Vancouver Juno-winning band Said the Whale rocks with the VSO, April 19

SaidHeads rejoice: the indie-rock group emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever

By Gail johnson

Said the Whale. Photo by LindseyBlane

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents Said The Whale with the VSO on April 19 at 8 pm at the Orpheum

VANCOUVER’S OWN JUNO-winning band Said the Whale will rocking the stage in a brand new way when it joins the 70-plus musicians of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in concert on April 19.

“SaidHeads” have been following the indie act since its formation in 2007, Said the Whale blending alternative rock with rich harmonies, pop hooks, and Pacific Northwest pride.

During the pandemic lockdowns, Said the Whale’s singer-songwriters Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester, keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown, and bassist Lincoln Hotchen threw themselves into working on new material with producer Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat), recording and releasing their seventh album, Dandelion. That intense creative period, a break from their usual relentless touring schedule, led to what the artists describe as “the most towering, maximalist music of their careers”.

The disc’s title is a nod to the band’s optimistic outlook.

“Dandelions are everywhere,” Worcester explains in a release. “Some people see them as nothing but a garden weed, but to many others they are a beautiful flower whose bloom marks the first sign of spring. Not to mention they are edible from root to flower, and have many medicinal properties. They grow whether or not you want them to, so why not focus on the positives?”

David Bui, VSO’s RBC assistant conductor, leads the concert, which is partially supported by SOCAN. 

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