West My Friend

West My Friend are veterans of the Victoria music scene, described as a Cascadian folk duo from British Columbia, Canada. The indie-folk trio formed a decade ago when Eden Oliver was finishing her degree at the University of Victoria. The current members are Eden Oliver - singer, guitarist, and flautist (originally from Terrace, B.C.), Alex Rempel - mandolinist, and Jeff Poynter - accordionist. Each member has a classical music degree from the University of Victoria, with Oliver, mandolinist Alex Rempel, and accordionist Jeff Poynter all having studied classical music at UVic. Their music is characterized as intricate and layered. With our group, it's kind of about making whatever kind of music we want to make, regardless of the limitations of our instruments, Oliver explains. The band has released four albums: Place (2012) - Their debut garnered several nominations, including Roots Album of the Year and Song of the Year, at the Vancouver Island Music Awards; When The Ink Dries (2014) - Nominated for the Oliver Schroer Pushing The Boundaries Award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards; Quiet Hum (2016); and In Constellation - Their Independent Music Awards-nominated fourth album, which was recorded with a 53-piece symphony orchestra. West My Friend's innovative arrangements, classical training, and willingness to experiment with folk music conventions have made them standouts in Victoria's music scene. Their ability to create lush, complex soundscapes with unconventional instrumentation showcases their creativity and musical sophistication.

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