Vancouver Music: In Medias Res

When my husband told me that a guy at his work was in a band that I should check out, I didn’t hesitate to do just that. Over the years, I have come to trust (and love) John‘s taste in music so if he sends me a link, shares an mp3 or simply says “listen”, I’m all ears. Turns out the band is called In Medias Res and they have a beautiful, dreamy sound that can quickly transform to pure head-nodding, fist-pumping rock.

Consisting of Andrew Lee, Ryan Flowers, Steve Watts, and Ash Poon, In Medias Res (or simply “IMR”) has been around for the better part of a decade and according to Andrew (vocals/guitar), they have no plans to slow down. “We have always adapted to our growing and changing lifestyles so I don’t see us stopping anytime soon. In fact, half of the band is married and the band will see its first baby later this year so we have found ways to keep rocking and rolling.”

While the band isn’t a full time gig for any of the members, they are all fully committed to the craft. “I think the only goal we ever had as a band was to write and perform music that we all were really proud of,” added Lee. “Being in a band is actually one of the most illogical things you could do if you were trying to make a living from it. You could look at it as a type of rebellion (against your upbringing, being middle class and white [of which I am not], society, etc.) or you could see it as an act of doing something because it brings you joy.”

Having played everywhere from The Purple Onion to Mesa Luna over the years, IMR is no stranger to the live music scene in Vancouver. Lee said that although it’s changed drastically in the last fives years, it is not necessarily representative to the state of music in Vancouver. “Venues shutting down only means that the bands and promoters are having to get more creative in how and where they put on shows. With that said, I think it’s important that Vancouver realize that giving a space for creative people can translate into a form of economic growth.”

Speaking of performing live, IMR will be in concert tomorrow. Being unfamiliar with the band until this very morning, I asked Lee what those in attendance could expect. “Picture this: We are playing our hit single at the Biltmore and everything is going great. It comes time in the song for Ash’s guitar solo. He then unplugs his guitar from his amp and grabs a toaster and plugs his axe into it. He then proceeds to get electrocuted by the toaster while never missing a note of his solo.” Here’s hoping Ash keeps his eyebrows!

You can catch In Medias Res at the Biltmore with Lakefield this Saturday January 8, 2011 – doors at 8:00pm. Follow @IMRMusic on Twitter or Facebook for updates and info.

Should you have a local independent or new music act you would like to promote, feel free to fire me a message.