Music, July 2, 2004 1:23 AM 11 comments
Chad Vangaalen
Chad Vangaalen has spent the last ten years making music by himself in his Calgary, Alberta bedroom.
It's another prank call
in the middle of the night...
And it's another prank call
Why don't you put up a fight
and dream on
Chad Vangaalen has spent the last ten years making music by himself in his Calgary, Alberta bedroom. He just released his first album, the track Clinicly Dead of which is featured in the playlist of Radio 3's latest issue. And it's beautiful and serendipitous.
I instantly love it. Comforting. Neil Young tone. Alt-rock distortion. And well, inspiring lyrics. Another example of hard work. These people don't come out of nowhere. They just do and do and figure it out for themselves. I will buy the CD (update: I just did!), which really says something.
It's another one of those finds, when you're not really trying. Music you want to drive alone to at night. All my favourite music makes me want to drive alone at night. And it's been a dry hiatus music-wise these past four months, having the stereo turned off to save memory, to concentrate on my work, and you don't even realize you've gone so long without it.
And then I wake up. A friend MSN'd last night looking for new music and so we shared. And tonight, fireworks for Canada Day, wine, cheese and a couple friends. And one friend said the same thing: he needed new music. And now I'm back in the game.
11 comments on Chad Vangaalen
1. Laura | February 12, 2006 11:31 AM
What can I say, saw Chad a couple nights ago play in Seattle with Mason Jennings, almost stole the show away. I can't wait for more.
2. Justin | October 17, 2007 6:09 AM
This guy is honestly, one of the worst artist i have ever heard in my life...he is really bad and he should be band from ever playing music again in his life. I speak nothing but the truth, Chad just stop!
3. Anonymous | October 17, 2007 6:17 AM
Chad VanGaalen is probably the worst artist i have ever heard. His music is completely talentless he makes Akon look talented which is almost impossible.
4. Jeff Werner | October 17, 2007 6:28 AM
Justin: Thanks for the comment...and for what I'm hoping was an intentional pun.
5. Bobby | October 19, 2007 6:05 AM
OMFG WTF IS THE GARBAGE LMAO IT MAKES BRAIN LEAK FROM MY EARS PLEASE STOP THIS B.S.
6. Kris | October 19, 2007 6:07 AM
Chad VanGaalen's music is horrible. How could any record company even consider signing this man his guitar tone is WAY to muffled, the song structure sounds like its been put together by a two year old and he has no talent whatsoever.
7. the real justin | December 4, 2007 2:06 PM
well, despite what these "dudes" above say, i think chad vangaalen is one of the most talented canadian artists alive right now. and i'm not just talking about his music, though it too is something unlike anything that i've heard. but his animation and illustrations are sometimes an even larger force to be reckoned with. all y'all naysayers ought not nay say, lest ye be nay say'd the fuck out of this piece.
8. Mel | December 10, 2007 9:04 AM
I think the people who posted those negative comments above must have not given the music a thurough listen. Chad is amazingly talented. I'm actually offended by people who disagree.
9. Tim from "Chinese Food" | April 11, 2008 7:24 PM
Chad VanGaalen is a fine young man with a truly unique voice. Much like some people think that sex with falcons is awesome while others do not,his music may not be your thing but I would suggest that if you find yourself comparing his music to Akon, perhaps you've missed the point. If everyone endeavored to be as compelling as the artist in question or even had the some of the same resolve to their own artistic end, there wouldn't be an Akon to compare to. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.
10. ryan | May 12, 2008 10:23 PM
what can i say, its amzing
11. Nine Parallel Innards | October 27, 2008 12:50 PM
A true artist is one who is true to his/her vision. There are so many artists out there trying to reproduce others, ride their wave. I detest this. When an artist reflects their inner self honestly without asking for the public oppinion first, then it is a beautiful thing. How can it not be, with all the colours dark and bright that live there. I am moved by the music. Others are too. Mission accomplished.
A man may be very industrious, and yet not spend his time well. There is no more fatal blunderer than he who consumes the greater part of life getting his living.—Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
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