An album release party takes place Friday, July 8 in Abbotsford for two local bands.
Doja and Midnight Lions both release their debut albums during a show at the Abbotsford Rugby Club, 31929 Mercantile Way. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., with the show starting at about 9:30.
Random Dander from Mission opens the program, followed by Doja and then Midnight Lions.
Doja is an indie funk-rock trio hailing from Abbotsford and currently based out of Chilliwack and Victoria.
The band is composed of guitarist/lead vocalist Ricky Lawrie, drummer/vocalist Brad Desjardins, and bassist Stephen Kalkman.
Starting off as friends in the first grade, the trio began playing music together at the age of 12.
Their first synthesis as a band came in the form of their first EP, Set and Setting, which caused them to finally choose a name and kick off being a true “band.”
After a few years of gigging throughout B.C., winning various showcases, and gaining some airplay, the band recorded and released their first full-length album, It’s Me, You.
Doja is now re-releasing the album after giving it a facelift, with a new mix and album artwork.
Midnight Lions started with Alison May (keys) and Simon Menard (guitar) just simply writing songs.
With a handful of songs, the two decided they needed the groove of a rhythm section.
They soon rounded out their lineup with Brandon Clark on bass and Conor Barclay on drums.
The band’s groovy take on rock and roll is driven by soaring vocals, upbeat rhythms, and melodic guitar and piano riffs.
Since 2013, Midnight Lions have won a Battle of the Bands competition, received a nomination from the Fraser Valley Music Awards, played festivals, and toured throughout B.C.
Tickets for the Abbotsford show are $10 at the door or from Freewheeling Record Store at 33707 Essendene Ave.
