Bran Van 3000
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Bran Van 3000 (also known as BV3) is a Canadian alternative rock and hip hop collective from Montreal, Quebec, founded by James Di Salvio and E.P. Bergen. The group is known for its collaborative approach, working with numerous musicians including Stéphane Moraille, Sara Johnston, Steve "Liquid" Hawley, Jayne Hill, Jean Leloup, Kim Bingham, Pierre-Luc Cerat, and many others. The name of the group is derived etymologically from Swedish liquor Brännvin, a general term referring to any type of distilled spirit, reflecting the group's eclectic and intoxicating musical blend.
Bran Van 3000 finally released their breakthrough single "Drinking in L.A." in February 1997 in Canada, which became an international hit. In April of the same year, the band released their first album "Glee," establishing their signature sound that mixed alternative rock, hip hop, electronic music, and pop sensibilities. In the summer of 2001, Bran Van 3000 released the album "Discosis." The song "Astounded" featured the final recorded performance from soul legend Curtis Mayfield and became the most successful Canadian single by the collective, reaching number 3 on the Canadian Singles Chart—a poignant collaboration that captured lightning in a bottle.
BV3's third album "Rosé" was released in Canada on October 30 and in the US on November 27, 2007. Between 1996 and 2016, Bran Van 3000 was among the Top 150 selling Canadian artists in Canada, demonstrating their lasting commercial impact. On May 3, 2022, on its Facebook page, Bran Van 3000 announced an upcoming 25th anniversary tour of Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe, celebrating their enduring influence on Canadian alternative music.