Five Minutes With: Calgary Rock Band The Definitive

The Definitive is an all-Canadian rock band that was formed in Calgary, Alberta, in 2023. The group’s distinctive sound combines Evan Burns’ progressive slap bass lines, Dylan Jones’ classic rock-inspired guitar riffs, Vaughan Xavier’s dynamic funky drum grooves, and Duke Domino’s sweet, memorable vocal hooks. This fusion has earned them a reputation for pushing musical boundaries, resulting in a sound they dub Northern Rock. Since the release of their debut album, WORLDS AWAY, The Definitive has established themselves as an energetic and innovative live act, performing at shows and festivals throughout Western Canada. Amidst the excitement, the band continues to delve deeper into their unique sound, exploring new ideas and capturing the magic of their initial jam sessions.

The Definitive
Photo by Karolynn Matte

Name:

The Definitive

Genre:

Rock

Founded:

Early 2023

# of Albums:

1

Latest album:

Worlds Away

Latest Single:

Stella (last single featured before Worlds Away)

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Dylan – Kiss, Evan – Tool, Vaughan – Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duke – Michael Jackson

Favourite musician now:

Dylan – Greta Van Fleet, Evan – Gojira, Vaughan – Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duke – Bruno Mars

Guilty pleasure song:

Duke – Espresso (Sabrina Carpenter), Dylan – Moonlight Desires (Gowan), Evan – How Soon is now (The Smiths), Vaughan – Call Me Maybe

Live show ritual:

Always a group huddle before we go on stage.

Favourite local musician:

Dylan – Jade Elephant, Duke – K the Chosen, Vaughan – The West, Evan – Howells

EP or LP:

LP

Early bird of night owl:

Night owls

Road or studio:

Duke – Road, Dylan – Studio, Vaughan – Studio, Evan – Studio

Do you have any shows coming up?

Aug 9th at the Palomino in Calgary with Brass Camel and Jade Elephant. Sept 6th in Lethbridge at Thunder in the Bridge music festival opening for I Mother Earth, Headstones, and Our Lady Peace. Tickets available here.

Where can you follow us?

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

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Rapid Fire Local Questions:

Favourite local restaurant?

Dylan – Mozy Café, Duke – Tacos Mexico, Vaughan – National, Evan – Salt and Pepper

Favourite Street in the City?

Dylan – 12th Ave (where the King Eddy and National Music Centre are located. King Eddy is where we got our first break opening for both The Static Shift and Brass Camel for our second and third-ever shows, and NMC is very cool. Not only that, but from that street there’s the view of the Saddledome; a bucket list venue to play opening up for a bigger act before it’s torn down)

Duke – 17th Ave (Where he got his start in music busking every weekend from 6 pm-12 am)

Vaughan – Kensington (busked there and lots of good memories)

Evan – 17th (because that’s where the party is at)

Favourite Park in the city?

Dylan – Fish Creek (Lots of family memories there)

Duke – Lougheed House (Loves the aesthetic of a peaceful simple house surrounded by a wonderful garden)

Vaughan & Evan – Prince’s Island Park (nice creek and lots of space to play spike ball or other outdoor activities)

Favourite music venue in the city?

Dylan – Saddledome, Duke – King Eddy, Vaughan – Commonwealth, Evan – Palace Theatre

Favourite Music Store in the city?

Dylan – Recordland, Duke – Recordland, Evan & Vaughan – Long & McQuade Chinook

 

About Emilea Semancik 167 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: