accost

Accost are four-piece electronic rock’n'pop goodness hailing from Canada. The band began to take its first steps in 2005 when founded by Blair (keyboards, programming) and Yu-Wei (bass) who had previously played together in another band. Singer Chantelle started adding her sultry vocals to mix in 2006, and after going through a couple of drummers they found their current one, Vic, just this past December.

Their joint influences - ranging from Depeche Mode to Damien Rice - are as different as their musical backgrounds: Vic and Yu-Wei both used to play metal; Blair started out as a guitar player but picked up the keyboard a few years ago, while Chantelle’s only past experience is “doing musical theatre as a young girl and random nights of karaoke”.

Accost’s self-titled EP shows no signs of either creative differences or lack of experience though. Put together entirely by the band members themselves (even the cover photo, taken by Chantelle while waiting at the doctor’s office) the EP consists of six lush tracks that are bound to seduce the listener, whether on the lighter or darker side of matters. - iamthecrime.com

Inspiration is hard to come by, especially when the weather is incredibly dull, or in my case, when the sun is shining through my window begging me to go outside. Summer is upon us and the only thing better then the beach is the patio, but it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. This is also the prime time for allergies, and those blossoming flowers release that dreaded pollen, which in turn drags us down with uncontrollable sneezes and pink eye. And just like this summer season, the Accost show saw its ups and downs. Oh no, is Ronatron going to write a bad review? No. I’m not. The “down” I’m talking about was Lillix, the headliner of the night, and the “up” of course was the wonderful band known as Accost, and special mention goes out to robot rockers Sex With Strangers. The night started off great with Accost blowing the audience away with their solid tunes, but unfortunately the 90’s pop-stars known as Lillix made me get up and grab a few more brews than I should have. No offence to them whatsoever, because I enjoyed their music (when I was 10…) but the music scene has changed and it was sad to see them play their “old” favourites. But alas, I’m not here to critic Lillix, so I think I’ll move on to the band at hand, Accost.

AccostComprised of Chantelle (vocals), Blair (programming, keyboards), Uway (bass), and Vik (drums) this foursome known as Accost brings something different to the Vancouver music scene. To be honest, I’m not accustomed to their sound and they’re not the usual indie-pop rock or folk artists that I usually cover. This isn’t a bad thing of course, and I’m not opposed to listening to their music, and in fact, they may have swayed my musical taste a little.

Accost is more of a dark and mysterious band, and you have to look deeply and listen intensely to find the core behind each tune. They provide instrumentals that draw you in, with each note and every beat placed perfectly to create the most powerful outcome. But drawing away from the raw energy of the music, was the serene and powerful voice of Chantelle. I couldn’t help but get mesmerized by her passionate and emotive vocal performance, as well as the way she presented herself up on that stage. It was like she was one with the music, more like an extension of her body, and when she closed her eyes, I could only imagine what she was thinking.

This isn’t to draw anything away from the rest of the band, because each member was special and captivating in their own way. Uway was probably one of the most energetic bass players I have ever seen, swaying back and forth to the beat all the while maintaining his composure. Vik presented the backbone of their set, with each drum beat composed to draw the most passion out of each song. Blair, in my opinion, was the essence behind each Accost track because he was the one who defined and classified the electronica aspect. With the keyboard and laptop on hand, he created an ambient atmosphere for the packed crowd on the dance floor, and I’m sure each and everyone standing and sitting was relaxed and high off life.

For more information on Accost, check out their myspace for more details. And on a side note, this lovely band will be showcased at our sister publication’s one year anniversary party known as The String Magazine Spotlight on June 26th at The Met, so go for the music and stay for the fashion! - Ronatron

Vancouver Fashion

Vancouver's online fashion culture magazine



Music Style: on set with Accost
October 13th, 2009 | Published in Music Style Music Style: on set with Accost

Words by Maria. Photos by Lumondo.

The stylish also roam in musical places, and this time, String Magazine found four such individuals who happen to hang out making music together. Each stylish in their own way, Chantelle, Blair, Uway, and Vik make up the band Accost. Their sound is very much electro-rock, with the melancholy of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and Durutti Column, and the power of Crystal Castles and Chromatics. They played at String’s anniversary event and continue to play many shows around town, creating and growing in their musical talents right here in Vancouver.

We asked all four members, in whose stars we fittingly see stardom, a few questions about their personal style and what it’s like to be who they are. Here’s what they had to say.
What is your favourite part about being in a band?

ChantelleChantelle- Hands down, writing music. I love the writing process.

