Award-winning musician Meredith Bates is promising an unforgettable night at All Saints After Dark on Thursday, May 21 when she unveils her new album The Observer Effect, along with special guests.
Bates is an acclaimed Canadian violinist, violist and improvisor, and past member of Juno and Western Canadian Music Award-winning Pugs and Crows now living and making music on Salt Spring Island.
Bates’ 2023 release Tesseract earned a Juno award nomination for Best Instrumental Music Album and received accolades such as Bandcamp’s Best Experimental Music. Bates says the new album builds on that foundation, unfolding over two expansive sections (or “books”) that total approximately 140 minutes of captivating music.
The Observer Effect was released on March 13 on Phonometrograph and is available for streaming everywhere and purchase at meredithbates.bandcamp.com.
“The Observer Effect invites listeners into an immersive experience, examining the interplay between observation and reality — a principle drawn from quantum mechanics and philosophy,” explains a press release. “Bates describes the album as an exploration of witnessing and being witnessed, an examination of emotional and political exchanges that shape our perceptions. Her compositions deftly probe themes of perception, illusion and metamorphosis, revealing the intricate dynamics that influence sound and identity.”
This evening will also feature special guests Matt Robertson and Chris Gestrin, who will perform solo synth sets, elevating the concert with their distinct electronic artistry.
Bates also thanked Of Sound Minds for event support, and WiL Shulba “for creating the magically immersive octophonic sound system.”
Since graduating with a film scoring degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 1995, Vancouver native Gestrin has become an integral part of the Canadian music scene. As a versatile pianist and multi-keyboardist, composer, engineer and producer, he has worked on over 500 albums covering a wide range of musical styles. From experimental electronic improvisations to greasy soul organ music, introspective piano jazz to top-of-the-charts pop, rock and hip-hop, Bates said Gestrin is in high demand for his eclectic talents and ability to bring a high level of musical inspiration to any situation.
Robertson is a three-times Grammy-nominated composer, producer and musical director. He’s worked with artists like FKA Twigs and Björk, and has released 11 solo albums blending ambient, techno and electronic styles. Bates said he combines synth-craft, classical composition and cinematic production.
The May 21 event begins at All Saints by-the-Sea church at 7:30 p.m., with doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Bates’ work was also part of the recent innovative Digital Ecologies Spring Art Show at Mahon Hall.