Five Minutes With: Vancouver Pop/Rock Band Mossy Ledge

Formed in Vancouver in 1994, Mossy Ledge consists of James (vocals), Dean (guitar/bass/vocals), Kirn (bass), Ryan (drums), and Dennis (guitar). James joined the other guys in 1994 after responding to an ad in the paper looking for a singer. 31 years later, the union seems to have been a good one! The band released two EPs and two full-length albums between 1994 and 2001, along with music videos for “Get to Me” and “Ready for the Storm.”

The band played extensively in Greater Vancouver eventually taking their show on the road across Canada during their ‘Exposure Tour’ in 1998. They have shared the stage with notable acts like Sass Jordan, Nickelback, and other local indie acts like Underwater Sunshine, Jar, The Botnicks, and Resurrection Mary. In 2022, all original members reunited to re-release their full catalogue on major streaming platforms and complete previously recorded songs. One of those tracks is their highly anticipated new single “All You Need to Know”. With technology being what it is today, Dean’s home studio allowed for James to complete his vocals locally under the guidance of the other band members, Dean and Ryan, who take Producer credits for this track. With a 90’s revival underway, Mossy Ledge is poised to recapture the hearts of long-time fans and attract a new generation of listeners.

The band’s music remains available on all major streaming platforms worldwide and with James now working as a film producer, Mossy Ledge tracks are featured in films like Project Ithaca (2019) and The Dogs (2024). Mossy Ledge promises to deliver more of the compelling sound and passionate performances that have defined their legacy, as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

Mossy Ledge

Name:

James Milligan (vocals), Mossy Ledge

Genre:

Pop/Rock Alternative

Founded:

1994

# of Albums:

4

Latest Album:

Bright Rooms Dark Corners (2009)

Latest Single:

All You Need to Know (2024)

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

The Beatles, U2, Pearl Jam, The Cure, REM, Daniel Lanois

Favourite musician now:

Mostly the same, but I’ve really been into Yacht Rock lately!

Guilty pleasure song:

Adele, Someone Like You

Live show ritual:

Waiting to go on stage is worse for me than being on stage. I always get nerves and jitters hanging about, so I try to distract myself and avoid clock-watching, but that’s usually what happens.

Favourite local musician:

Really appreciate Sarah McLachlan. I know she’s not originally from Vancouver, but I think she’s been here long enough to say she’s one of ours now. Also like Matthew Good who gave us some great rockers around the same time we were performing.

EP or LP?

Definitely LP. I’m on the vinyl revival train for sure. Love the presentation and thought that goes into the complete package – the large artwork, the track sequence, the importance of the lead and final songs per side…even the smell! Who doesn’t like the smell of vinyl and dusty old sleeves?

Early bird or night owl?

Both. Owls are birds too right?

Road or studio?

Studio

Any shows or albums coming up? 

No shows as yet, but certainly our new single: All You Need to Know. We’re stoked about it and can’t wait to hear what people think!

Where can we follow you?

Website | InstagramSpotifyYoutubeApple MusicSpotifyAmazon Music

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Casual: Siegel’s Bagels, Formal: Ask for Luigi

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

4th Ave. It’s my hood and lots of shops and food options. Has everything I need.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Kits Beach especially Friday nights in the summer. Hard to beat for the vibe, music and sunsets.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Queen E. Seen so many great shows there and the sound is wonderful. It’s not too small or too big, so it has an intimacy without being a sweaty shoulder-to-shoulder club.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

Beat Street. Hands down. Best offering with fair prices.

 

About Emilea Semancik 182 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram: