The 403 Sound Check: Calgary’s Music Scene

Zoo! is an alternative indie group that combines west coast surf rock with a punch of Canadian prairie pizazz. Zoo! has made big strides as of late, having released two Eps and graced stages across Calgary and beyond, including The Palomino. Hosted by Lily Azevedo and Reese Nelson, this episode of The 403 Soundcheck delves into Zoo!’s discography, experiences touring around Alberta and British Columbia, their origins of how they came together, where their love of music started, and where they plan on heading next with their music. 

On this episode of The 403 Soundcheck, listeners will be taken into the world of alternative punk rock with special guest Phil Tremblay from Retcon. Hosts Gavin Craig and Sam Robbins will explore how the band formed, the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and the creative process behind their album 102. Tune into this episode to hear how Retcon found their sound in a budding Calgary music scene.

This episode of The 403 Soundcheck will take listeners inside the musical performative world of Parisian Orgy. Hosts Tarek Chono Campos and Riley Desourdy sit down with founder Gwen Morgan to uncover how a solo project grew into a seven member performance collective defined by costumes, chaos, and synth-pop flair. Gwen reflects on the band’s evolving creative process, the making of their upcoming full-length album "Parisian Orgy", and the unforgettable moments that shaped their journey. This episode pulls back the curtain to reveal how Parisian Orgy transforms each show into its own form of unpredictable art.Songs used on the episode: Make the visible invisible by AlgeBubbling Boy by Parisian OrgyFour Boys by Parisian OrgyJillian by Parisian OrgyCream Dream by Parisian OrgyBoys Town by Parisian OrgySwimming by Parisian OrgyA romantic Interlude by Parisian OrgyBelly Button Trap Door by Parisian Orgy

Listen as Julie from the band SHY FRiEND talks about the journey she faced with her music career with Reuben Polintan and Falak Sharma. With their violin by their side, they thought their life was clear, but after an accident, their hands could no longer play the instrument. With her life taking a sudden turn, they had to find a way through the dramatic change. Follow the episode to hear how she conquered the hurdles and got to where she is today! Content warning: This episode discusses stalking. Listener discretion is advised.

For this episode of 403 Soundcheck Dylan and Levi interview Alex, a free-spirited, independent rapper who makes music under the SoundCloud handle 'rsgf.' A self-described poet, Alex views his art as a means of "transcendent selfishness," inspiring himself and his audience to harness their own power and skill to change in the world. In the episode Dylan, Levi, and Alex discuss his thought process, how he makes his music, and how he inspires his fans to make change. 

Aaliyah Drissi and Megan Bell sit down with Abrupt Decay, a heavy metal band based in Alberta to unpack their newest album The Illusion of our choices in a world of no options. Since 2022, the band has been carving out a reputation for confronting personal and societal collapse. In this album, the band navigates self destruction, generational trauma, political rage and the suffocating weight of a system built to fail the most vulnerable. 

Pinball 1973 joins Teresa Zell and Willow Pflueger to talk about their experience as musicians. From jamming in the garage to playing onstage at Sled Island, we explore their use of kazoo, their hatred of beer, and even get a glimpse at their next move. Find out how Pinball 1973 came to be, from the origin of the name to what inspired it all.

Meera Sylvain is an up-and-coming country musical artist in Calgary. She splits her time between studying biomedical sciences and shining onstage with her guitar. Hear her journey from listening to the radio on her family’s farm to moving to the hub of Canadian country music. 

In this episode of The 403 Sound Check: Calgary’s Music Scene, hosts Iruj Irfan and Shafia Sadia sit down with Calgary-based artist, producer, and storyteller Zain Tirmizi, also known as ZeezyLit, to explore the creative journey behind his evolving sound.

Joining us for this episode is Lennon Carroll, lead vocalist, guitarist and founder of the Calgary-based band, Retcon. Lennon shares how music has shaped his life from an early age and fueled his passion to create something meaningful. An insightful conversation on what it means to leave a mark through their sound.