Instead of relying on Spotify for your holiday playlist, why not curate one yourself with hits by local talent?
Choose from this list of songs by artists whom you might have seen perform live in the city — be it at the Uptown Live 2022 Street Party, Play the Parks Festival, Queen’s Park Concert Series, or even at a local bar.
This New Year's Eve, play tunes that include more than just Harry Styles's "As it Was" and Katy Perry's "Firework" to get your party guests pumped for the midnight champagne toast.
1. 'Outside' by Marry Me
This song is for the opposite of a cuddle-up-cozy-down New Year’s Eve.
The New Westminster-based rock-punk-blues band Marry Me has performed on several occasions at New West’s Bully’s Studios and at Pier Park as part of Canada Day celebrations 2022.
They brought out this high-octane single earlier this year. Play it if you are ready to headbang.
2. 'Blood and the Dirt' by We Found a Lovebird
While the title might seem like a downer, the song itself is quite a banger.
As per the indie-rock band which performed live at the 12th Street Festival earlier this year in New West, it's “a celebration of the music scene and what connects us all.”
But what makes it apt for an end-of-the-year listen is — as the video director of the song explains on the band's website — that it captures “fight within yourself from who you once were to who you are now.”
3. 'You’re Not Within My Power To Change' by AC-PDF
Though the title might sound like a relationship advice, its upbeat music is a party must.
AC-PDF, which has its roots in New Westminster, changed its name from Douse to AC-PDF more recently, and released a new single after a four-year gap in 2021.
Their most recent song “You’re not within my power to change” had the vocalist Oliver Clark learn how to dance specifically for the official video; listen to it and you also might want to keep that drink aside and jive a little.
4. 'You’re Driving Me Crazy' by The Mike Van Eyes Big Band
Enter 2023 grooving to the music of the '50s.
This version of the 1950s classic by American musician Professor Longhair a.k.a Henry Roeland Byrd by Vancouver’s Mike Van Eyes Big Band was probably what you were looking for to juice up your party just a bit.
The song is part of Van Eyes's album "Ain’t That Loving You" which you can listen on Bandcamp — but if you want more, know that Van Eyes is performing at New West’s Begbie’s Tavern (609 Columbia St.) on New Year's Eve.
Listen to You’re Driving Me Crazy here
5. 'I Want You Back' by Cat Murphy Band
This song, like every Taylor Swift or Mumford & Sons number, is an easy sing along.
New Westminster-based folk-rock band Cat Murphy Band, as per their website, make music with quirky lyrics and a mix of instruments that you never knew sounded good together — like upright bass, banjo and kazoo.
"I Want You Back" is a fun breakup song — an irony that probably isn't that surprising for true Swifties.
6. 'Live It For a While' by 2 Days and Counting
With zero days to go for the new year, play 2 Days and Counting's song that has an '80s vibe and a catchy rhythm.
"Live It For a While" by the New West alternative rock band that performed at the 12th Street Festival earlier this year, reminds us to do just what it says — live it.
Listen to it here
7. 'Hands' by Richard Tichelman
The White Rock musician rocked it at the New West’s Uptown Live in July.
Tichelman's single "Hands" earned him a top spot in Jim Beam Bourbon’s Virtual National Talent Search and the Unsigned Only Music Competition's Pop/Top 40 category.
It's a peppy number that makes you want to stay and party despite the lyrics that go like "C'mon let's dip, let's ditch this party."
8. 'Easy to Lie' by Spendo
Looking for music that lightens the mood and brings in a 1970s California vibe?
The "Best in Vancouver 2021" rock and roll band Spendo is all about such music; New West got a taste of the band's style at the Uptown Live festival earlier this year.
Around the same time, the four-member group released its new single "Easy to Lie" which, though a heartbreak song, makes you feel good. Nope, we are not lying.
