Introducing: Chad VanGaalen

What's a notorious homebody, illustrator and animator to do with his spare time? Form a one-man band of course! "Self-recording, and playing almost every instrument - including many hand-crafted ones", VanGaalen uses his basement recording studio in Calgary to create music as unique as his varying artistic pursuits.



Listen to Graveyard by Chad VanGaalen

He self-released his debut, Infiniheart, but was quickly approached by mid-level indie label SubPop to re-release the gem. His later releases, Skelliconnection and Soft Airplane gained him critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including Juno and Polaris Prize nominations.



Download Willow Tree and City of Electric Light free, (just click on song title)...

I was immediately impressed with the poignant, almost yearning style of his vocals, though I'll readily admit that he might come across as a but too yearning and poignant for some listeners. Dare I say some might find him "whiny"? I'd like to know what you think. Shoot me a note via comment and let's discuss.