Like the track? Download the Teen Daze remix here.

The first time I encountered Andrew Allen was when I looked up the opening act for The Script’s US tour last Spring. He scored some preliminary brownie points when I found out he was from British Columbia. I missed out on seeing him on that particular tour, but was lucky enough to see him play a show at The Media Club last month. Despite losing his voice prior to the show, Allen definitely proved his musicality that night, and it ended up being a memorable night for himself and those in attendance.

Allen’s easygoing nature translates seamlessly into his songwriting and into his songs. It comes as no surprise that Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson are among some of his influences, as comparisons can be drawn between the three artists in terms of musical style. Despite the comparisons, Allen’s live performances prove that he can hold his own, and he has a full resume to back this.

His latest video for his single, “I Want You”, was filmed right here in Vancouver and stars his lovely wife Julia. Talented, genuine, and adorable? Definitely a triple threat. Allen will be playing a sold-out hometown show in Vernon next Saturday, and following that, will be supporting Dia Frampton on tour.

Listen to: I Want You

Before we give you the details, if you haven’t yet, check out our interview with Ellie from last Spring, and the playlist she contributed.

There are two ways to enter.

1) Follow us on Twitter @asapmusicblog and RT this message:

RT @asapmusicblog: Ellie Goulding CD Giveaway – http://tinyurl.com/elliecontest – RT to win! #ellieasap

2) Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/asapmusicblog – find the Ellie Goulding contest status and “Like” it, and you’ll be entered to win!

Easy as 1, 2, 3. Good luck!

Thank you to elliegouldingfan.com for spreading the news about the contest. For fan generated content, and the most up-to-date happenings on Ellie, check them out!

Rules & Regulations: Contest will begin on January 3, 2012 and will end on January 12, 2012 – 11:59 PM (PST). There is one (1) autographed copy of Lights available as the grand prize. The winner will be chosen at random from either Twitter or Facebook, and contacted within 24 hours after contest closes. One entry per account.

Merry Christmas Eve, and happy holidays! Hope you are reading this post with a hot chocolate, egg nog, or some type of festive beverage on this lovely winter day. Our song of the day today is Vancouver-based Joshua Hyslop’s warming rendition of a holiday classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”.

We love local talent like this – it makes us even more excited for the new year filled with good music.

In Vancouver, these individuals are united on a Twitter community otherwise known collectively as #604insomnia.

1. In Sleep – Lissie
2. Relax (Take It Easy) – Mika
3. Asleep At The Wheel – The Wallflowers
4. 4am – Our Lady Peace
5. Insomnia – Electric Owl
6. After Tonight – Justin Nozuka
7. Clocks – Coldplay
8. Sleeping Sickness – City & Colour
9. Lullaby – OneRepublic
10. Sleep Through The Static – Jack Johnson

We’d love to know what you guys listen to in the late hours of the night. Leave us a comment, or tweet us!

The holiday season is here! And what better way to celebrate than with your favourite 604 Records artists.

Who: Fighting For Ithaca, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jakalope, One Bad Son, AJ Woodworth, and more!
When: Thursday December 15, 2011 – 9:00pm
Where: The Media Club, Vancouver BC
Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door
Ages: 19+

If you can’t make the show, be sure to check out the second holiday release from 604 Records, “The Second Noel“.

Carly Rae Jepsen was up first – bringing a good mix of her known hits, as well as previewing a number of new tracks from her upcoming sophomore record titled Curiosity. If the first single “Call Me Maybe” is any indication of the musical direction that Jepsen is heading in, it certainly translated well in her live performance. The new tracks are upbeat, catchy, and whimsical. The cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” was a nice addition to her set.

Carly’s Setlist:
Bucket
Talk To Me
Curiosity
Just A Step
Both Sides Now (Joni Mitchell cover)
Europe
Lost & Found
Sour Candy
Alice
Let It Snow
Tug Of War
Call Me Maybe

Andrew Allen started off his set by stating that he had lost his voice, and asked the crowd to forgive him in advance. Despite being under the weather, Allen gave an energized performance, and seemed genuinely appreciative and touched by the level of support and audience sing-along. There is something about Andrew Allen that is different from other artists – the genuine factor.

Allen has an impressive resume of tour mates in the past year, including The Script and Bruno Mars. There is no doubt that he has the potential to hold his own, and 2012 is sure to an even bigger year for Andrew Allen.

Andrew’s Setlist:
7 Days
Sooner
Grab Your Shoes
Not Loving You
I Wanna Be Your Christmas
Lies
Amazing
I Want You
Where Did We Go
Bruno Mars Medley
Loving You Tonight
What You Wanted
Time Will Tell

The Maybe I’m Lost And I Like It tour is in support The Midway State’s sophomore release, Paris Or India. This was the first show I have attended at the Rickshaw Theatre, located at Main & Hastings here in Vancouver. After what can best be described as a colourful wait in line to get into the venue, I was eager to warm up to a night of good music.

First up was Vancouver-based rockers Prisoners, who definitely gained a few new listeners after their enthusiastic set. Their drummer impressively managed to play and sing lead vocals for one of their tracks – not an easy feat, but he pulled it off.

Following Prisoners was Shawn Hook – formerly professionally known as Shawn Hlookoff. Having heard some of his older tracks in the past, it was nice to see how he has grown musically since. Backed by two-man band, Hook effortlessly held the spotlight as his own, despite a technical difficulty with his keyboard. He had the charm and stage presence that is hard to manufacture. His debut album is slated for release next year.

The Midway State are a band that relishes in their live performances. This fact is evident as they incorporate lighting and visuals into their set – ultimately combining the senses of sound and sight for a true musical experience. Starting off their set with “Fireflies”, the band played a combination of songs from their two albums, as well as a cover of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”.

The chemistry of The Midway State seems to have gotten stronger with the release of their sophomore album. Watching them onstage is always a delight, as you can tell that they take pride in the music that they make and perform.

For more information on The Midway State, tour dates, and the set list from the show, check out: http://www.themidwaystate.com.

With their sophomore album Michigan Left warming up the October charts with its release two weeks ago, the band is ready to hit in the road just a few days for a tour across Western Canada from North Bay to Victoria. They play the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver on November 11th. For the full list of tour cities and dates, check out: http://www.arkells.ca/live.

To hold things over until the tour starts, and with much thanks to Universal Music Canada – asapmusicblog.ca is happy to present a contest for some Arkells goodies!

What is up for grabs you might ask?

Grand Prize:
– Signed Limited Edition double-sided vinyl ft. ‘Whistleblower’ & ‘Kiss Cam’
– 18 x 24” Michigan Left poster
– Copy of Michigan Left

Runner-up Prizes (two available):
– Copy of Michigan Left

How to enter:
Follow us on Twitter @asapmusicblog and RT this message:

RT @asapmusicblog: Arkells Giveaway – http://tinyurl.com/arkellsasap – RT to win! #arkellsasap

Rules & Regulations: Contest will begin on October 31, 2011 and will end on November 11, 2011 – 11:59 PM (PST). There is one (1) grand prize (vinyl, poster, CD) and two (2) runner-up prizes (CD’s). The winners will be chosen at random, and contacted within 24 hours after contest closes. One entry per account.

Don’t have a Twitter account? E-mail us your entries to: contests[at]asapmusicblog.ca – Subject: Arkells Giveaway

Good luck!