min

    Sled Island Festival Series: Cartel Madras Interview

    Send us Fan Mail Cartel Madras on Sled Island, Sub Pop & Their New Era - The Sonic Collective Interview Darren Scott of The Sonic Collective continues the Sled Island interview series with Cartel Madras, the Calgary-raised, Chennai-born sister duo Eboshi and Contra, discussing their roots, early hip hop influences, and rapid rise from SoundCloud demos to their 2018 debut show and a standout Sled Island performance that led to being noticed by Ishmael Butler and ultimately signing with Sub Pop Records. They reflect on Calgary venues and Alberta’s broader music scene, share artists they’ve discovered at Sled Island, and describe the festival’s unique audience, community, and role in creating career-changing opportunities. The duo previews their return with the new single “Evident 2 Me,” leading into a new chapter and a debut full-length album planned for 2027, plus upcoming festival and tour appearances. Evident 2 Me Releasing June 18. Pre-save here: https://music.subpop.com/cartelmadrasandjide_evident2me https://www.instagram.com/cartel.madras http://www.youtube.com/@cartelmadras Cartel Madras Bio Beckoning you down narrow hallways and into smoke-filled, bass-pumping rooms, Cartel Madras returns with a new world and a new sound. After four years of experimenting, traversing, and creating since their 2021 EP, The Serpent & The Tiger, sisters Eboshi and Contra emerge from the smoke of a shattered global era with vengeance on their mind and adventure laid out before them. Building off their signature experimental electronic hip-hop foundation, the duo expands their sonic domain, summoning listeners onto the blazing hot tarmac of their motherland and into a seductive world, they call you to the beach, the streets, and the uncertainty of this timeline through a new sound. Radical, racy, and raucous as ever, Cartel Madras continue to unfold an uncharted epoch entirely their own. Born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and raised in Alberta, Cartel Madras crafts a cultural syncretism of house, trap, punk, industrial electronics, and razor-sharp rap. Known for explosive live performances that channel the energy of underground queer and punk scenes, the duo have built a reputation for music that is confrontational, playful, cinematic, and impossible to pin down. After being scouted during their 2018 Sled Island performance, they signed to Sub Pop Records and have since released three acclaimed EPs alongside a growing body of striking visual work directed and produced through their own multidisciplinary practice. Cartel Madras have shared stages with artists including M.I.A., JPEGMAFIA, Jack Harlow, Wu-Tang Clan, clipping., Mac DeMarco, and toured with Sudan Archives. In 2023, they returned to India to open for M.I.A.. Alongside their music career, Eboshi and Contra have expanded their artistic universe into film, installation, and visual storytelling through their production house FOREIGNERZ, creating immersive worlds that blur the boundaries between music, cinema, fashion, and contemporary art. Their full-length studio album is set for release on Sub Pop Records & Royal Mountain Records in 2027. 00:00 Show Intro 00:42 Cold Open Track 01:12 Sled Island Series Setup 03:46 Origins and Influences 05:50 First Shows and Breakthrough 08:26 Discovered at Sled Island 11:00 Sub Pop Signing Story 14:00 Calgary Venues and Scene 15:47 Sled Island Discoveries 18:01 Festival Crowd and Etiquette 22:13 New Era and Upcoming Music 23:33 Shows and Tour Plans 25:05 Local Artist Recommendations 26:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell 28:03 Outro and Credits Photo Credit: Michaela Neuman @Equidem The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/ Support the show

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  • S12 · E5
    June 2 · 45 min

    Album Review: Colter Wall - Self Titled

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Sonic Collective, we head to the wide-open prairies of Saskatchewan to explore the self-titled debut album from one of Canada's most distinctive modern voices: Colter Wall. When this album was released, many listeners couldn't believe the deep, weathered voice coming from someone so young. Drawing heavily from the traditions of classic country, folk, and western music, Colter Wall arrived sounding less like a modern country artist and more like a forgotten legend from another era. His music evokes the spirit of artists such as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, and The Highwaymen, while telling stories rooted in the people, places, and culture of Western Canada. Our panel was impressed by Wall's authenticity, his unapologetically Canadian perspective, and his willingness to embrace imperfections in a musical era often dominated by polished production, pitch correction, and manufactured perfection. There is a rawness to these recordings that makes you feel as though Colter is sitting just a few feet away, playing these songs live for you. But does the album lean too heavily on the artists who inspired it? Do the slower tempos and similar song structures begin to blend together over the course of a full listen? And can an artist sound timeless while still bringing something new to the genre? Join Darren, Scott, Scott and Alain of the Sonic Collective crew as we discuss one of the most unique debut albums of the past decade, debate its strengths and weaknesses, and explore why Colter Wall has become one of Canada's most respected voices in modern roots music. This is Colter Wall. The album. The artist. And the legacy he may be building one song at a time. Darren Scott and The Sonic Collective Album Scores (Out of 5) Combined Score Recommend: 3.5 Influence: 3.5 Overall: 3.6 Darren's Score Recommend:4 Influence: 3 Overall: 4 Scott C's Score Recommend: 3 Influence: 3 Overall: 3 Scott G's Score Recommend: 4 Influence: 5 Overall: 4.5 Alain's Score Recommend: 3 Influence: 3 Overall: 3 Support the show