Blair- Writing. It’s very exciting when you’re working on a new song and all the pieces begin to fall together into something that sounds great. Also, playing live and LOUD is very energizing.

Vik- Performing songs live and hearing the reaction of a crowd get louder and louder as the set goes on. That definitely gives you the feeling you’re doing something right.

Uway- Being able to perform in front of people.
When on stage, what are some tactics you use to not get nervous?

Chantelle- I try to remind myself that performing isn’t personal. It’s not about me when I’m on stage, it’s about connecting people with our music.

Blair- Before heading on stage, taking 5 minutes to relax and have a beer seems to calm the nerves.
If I’m nervous while on stage, I try to focus on just the music and try my best to forget that so many people are watching.

Vik- I honestly don’t really get nervous anymore.

Uway- Taking off my glasses so I don’t see anyone.
How do you choose what to wear for a show?

Blair- My style doesn’t differ too much from what I wear on a normal day… I’ll try to not wear the same thing as a previous show, though. I like to switch it up if I can.

Chantelle- I usually choose things that I would wear in my everyday life. I’m most comfortable that way. U-way

Vik- I simply ask the band what they’re going to wear and then i try to put something together that can fit with the “theme”.

Uway- I don’t really choose something just for the show, I usually wear whatever style I’m into at the time. (For now I’m into Ultraman Hello Kitty).
Is there an item of clothing or accessory you never go on stage without?

Chantelle- I have a couple of rings that I rarely leave the house without. They definitely follow me onto the stage.

Vik- Headphones (in-ear monitors)… With out them I feel naked when I perform.

Uway- My keys… Lots of them.
What are some of your favourite clothing stores to shop in?

Vik- I would say Levis store. Other than that most of my shirts are from concerts I’ve been to.

Uway- Old Navy, Army and Navy and Value Village.
How about local boutiques or brands?

Chantelle- I like to stop by Dream every now and then, I’m always excited about their accessories. I am in love with my resin necklace by Bianca Barr and I’ve seen her bow tie necklaces catching on around town. I also have a couple Gentle Fawn tops that are past favourites. I have to give kudos to Marcy Ross of Morena Clothing as well. She made me a piece for the String Magazine Spotlight, a Kimono top, and it has some great detailing. It has the coolest tail! I don’t know if I’m supposed to call it a tail.
How would you describe your personal style?

VikChantelle- Lazy… erm, I mean, laid back. I think I tow the line in terms of current trends–I’m always keeping an eye out for new ‘must have’ pieces. I’ve noticed that a lot of my outfits are pretty androgynous. Every now and then I’ll throw on a great dress to redeem myself.

Blair- Very casual… skinny jeans, t-shirts, and 80’s sneakers… I love 80’s sneakers.

Vik- Casual. Skater/rock style, I guess?

Uway- Nerdy-hardcore!
Which member of the band is the most stylish?

Uway- Chantelle. She also has more clothes than the three of us combined.

Blair- Chantelle!

Vik- Hmm… I would say Chantelle or Uway.

Chantelle- Blair wore a sweet pair of denim boots while we were practicing once. Just for that, I’ll give him the honour of most stylish.
Who do you think would be the first to agree to play a show in sweat pants? (Or in other words, which member is the least stylish?)

Blair- Everyone has their own style… I don’t think anyone would agree to do a show in sweat pants!

Chantelle- (Laughs). That’s an evil question.

Vik- Myself or Blair I would say.

Uway- Blair and Vik. But personally I think sweat pants are very stylish!
How about the one who would agree to play naked? (Or in other words, which member has the most care-free style?)

Blair- I have a feeling the rest of the band is going to choose me… (laughs).

BlairChantelle- Blair has been known to show a midriff during practice–I’m not sure we could convince him to play naked though. Might take a couple of Manhattans.

Uway- I don’t think any of us would…but if I had to choose, probably Blair…

Vik- (Laughs). Probably me because I can hide behind my drums. Maybe Blair (he does have a habit of exposing his stomach at practice).
In your experience, what piece of clothing or accessory makes the “finishing touch” on an outfit?

Uway- A jacket, definitely.

Chantelle- I’m always noticing necklaces and belts on people, they can really make an outfit.

Vik- For me… Probably a toque (laughs).

Blair- Shoes!
What would you wear if you were playing your first big show at, say, the Commodore Ballroom?

Chantelle- Egad, I have no idea. Ask me the day of the show, right after I’ve bought something at the last minute.

Blair- Not really sure, I’d probably keep my same style, but maybe add something to it.

Vik- I’d have to do some shopping for that one.

Uway- The same thing I’d wear to any other shows, really. - String Magazine