You can catch them busking on Bernard Avenue, playing at Parks Alive and at independent venues almost every night. Their music has become the soundtrack to Kelowna, but who are they?

KelownaNow wants to get to know the hard working, up and coming artists who fill our city with groovy tunes and we’re almost positive most of you do too!

This week we are shining the spotlight on local musician Isaac Balson, whose name you might recognize from local band, My Kind Of Karma. He has been a big part of the local scene for nearly a decade, making quite the name for himself with his solo and collaborative ventures.

Balson is known for being a multi-instrumentalist who creates beautiful tunes out of anything he can find, but you can be sure there will be a lot of ukulele.

Get to know: Isaac Bolson

Photo Credit: Isaac Balson

How would you describe your sound?    

Home-made acoustic experiments. My songs try to tell an honest story. They're sometimes long and sometimes short. I try and make each of my records tell a specific story using any instrumentation I can find around the house. Ukulele, Banjo, guitar, electric drums, a keyboard I found in the dumpster, pots and pans, chunks of wood, my face, and sometimes more skilled musicians join me like Garrett Scatterty playing Trombone or even getting actors like Dustin McGifford (Bonsais), Alix Genn and Taylor Gross to play along with my ridiculous ideas.

What bands have influenced or inspired your music?

Tom Rosenthal showed me how to write honestly and concisely, Ween showed me that any idea is worth exploring, and Jake Shimabukuro showed me that the tool doesn't represent it's final product.

Photo Credit: Isaac Balson

What has been your biggest musical achievement?     

Being able to open up for Blue Rodeo with my bandmates in My Kind of Karma was both terrifying and amazing, but those times when you know you made some art and someone really felt it mostly stand out.

How long have you been playing music in the Okanagan?

Eight Years.

Why do you like the Kelowna music scene?    

The Kelowna music scene is interesting. Most folks I've met who participate REALLY participate. They care what other bands are doing, how they're doing and what's next for them. They collaborate. They plan shows together. They party together. They look out for each other.

They make sure the others are working, without any ego. There are plenty of bands in town that really look out for one another. Some of the best people I know on earth play in this scene regularly.

They all got in with the help off the folks who came before them and they always lend out a hand to those who need a boost. Most importantly, they are generous listeners but also critical ones. They don't mind tearing a strip off of you if you need it!

What is something you currently have on heavy rotation?    

The Mollusk by Ween is always on heavy rotation. Lately it's been more laid back stuff Antiphon (Alfa Mist), and Tom Rosenthal's newest album Fenn are a must listen.

If you could open for any band or artist who would it be?    

I would love to do an opening set with Mac Demarco.

If you could bring back one musician from the dead for a final performance who would it be?    

Would need to have two for it to work. If Carlton Barrett and Bob Marley could rise from the graves to play a set with the Wailers would be the best show I can imagine. The tightest band in history.

Photo Credit: Isaac Balson

Favourite local venue?

Fernandos. Consistently the best vibes of any venue in town (though there are so many other beautiful places). Playing Fernandos is playing a home game. Love you guys.

What local band/artists do you want to shout out?     

Tiger Moon is the hardest working band out there today. The best people (whose new album is amazing!). Josh Smith for best showing what subtlety means in music. Tasteful as they come. And Ancient Engines for just ripping the lid off of it every time.

Balson released his new album, A Totally Real and Normal Podcast on February 20th, so if you’re hungry for more you can check that out here. He will be taking part in a songwriters work shop at the New Arts Collectve on April 14, 2018. Give them a follow on his social channels: Facebook, and Youtube!

What local acts do you want to nominate for a Saturday Spotlight? Send an email to savannah@kelownanow.com