Hailing from Vancouver’s dynamic music scene, Focus Your Audio blends West Coast grit with East Coast charm to create a sound that’s both unrestrained and captivating. Described by *The Georgia Straight* as “Bobby’s blackheart guitar leavened by Sarah’s angels-and-whiskey vocals,” the duo masterfully weaves Indie Pop, Alt-Folk, and Rock and Roll into a rich sonic tapestry. Sarah’s evocative vocals deliver a rush of passion and depth, perfectly complemented by Bobby’s expertly crafted musical landscapes. Their raw chemistry and unfiltered intensity resonate deeply with audiences.
The duo’s talent caught international attention when Grammy-nominated DJ and producer StoneBridge (Beyoncé, Robin S, Ne-Yo) remixed their single “On Your Own (StoneBridge Mixes),” earning over 7,500 streams in its first week and a feature on SiriusXM StoneBridge BPM Mix Ch 51. Multi-platinum producer Adam Hurstfield (XOXO Entertainment Corp.) praised the band, saying, “Focus Your Audio is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets, but it won’t be long before the world realizes just how thoughtful and beautiful their songs are.”
Collaborating with Mike Young of Mother Mother, who produced and performed on their last three singles (*Shades*, *Over There*, *On Your Own*), the band has amassed over 300,000 streams. These tracks have received national and international radio play, high-profile playlist features (including CD Baby’s *Canadian Sounds* and Netflix’s *The Half of It*), and critical acclaim from *Canadian Music Week*, *Aesthetic Magazine*, and *The Georgia Straight*.
Known for their magnetic live performances, Focus Your Audio has captivated audiences at historic venues like Vancouver’s Railway Club and Calgary’s Ironwood Stage. They’ve shared stages with acclaimed artists like Tobias the Owl and Juno-nominated Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, earning a reputation for unforgettable shows.
Their 2019 debut EP, recorded at Vancouver’s iconic Warehouse Studio with Juno-winning producer Sheldon Zaharko, features contributions from top-tier musicians like Johnny Andrews (*Hey Ocean*, *Tegan and Sara*), Mike Young (*Mother Mother*, *Devin Townsend*), and Marc Gladstone (*Prism*). This project earned a Breakout West nomination for Best Audio Engineering, solidifying Focus Your Audio’s status as a rising force in Canadian music.
Name:
Focus Your Audio
Genre:
Indie Pop, Alt-Folk, and Rock & Roll
Founded:
2019
# of Albums:
One
Latest Album:
Our last album was a Self-Titled Debut EP which was released Dec. 6, 2019. This EP was engineered/mixed by Juno winner, Sheldon Zaharko. This EP was recorded at the iconic Warehouse Studios in Vancouver and had incredible musicians – Johnny Andrews (drums/percussion), Mike Young (bass) & Marc Gladstone (piano/keyboard) to help us bring it all to life. This was how we met Mike Young and what began our musical journey with him. Since then Mike’s produced/mixed & played our next five single releases. We were so excited that this EP earned a nomination for Sheldon Zhaharko for best engineering at Breakout West that year for our song ‘Lesser You” – he was so deserving!
Latest Single:
Oct 25, 2024, we released The Long Goodbye. It’s been three years since our last release and although we have lots of songs to share, we felt this song deserved to come before the others. In many ways, this isn’t your typical single. Not a song that might be expected after a hiatus but in many ways so much more important than any of the rest. Regardless if it’s a driving song or a soft ballad, the message is what’s most important to us. The Long Goodbye is all heart, we hope it’ll bring comfort, awareness and hope to anyone walking out their own long goodbye, no matter the circumstance.
Latest Video:
This music video is for our song, ‘ Over There.’ A song about a fight that we had that left us wondering if the other should be looking for somewhere else to live! The song is about wondering how the other person is doing when they’re over there and you’re over here – neither communicating. The video was beautifully shot by Johnathan Fluvog.
Favourite musician growing up:
Bobby – Big Sugar. I have so many great memories of listening to Big Sugar growing up. I remember seeing Gordie Johnson for the first time live and knew that I wanted to play guitar. They still hold a special place in my heart and make an effort to go see them whenever they’re in town.
Sarah – Sarah McLachlan. Growing up my mom took me to a Sarah McLachlan concert and that was it! I instantly fell in love with her voice, lyrics and just couldn’t get enough. I often say Sarah taught me how to sing!!! I spent every waking second in my teens singing with her. She inspired me to write songs that evoked feeling and to spend time creating poetry worth singing about.
Favourite musician now:
Bobby – Jack White. I just absolutely love the way Jack White takes old analogue equipment and meshes them with new digital gear. His soundscapes are incredible and I just love his tones and attack.
Sarah – Wild Rivers. At the moment, I can’t get enough of Wild Rivers. We recently saw them when they came to Vancouver on tour and they were fantastic live. Perfect mix of indie and folk, totally slayed it. They’re just fabulous songwriters!!! Totally inspiring.
Guilty pleasure song:
Bobby – 22 by Taylor Swift. This is a song that’s just a crazy earworm and gets stuck in your head. When it comes on I crank it, nothing like a little Taylor Swift.
Sarah – Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart. Well…… since Corey Hart and I share the same birthday I’ve been obsessed with his 80’s hit, Sunglasses at Night since I was about 8 years old! No matter where I am, if I hear it, I’m belting it out. I’ve scared a few fellow grocery store shoppers in my day!!!
Live show ritual:
Typically, we keep our day pretty relaxed. We might go over a song or two, blast 80’s on 8 and get show ready. We usually never have anything to eat before a show, we’d rather binge on takeout on the way home!
Favourite local musician:
We’re pretty much obsessed with everything Dear Rouge these days. They’re latest release is Straight Fire. We just can’t get enough of their songwriting and positivity in the world. They’re going on tour so if you haven’t seen them, make sure to go see them! F A B U L O U S.
EP or LP?
We’re more EP than LP because with an EP your getting ALL substance, no songs added just for the sake of adding them. EPS you get all stuff and no fluff.
Early bird or night owl?
Night Owl’s. It’s hard not to be a night owl being a musician, even if you’re not you kind of get dragged into being one because you’re out late playing shows. With that said, Bobby can be up until 2:00AM and then he’s still up at 7:00AM.
Road or studio?
Road is such a fun time. You really get to know yourself and your bandmates on the road. The biggest part is sharing your music with people, feeling their energy and seeing the reactions.
Any shows or albums coming up?
We’ve just released our new single, The Long Goodbye on Oct. 25, 2024. The music video for the song was done with QuestCoast Studios and is set to be released shortly.
Looking ahead, we’re releasing a new single in the spring of 2025, co-written and produced by Adam Hurstfield (Loverboy, Ray J, Ne-Yo, Elise Estrada) and distributed through XOXO Entertainment Corp./Believe Music.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Tacofino all day long! No matter how many times we go we always order the same thing, the chicken burrito! Then we go into a blissful food coma. Well done Tacofino, you never disappoint!!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Can’t get away from Granville Street. All the neon lights, classic music venues and nightlife just keeps ya coming back.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver is one of our favs. The combo of hiking trails and ocean views gets us every time.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Commodore all day long. We’ve seen some of our favourite bands there and absolutely love the atmosphere. It’s hands down, Vancouver’s best music venue.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Vinyl Records in Gastown because when you go in there you’ll always find what you’re looking for. We love the chilling area and how they promote the local music scene!
