In the wake of a string of shows before term ends, Queen’s’ live music scene is more alive than ever.
This year has seen the boom of student bands reaching new heights, and the appetite for live music among the student body is hungrier than ever. So, as the school year draws to a close, The Journal checked in with some of this year’s most popular student bands—Carnelian, Blunt Force Llama, The Clay Pigeons, and JINX—to reflect on the school year they’ve had, and where they’re going next.
Recent shows like the third iteration of Alepalooza, and Ales n’ Amps Vol. 2 gave students the chance to see some of their favourite acts one more time before school breaks for summer.
For The Clay Pigeons, this year has been momentous, winning Clark Hall Pub’s battle of the bands to become the bar’s house performers, playing alongside Arkells, and selling out The Mansion for the first time alongside Ducks in the Attic and Paper Bag Princes.
“We connected a lot more this year with so many people and bands within the music community in Kingston. It feels so great to be a part of the music consciousness of the city. People are so warm and ive, and now that we feel we have more presence in the community, we try and do the same for other bands who are just getting their start,” The Clay Pigeons shared in a statement to The Journal.
Without any graduating in the band, it’s not time to say goodbye just yet. The Clay Pigeons are looking forward to playing more shows, with an EP release on the horizon and a full album in the works.
Another young band that rose through the ranks this year was JINX. Playing memorable shows like MUSE Mini Desk, and many others, the highlight of their year was selling out their first headlining show at The Mansion on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
“It was a very fun night, and we felt it was an important step in growing the band,” JINX said in a statement to The Journal.
All third years, JINX is sticking around. Over the summer, the band plans to focus on writing originals, and working on new merch ideas.
Alepalooza under their belt, the band is on a roll.
“We had a fantastic time performing at AlepaTWOza in the spring of 2024, so were thrilled to return. We learned so much sharing the stage with Last Call, RevZed, and The Astros, and are grateful to them and the Queens Music Club for having us back this year,” they shared in an statement to The Journal.
The band has grand plans for Toronto this summer.
“Bringing BFL to the big city is definitely the next step for us as a small cover band. We hope to share the stage with the new names, meet new people, and keep our set tight over the summer to return in the fall even stronger as a collective,” Blunt Force Llama said.
It wouldn’t be a story about the current Queen’s music scene without mentioning Carnelian. With some graduating , the end of the year marks a bittersweet feeling.
They’ve had a huge year: playing the back in January.
“This project was the most rewarding because it was completely organized and marketed by us. So having that success of over 400 people attending was an accomplishment for more than just our music,” Carnelian shared in a statement to The Journal.
With an EP on the horizon, graduation isn’t the end.
“The last thing we want to do is stop,” Carnelian said. “This has always been a goal for us and is something that could help give us a future. We want it to be the best it can be, and truly representative of us as students, friends, and our sound.”
With Carnelian, JINX, and The Clay Pigeons, ending the year on a high note playing Ales ’n Amps Vol. 2 on April 3, Queen’s music scene shows no signs of slowing down.
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