Kelowna’s SWEETBEAST Unveils Sludgy Stoner Video “Illusion” ft. Space Queen
Hailing from Canada’s Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, BC, SweetBeast is gearing up to make its debut full-length “Illusions” heard by the masses this coming February 2025. Unshackling the first single “Dream Eater” this past November, they are offering the next glimpse into their pressurized sludgy psychedelic stoner rock with their new music video for “Illusion”, which features vocal harmonies done by the lovely ladies of Vancouver trio Space Queen.
The album’s closing track, “Illusion” captures the essence of awakening and self-discovery, with fuzzed-out guitars and emotional guitar solos that drive the message home. Space Queen‘s vocal harmonies elevate the song to new heights, creating a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of their realities. With its haunting lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, “Illusion” serves as both a rallying cry and a moment of introspection.
The band comments on the making of the song:
“We laid down this entire album, live off the floor, in just 2 days. Now of course there were a few overdubs that we plugged in during that weekend but by the end of the 2 days, all that was left was the mixing and mastering. We also added some special treats post-production that made the songs really pop, like vocal harmonies in the song “Illusion” done by our friends in Space Queen, and a few studio effects for added flavor. When we told the studio what we had planned to accomplish that weekend they thought we were crazy, and said it’s usually at least a week of studio time to get all those songs laid out. But we got it done and couldn’t be happier with the results.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
We are SweetBeast, a psychedelic desert rock band based out of Kelowna, BC. Our sound blends gritty fuzz with melodic, immersive riffs that transport listeners to sun-soaked landscapes. We’re inspired by the heavy, atmospheric vibes of bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, and Pink Floyd. The band’s been going strong since 2018, and we’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with some great acts and build a solid connection with our local scene.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
Our latest release is Illusions, a debut album that truly encapsulates the energy and chemistry we’ve developed as a band. The album is a journey through deep grooves, intense riffs, and psychedelic textures. We recorded it live off the floor in just two days, capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of SweetBeast. Each track offers a dynamic experience, blending powerful rock with reflective moments, and we hope it resonates with our fans on both an emotional and sonic level.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Our songwriting process is very organic and collaborative. Usually, one of us will bring a riff or melody to the table, and we’ll jam it out as a group, letting the music evolve in real-time. We leave a lot of room for improvisation and experimentation, allowing each of us to interpret the idea in our own way. Once the structure starts to take shape, the lyrics are crafted separately, with the goal of matching the vibe of the music while telling a story that resonates. It’s a very fluid process where every member’s input is valued, and it often leads to surprising and exciting outcomes.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
We’re planning to support Illusions with live shows, including local performances in Kelowna and surrounding cities, as well as further out into Vancouver, Nelson, Kamloops, and beyond. We’re also in the works on some music videos for our singles, which will bring the visual side of our music to life. Beyond that, we’re exploring ways to make our live performance more captivating and entertaining, to create a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
A huge turning point for us was getting to work with Dave Catching (Queens of the Stone Age / Eagles of Death Metal / Rancho De La Luna Recording Studio) in 2018. He helped us elevate our sound and was a pivotal influence in shaping our vision as a band. Another highlight was our first desert rock festival, Tune It Down Turn It Up, where we brought together some incredible bands and created a community around our music. The entire experience of bringing artists together, creating a space for music to thrive, and having Dave involved was a defining moment that set the tone for everything that followed.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
We highly recommend checking out Space Queen, a band we’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. Their fuzzed-out, desert rock sound, and 3-way female harmonies blend perfectly with the psychedelic and stoner rock vibes that we love. They’re an incredible group of musicians, and their energy on stage is unmatched. Another killer band from our hometown is Pharm. They have their own genre of progressive stoner weirdness. Odd time signatures and grooves highlighted by bellowing vocals, energetic riffs, and thunderous drums are the centre of these dudes’ sound. Check ’em out!