In the vibrant and eclectic world of Canadian music, one collective stands out for its audacious fusion of art punk, post-punk, new wave, avant-garde, avant-pop, electropunk, industrial hip-hop, and experimental music. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Crack Cloud, led by the visionary drummer and frontman Zach Choy, has carved its niche as a musical and multimedia powerhouse. Beyond being a band, Crack Cloud is an immersive experience, incorporating visual storytelling that elevates their performances into something beyond the ordinary.
The Origin Story:
Crack Cloud’s journey began in 2015 as the solo project of Zach Choy, evolving into a collective that found its roots in Calgary, Alberta, before making a pivotal move to Vancouver in 2018. The group’s formation unfolded through the shared experiences of its members in various addiction recovery and mental health programs. Choy sees Crack Cloud as more than just a musical outlet; it’s a “healing mechanism,” using their art to reflect, contextualize, and correct destructive patterns.
Symbolism in Art:
A notable aspect of Crack Cloud’s identity is their logo, an appropriation of the exclamation mark used by Concerned Children’s Advertisers in 1990s and early 2000s Canadian public service announcements. This deliberate choice underscores Crack Cloud’s commitment to addressing vital issues through their music, using their art as a powerful medium for social commentary.
Crack Cloud’s Musical Evolution:
The collective’s discography tells a compelling story of artistic evolution. From their first self-titled EP in 2016 to the re-release compilation in 2018, Crack Cloud garnered international recognition through their live performances at renowned music festivals like Levitation, End of the Road, and Roskilde. In 2020, their debut studio album, “Pain Olympics,” received critical acclaim, featuring standout singles like “The Next Fix” and “Ouster Stew.” The journey continued with the release of their second studio album, “Tough Baby,” on September 16, 2022.
Meet the Maestros:
Crack Cloud’s lineup boasts a diverse array of talents:
- Zach Choy: Lead vocals, drums, synthesizer, film editor, producer, songwriter, percussion
- Mohammad “Mo” Ali Sharar: Rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards, sampler, backing vocals, production, graphic design, film editor
- Will Choy: Lead guitar, backing vocals
- Garnet Aroynk: Rhythm guitar, bass, backing vocals
- Bryce Cloghesy: Saxophone, lead guitar, sampler
- Jesse Atkey: Saxophone, sampler, backing vocals
- Aleem Khan: Keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals
Crack Cloud’s Awards and Recognition:
Crack Cloud’s innovative approach extends beyond their musical prowess into the realm of music videos. In 2021, they clinched the Hi-Fidelity Award at the Prism Prize, a prestigious honor celebrating consistent creativity and innovation in music videos. Their groundbreaking use of video art has garnered them a dedicated following and critical acclaim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the Prism Prize?
A1: The Prism Prize is a renowned award recognizing outstanding artistry in the Canadian music video production community.
Q2: Why did Crack Cloud receive the Hi-Fidelity Award at the Prism Prize in 2021?
A2: Crack Cloud earned the Hi-Fidelity Award for their consistently creative and innovative use of video art in representing their musical work.
Conclusion:
Crack Cloud’s unique blend of genres, coupled with their commitment to visual storytelling, has propelled them into the spotlight of the Canadian music scene. From their humble beginnings in Calgary to international acclaim, Crack Cloud continues to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking and boundary-pushing approach to art and music. As they continue to evolve, there’s no doubt that Crack Cloud will remain a force to be reckoned with in the ever-expanding landscape of experimental music.