Meet Braden. Braden has lived in Kelowna his whole life. He is very passionate and involved in the heavy metal scene in Kelowna and is also a talented performer.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I've lived in Kelowna my whole life.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Not so much a store, but Muninn's Post is my favourite establishment in Kelowna without a doubt. The staff are great, the beer is great and they've given a home to Kelowna's metal and alternative scene.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I've always wanted to go to Europe, I hear nothing but great things about the people and culture there.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Going to shows or anything else going on at Muninn's Post. Leagh and Siobhan have really made something special there.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I've been fortunate enough to meet and spend some time with several of my musical heroes. That always inspires me to continue making music, even though being in a band can be extremely stressful at times.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I give a huge amount of time to the local metal scene in the Okanagan, whether it be attending or putting on shows, performing, spending my money at local venues, making posters for shows, etc. There's a lot of great metal bands locally, and they deserve to be noticed.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
There seems to be a lack of mid-sized venues that are willing to book metal shows. I'd love to see some larger acts come through, but the pub or small bar-sized venues that will book heavy music can't support bands the size of a band like Cannibal Corpse, for instance. It's not uncommon to see shows at Muninn's Post sell out, with a lineup out the door.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-Tour Europe with my band ( facebook.com/apollyondeathmetal )
-Book Cannibal Corpse at Armstrong Metalfest
What is the name of your business/organization?
West Metal Entertainment
Why did you get into/start this business?
I began working with WME about a year ago. At first I was only booking bands for Armstrong Metalfest, but as time went on, some of the more senior members left and took over promoting shows throughout the year.
What is the goal of your business?
Bringing quality metal acts of all sizes to Kelowna and putting our town on the radar of major touring acts as a place to stop.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Releasing my band's first full-length album. We're very proud of the final product.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Mike Rogers for the years of often thankless work he's put into the local music scene.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Death Machine, they're one of the newer bands in town. They're fantastic musicians and have been working hard. Definitely worthy of recognition.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
