EXCLAIM TV PERFORMANCE
June 5, 2013
Posted by http://exclaim.ca Tue June 4, 2013
Over the past two decades, Toronto rocker Cactus Vella has been spreading his passionate brand of punk, but has recently shifted his focus to acoustic music. He has merged this newfound passion with his old one, and accordingly, labeled it “acoustic punk.”
The term fits his new music perfectly, as we learned when he came by our back patio to record a session. The song, “Ship Wreck,” has yet to appear on an album, but its full of Vella’s trademarks, including a strong nautical theme, gruff vocals, and a simple-yet-effective chord pattern. Watch the video below. Read the rest of this entry »
SCENEFEST AND NXNE
June 3, 2013
This Sunday in St. Catharines, I’ll be doing double duty at SCENEFEST as I play a show with The Class Assassins, as well as a solo set later that evening. It’s not the first time this has happened. Two years ago I was booked with both The Class Assassins and Sinkin’ Ships at SCENEFEST.
For those unfamiliar with the music festival, SCENEFEST is in it’s 18th year, and takes place in downtown St. Catharines Ontario on Sunday June 9th. The festival will feature over 160 performers across multiple stages and venues.
I’m pretty stoked about the punk stage this year. It’s presented by Punknews.org and features Careers In Science, Brutal Youth, Teenage X and of course The Class Assassins. I’m also really excited about my solo set, as it will be my first solo gig in St. Catharines.
Less than a week later will be NXNE. Probably the coolest fest we get here in Toronto every year. The quality of touring acts really has improved over the years. We’ve had Iggy, Bad Religion, Off, The Descendants, Hot Water Music, and so many others. And this year is no exception. I’m very honored to be a part of the Stereo Dynamite Recordings and Riot Rock Management NXNE Showcase. I’ll be performing with The Whiskey Hearts Collective at 10pm at the Hard Luck Bar. You can bet your ass that I’ll be running to the Opera House shortly after our set to catch (Black) Flag.
Cactus Vella Music 
