538st

538st is a hip hop band based out of Kelowna B.C. They are quickly paving their way into the music scene and proving their worth with their original music. They are a clear representation of original art and expression influenced by modern Hip-Hop with flavours of Funk, RnB, and Jazz all performed live on guitar, bass and drums. 

The band was originally formed by brothers Jake Cooke (guitar/Vocal) and Sam Cooke (lead vocals) in April of 2019. They then recruited Austen Sawchuk (bass/background vocal) and later Waseem Hakroo (drums). Austen, Sam and Jake all went to school for Audio engineering and music production while Waseem went to school for music performance. Each member brings their own musical influence to the band. Sam is inspired by artists like Chance the Rapper, J Cole and YG TUT, and Jakes main musical influencers have been Tom Misch, Mac Ayres and John Mayer. Austen has a rock and blues background inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin while also drawing a lot of inspiration from artists like Allen Stone and Chris Stapleton. Waseem has a diverse jazz background and is inspired hugely by artists like Soulive and Bill Stewart while also having a love for worldly music and rhythms.   

538's frontman Sam Cooke has catchy lyricism and a melodic flow thats not only refreshing but gives hope for the future of Hip-Hop. Jake Cooke's funky, neo-soul guitar riffs are so catchy they'll be stuck in your head all week. With the ever-talented Austen Sawchuk on the bass, cookin up the grooviest of bass lines, body bouncin is irresistible. Last but definitely not least, Waseem Hakroo an absolute machine on the drums. He's always leaving the crowd with dropped jaws and big smiles with his solid grooves, clean fills, and mind-blowing solos. All together their performance is extremely entertaining and dynamic with interesting arrangements and solos littered throughout the performance. The few covers they do play are only the most known records by artists like Kanye, J.Cole, etc, these songs never fail to stir up the crowd.

The band is gearing up to make 2020 a big year with their debut EP coming out in soon. Performing on Tours and Festivals over the summer, be sure you don't miss your chance to see them!