Artist Spotlight 2023: Dealers Choice
Dealers Choice
Artist Spotlight
Dealers Choice is a Chilliwack based rock band rising through the ranks of the local music scene. They create some of the most authentic Rock and Roll on the planet by harnessing the piano, and the power of every great band from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond.
The group released a full length debut album in 2020, building momentum with a string of 5 self recorded and produced singles and music videos in 2022, along with packed shows at the Biltmore Cabaret, The Wise Hall, Shipyards Festival, and a 2nd place win in the 2021 Best in Vancouver Competition.
This is the Artist Spotlight, where we ask bands/artists 5 questions with the goal of getting to know the band/artist better, see what they’ve been up to and what lies ahead. Here are 5 questions we asked Dealers Choice:
What’s the meaning behind or how did you come up with the name Dealers Choice?
Ben: We were all sitting around trying to come up with a good name and Kurt, our piano player, pointed to an old Dealers Choice board game poster on the wall and said, what about that? Some of us were not so sure at first, but as time went on it grew on us.
What are the stories behind your latest double single release “Daughter of a Desert Rose” and “Lowdown in Paradise?“
Ben: I'll try and paraphrase here so as not to give you a novel. Kurt once picked up an acoustic guitar and we became a country/western band. The phase didn't last too long, but these songs were born as a result.. We recorded them ourselves with the help of some student engineers at the now defunct Nimbus School of Recording & Media! There is something very wholesome about writing tunes stripped down with acoustic instruments, we believe these to be two of our very best songs!
The music video for “Daughter of a Desert Rose” is a fun instrument swapping shenanigan fest. Can you share a favourite moment or story from when you were filming this video?
Ben: Hard to pick a favourite, but I would have to say smashing Kurts piano in a summer dress would do it for me..
Ryan: My favourite moment was filming the beach scenes with our lifeguard and water guns.
Jim: My favorite moment was when Gavin died as the old man. Which was a callback to our February Wise Hall show where we birthed him through his bass drum at the beginning of the show and he slowly grew older throughout our set.
Kurt: My favorite moment was when Ben attempted to do a cartwheel and got angry when he hurt his wrist.
Carl: My favourite moment was the piano destruction too.
Gavin: I am currently on vacation in Vegas and am unavailable for comment, please leave your message after the tone. (Gavin probably doesn't have a favorite moment, he hates everything...)
What’s next for Dealers Choice, any upcoming album release or touring on the horizon?
Ben: We are currently working on an EP of self recorded and produced material. After that a tour is certainly a possibility, we've also been approached by Mike Fraser who seems interested in producing the band, how could we say no to that?
If you could be a part of your own dream festival, could be with any artist from any time period/any genre. Who would be your top 3 acts on the festival?
Ben: This one would be impossible for the whole band to agree on. We all have such diverse musical tastes (which I believe helps make more unique music!) If I were to pick 3 I would say Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles.
Dealers Choice has an upcoming headlining show at The Fox Cabaret Friday September 1st, 2023 with Special Guests Freeborn Soul and Cache Creek. You can purchase tickets here.
FOLLOW DEALERS CHOICE: