St. Albert is a city focused on providing many artistic opportunities for youth. However, there is a group of teenagers that is vastly underserviced – hardcore music fans of emo, metal, punk and whatever term feels fitting.
“There’s a group of people that feel left out and that there is nothing for them,” said Vibes frontman Mattie Cuvilier.
The former St. Albert hometown boy, local musician and music producer is trying to reverse that trend. He is hosting an all-ages alternative music concert on Jan. 23 at Cornerstone Hall.
The evening concert features six of the heaviest bands that are part of the current wave of metal, punk and emo bands that define the Alberta scene.
Stacking the bill is Falsehood followed by Spastic Panthers, Sunspots, Anatomy Cats, AJ’s Dabs and Cuvilier’s band Vibes.
“ I want to put on a high-energy show, something that gets kids attention and gets them interested in punk rock and metal. I’m trying to put on something I would have liked to go to when I was younger – a high-energy, all-accessible show,” said a stoked Cuvilier.
By day he works for Homeward Trust, an Edmonton housing agency that assists the homeless. On weekends, he is one of the new hires booking bands at Filthy McNasty’s.
A punk rocker laying a positive spin on lyrics, Cuvilier has booked hardcore shows since he was a teenager. And he’s noticed a huge drop in concert venues available to alternative music forms.
When he was growing up about 15 years ago, Stuntwoods Skatepark, St. Albert Parish, Grace Family Parish and the former St. Albert Youth Centre all provided space.
“Now for a variety of reasons, those options are no longer available. Times change and you have to be creative. Ultimately, nothing is available for young people to cut their teeth on.”
Leading the Saturday night pack is Falsehood, a doom metal band with St. Albert musicians Franky Thibodaux, Durrell Smith and Derek Orthner.
“They’ve been around a number of years. They’re very representative of the scene. They’re professional at what they do. They’re extra tight, have a really strong presence and have an energetic show that the crowd gets involved in.”
The upcoming concert is also the last time Calgary-based Spastic Panthers are performing in the Edmonton area.
“They’re breaking up and moving in different directions. They’ve been a fixture in the all-ages punk scene. They’ve been very connected to the scene and they even have their own label. This is one of the last times you get to see them.”
On the other hand, Sunspots is gaining attention through the release of their new EP.
“It was extremely strong. They have great melodies and great songwriting.”
Vibes, Cuvilier’s own five-piece punk band, has affected fans through positive messaging.
“All our lyrics are positive or motivational. We’re trying to put something good out there and we try to sing to all-ages.”
Fort Saskatchewan’s Anatomy Cats are making their mark as a melodic punk band with a political edge to their music.
“They’re a very high energy band and it’s the first time they’re playing in St. Albert.”
The opening act is AJ’s Dabs, the concert’s youngest band.
“We wanted this St. Albert band a chance to be seen among the more established bands.”
Perhaps Cuvilier’s greatest feat is reaching out to adolescents searching for different role models.
“It’s something they can get involved in. It’s an alternative to what is happening and we’re bringing high-calibre acts with tons of talent.”
Preview
Falsehood, Spastic Panthers, Sunspots, Vibes, Anatomy Cats and AJ’s Dabs<br />Saturday, Jan 23 at 7 p.m.<br />Cornerstone Hall<br />6 Tache St.<br />All ages, no drugs, no booze<br />Tickets: $10 available at door
