Chad Vangaalen

Chad Vangaalen is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Calgary, Alberta, born in 1977. He started performing at open mics and small venues in Calgary in the early 2000s, and released his debut album 'Soft Airplane' in 2004. That record established his approach to lo-fi production and melodies that don't follow traditional structures.

His songs like 'Bare Feet On Wet Griptape' and 'Willow Tree' show his blend of folk, experimental, and electronic elements. The lyrics often explore dark or surreal themes, and the music can feel raw and dissonant. Some listeners have called it noise, while others appreciate the experimentation.

Vangaalen has worked with other artists including Kurt Vile, Black Mountain, and Bon Iver. He's also released material under aliases like Black Mold. His discography includes albums such as 'Infiniheart' (2008), 'Diaper Island' (2011), 'Shrink Dust' (2016), and 'A Way Out' (2021).

For live shows, he sometimes performs solo and sometimes with a band that has included Evan Cartwright on drums and Jesse Zubot on bass. Those performances can incorporate experimental sound effects and electronic loops, making each set somewhat unpredictable.