The Soundgarden in Coombs is presenting an evening of acoustic music by a Nanaimo band whose debut CD is about to get some major radio air play.
Up-Close and Personal with Joel and special guests Braeden Marshal starts at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 23.
Joel Wiggers is the front man of the rock trio Braeden Marshal which formed in 2009. He didn’t have to go far to find his band mates as they all live under one roof.
His 18 year old son Marshall who plays bass is a quick study, constantly honing his skills and has worked hard to become a fantastic melodic in the pocket bass player.
Passion and energy radiate from his youngest son, 16-year-old Brayden.
The hard hitting teen is a natural percussionist.
Wiggers said after spending a lot of time in the recording studio they are excited about their new CD called Treasure in my Head.
Co-produced by Andre Wahl the disc has nine tracks of original music that Wiggers admitted are some of their best work and are as good as any major label.
“We have been working on it for the past two and a half years. We had 14 songs but we wanted to keep just the best stuff on our debut album.”
Wahl has produced music for some big names in the Canadian music industry including Shania Twain and 54-40 and Wiggers agreed they were lucky to have his expertise.
“He co-produced an incredible piece of work for us and really took us to the next level,” he admitted.
The CD hasn’t been released yet. Wiggers said they want to tour this summer to promote the CD and then they will have a release party.
In the fall, the family will be leaving Vancouver Island and moving to Los Angeles where Wiggers looks forward to increased musical opportunities in that city’s vibrant music industry.
Wiggers said both of his sons have skill way beyond their years, a result of a rich musical environment provided for the boys from the day they were born.
“Its neat when you teach your kids from the start and see them develop…its an amazing blessing. When Brayden was 14 he just lit up the drums…he is a natural and fun to watch.
“Marshal is doing harmonies and he amazed me with an incredible base line and vocal ideas for the CD. They were both part of the writing and producing,” boasted Wiggers.
As for the front man of the band, he enjoys the thunder of a powerful guitar tone and driving rhythm and the award winning vocalist, songwriter and studio musician shines when he is unplugged.
Wiggers’ songs are his daily journal, unique to his personality, well crafted, deep, and with honest lyrics - searching for answers.
Wiggers said the first acoustic set at The Soundgarden will be some of the originals he has has written over the last 20 years and during the second set it will be all three musicians doing originals and some covers.
With daily band rehearsals and personal development time honing their originals, the rock trio has been hailed for their exceptional talent and tight gigs.
The band has been compared to Muse, The Killers, the Foo Fighers, Incubus, Billy Talent, Oasis, Coldplay and U2.
Wiggers admitted that their music is so original it is hard to peg their sound but they do a cover of Wonderwall by Oasis and their fans agree they have that Euro sound.
Tickets for the June 23 concert are $15 and are available at the Coombs General Store, The Shoe Inn in Qualicum Beach and at The Soundgarden on the Coombs Fairgrounds.