Oliver Swain ϟ The Vault [Gallery]

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Oliver Swain is my favourite musician to behold. I'd still say so even if he were half as handsome. His genius is at his core; in the way he moves, his music-making face, his connection to the audience, and of course his effortless, chill-inducing musicianship (multi!) - which requires a post of its own. Watching him, I don't worry about if he's on autopilot, like I usually do with seasoned live performers, because he is clearly doing the thing he loves most. You can just tell. To have this - all of this - in one musician is what makes him transcend into the league of performer. It's what compelled me to run upstairs mid-show to get my real camera (which had been shelved for almost as long as since I last saw him five years ago) and reignite my love of taking srs photos. He is one of the small handful of local musicians I give my smaller handful of money to, and the only one I have sacrificed my dignity for (see: me going full fangirl on him during the break. Also here.) He deserves to be seen and heard by many, so next time he plays in Nanaimo (supposedly June), be sure to catch him (after removing all expectations built up from this post - everything's better that way).