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  • S12 · E4
    May 8 · 42 min

    Album Review: LCD Soundsystem - This is Happening

    Send us Fan Mail Scott led us into the neon‑lit, genre‑bending world of LCD Soundsystem with this month’s pick, This Is Happening — an album born from James Murphy’s insistence that it would be the band’s grand farewell. Whether or not that retirement stuck, the mythology around the record shaped how each of us approached it: as a supposed final statement from a restless, self‑aware creator who blurred the lines between punk, dance music, and art‑school irony. Across the episode, we wrestle with the album’s contradictions — its meticulous production paired with intentional imperfections, its dance‑floor pulse wrapped in deadpan wit, its sprawling track lengths that test patience as much as they reward immersion. We trace the fingerprints of Bowie, Talking Heads, and the downtown New York scene, while also confronting our own generational biases and blind spots around electronic music. This Is Happening sparked one of our most aligned discussions yet, but alignment doesn’t mean agreement. Did the album’s hypnotic repetition pull us in or push us away? Did Murphy’s self‑deprecating humor charm us or keep us at a distance? And did living with the record for a month change how we think about dance‑punk, electronica, or even the idea of a “final” album? Tune in to hear where we landed — and why this one surprised all of us in different ways. Scores ⭐ Scott C Recommend: 4 Influence: 3 Overall: 2.5 ⭐ Alan Recommend: 4 Influence: 2 Overall: 3 ⭐ Darren Recommend: 4 Influence: 4 Overall: 4 ⭐ Scott G Recommend: 3 Influence: 2 Overall: 3 Support the show

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  • S12 · E3
    April 1 · 47 min

    Album Review: Shocking Blue - At Home

    Send us Fan Mail Alain took us on a psychedelic trip back to 1969 with this month’s album selection, At Home by Shocking Blue. The Dutch rock band is best known for blending psychedelic rock, pop hooks, and a slightly roughened garage‑rock edge, anchored by Mariska Veres’s unmistakable, smoky vocals. While they’re globally remembered for the massive hit “Venus,” it’s on their second album At Home that the band’s true identity comes into focus—rawer, groovier, and more adventurous than their singles might suggest. The group would go on to influence artists as varied as Nirvana, John Mayer, and Bananarama, while drawing heavily from American and British rock, folk, and psychedelic music—a lineage we unpack in the episode At Home captures Shocking Blue stretching beyond radio‑friendly pop into bluesy psychedelia and proto‑hard rock, making it an essential snapshot of late‑’60s European rock and a key reason their influence quietly rippled far beyond the Netherlands. But did that influence shape our opinions as we lived with the album over the month? And did we feel this is a band worth making a fuss over? Tune in to find out. Support the show

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  • S12 · E2
    March 14 · 43 min

    Album Review: Air – Moon Safari

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a single song completely stops you in your tracks? For Scott Coates, that moment came when an algorithm served up La Femme d'Argent, the hypnotic opening track from Moon Safari by French electronic duo Air. Built on a smooth, endlessly looping bassline and shimmering synths, it’s the kind of track that makes you hit repeat again…and again. Years later, it still shows up on playlists and still gets played two or three times in a row. That moment of musical discovery leads us into February’s album pick: Air’s 1998 debut, Moon Safari. Often described as one of the defining albums of the downtempo and chill-out era, the record blends warm analog synths, vaporous vocals, and a polished hi-fi aesthetic that feels both retro and futuristic. Apple Music calls it an “effortlessly cool” breakthrough—an immaculate collection of suave Moog grooves and future-disco textures that helped shape the sound of late-90s lounge electronica. In this episode we dive into the album track by track, exploring its dreamy atmosphere, distinctive production choices, and the famous use of the vocoder that gives parts of the record its robotic-yet-human character. Along the way we wrestle with a key question: is Moon Safari a genre-defining masterpiece, or is it better understood as something closer to what Darren calls “sonic wallpaper”—music that’s less about songs and more about setting a mood? Reactions around the table are mixed but lively. Alain and Scott G found themselves returning to the album repeatedly and appreciating its layered textures and relaxed vibe, while Darren and Scott C were less convinced by the album as a whole—even if they were glad they took the journey. We also talk about how some critics describe the album as influencing not just a musical style, but an entire vibe—a sound that seeped into film, advertising, and late-night playlists around the world. So pour a drink, dim the lights, and join us as we revisit Moon Safari: a smooth, spacey trip through one of the most iconic electronic albums of the late ’90s—and decide whether it’s a classic worth returning to, or simply a beautifully produced mood piece. Scott Coates and the Sonic Collective Team For access to show notes and more, visit us at https://TheSonicCollective.com Support the show

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