Doomed Confessionary: Eric, John, Alex & Colton (SweetBeast)

SweetBeast is a subterranean psych fuzz rock band hailing from Canada’s Okanagan Valley in Kelowna (British Columbia).

Founded in 2017, SweetBeast consists of Eric Gorzynski (guitar, vocals), John Hermary (guitar, vocals), Alex Graham (bass, vocals) and Colton Schofield (drums).

SweetBeast isn’t just a band – they are a sonic tapestry, a musical odyssey that transcends boundaries. Fuzzed out guitars, ethereal effects and powerful vocals intertwine seamlessly, creating soundwaves that transport listeners to a kaleidoscopic realm where every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of musical euphoria.

SweetBeast is currently gearing up to make its debut full-length »Illusion« heard by the masses. It will be released on February 21st, 2025 through Humalien Records.

Can you say a few words about your band?
SweetBeast is a psychedelic stoner rock band that’s all about heavy riffs, spaced-out grooves, and just enough melody to keep you hooked. We like to keep things raw and real – crushing fuzz, low-tuned guitars, and songs that feel like they’re pulling you into another dimension. We’re inspired by the desert rock sound, but we throw our own spin on it to keep things weird and wild. At the end of the day, we just want to make music and have a good time.

What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for SweetBeast has been navigating the ups and downs of keeping the band rolling smoothly. Like any group, we’ve had our fair share of changes and adjustments along the way, but each shift has taught us something and helped us refine who we are. It’s been a journey to get to where we are now, and we’re stronger for it, both musically and as a team. At the end of the day, we’re all here for the same reason. The music.

What can you be most proud of so far?
What we’re most proud of so far is staying true to our vision and pushing forward no matter the challenges. The anticipation is building for our debut album »Illusion« coming in February 2025. After being together for 6 years it feels so good to have an album to release. On top of that, running our own desert rock festival and working with legends like Dave Catching has shown us how strong the stoner rock community really is. Seeing people connect with our music and share the energy we bring – that’s the real payoff for everything we’ve poured into this.

What was your biggest regret?
Honestly, we don’t have any regrets. Everything we’ve done – good, bad, or chaotic – has shaped us into the band we are today. Every challenge has been a lesson, and every decision, even the wild ones, has brought us closer to where we want to be.

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We recently got the chance to share a stage with The Well from Austin, Texas. It was incredible seeing how they transformed from down-to-earth chill dudes and a dudette in the green room to mesmerizing musicians on stage with insane stage presence. Also on the bill were our good friends Space Queen from Vancouver who have unworldly three-part harmony vocals overtop of doomy desert rock riffs. Right up our alley… The place was packed, even on a Sunday night! Good news that rock n roll is not dead.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The biggest surprise has definitely been how supportive and tight-knit the stoner rock and desert rock communities are. When we first started, we didn’t know what to expect, but we’ve found that people in this scene really look out for each other. Whether it’s collaborating with legends like Dave Catching or just seeing how fans show up for underground bands, it’s been eye-opening to see how much genuine support there is. The whole vibe is less about competition and more about building something together.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Alex: All Them Witches, Queens Of The Stones Age, Viagra Boys.

John: Tool, Kadabra, Tool, Spirit Mother, Tool.

Colton: Turnstile, King Gizz, Austrian Death Machine.

Eric: OM, Mars Red Sky, Queens Of The Stones Age.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The best advice we’ve ever gotten is to stay true to what feels right for you, not what’s trending or what other people think you should be doing. It’s easy to get lost in trying to fit into a certain mold, but at the end of the day, if you’re not being authentic, your music won’t resonate. We’ve learned to trust our instincts and focus on making the music that speaks to us, even if it’s not the easiest path. That’s what keeps us grounded and what makes the music feel real.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Guilty pleasures? We’re all about those cheesy 80s rock ballads. There’s something about the over-the-top emotions and big hooks that just hit the spot when we’re not cranking distortion. Sometimes you need something that’s unapologetically dramatic, and those songs never fail to deliver.

Can you say something more about current music scene in Kelowna?
The current music scene in Kelowna is definitely feeling the impact of a lot of venue closures, which has made it harder for local artists to get their music heard. That being said, there’s still a dedicated underground community that’s keeping things alive. Bands are getting creative with DIY shows and pop-up events, and people are really rallying together to support local talent. The scene has definitely shifted, but there’s still a lot of passion here, and it’s awesome to see bands finding ways to adapt and grow despite the challenges.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are working on a 3-day tour with Bort and Cave Dweller April 4th to 6th in Nelson, Kelowna and Vancouver. Keep an eye out for it once we confirm the dates!

What are your plans for the future as a band?
For the future, we’re focused on finishing and releasing our debut album »Illusion« in February 2025 and making sure it reflects everything we’ve been working towards. Beyond that, we want to keep pushing our sound and exploring new ways to bring the music to people, whether it’s through more live shows, creative collaborations, or even expanding our festival. We’re also excited to see how we continue to evolve as a band and connect with other artists and fans in the stoner rock and psychedelic scenes. The goal is to keep making the kind of music that feels real and keeps people coming back for more. We’ve already got a couple new songs written and more in the works for a sophomore album too. Let’s keep this train rollin!!

Did you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
We didn’t have anything special planned for New Year’s Eve this year – just taking it easy and reflecting on everything that’s happened in 2024. It’s been a wild year for the band, and we’re excited to kick off 2025 with new music and more shows. Just hung out, recharged, and got ready for the next chapter.

How can people best support your band?
The best way to support us is simple: listen to our music, share it with your friends, and come out to our shows. Whether you’re streaming our singles or buying merch, it all helps keep the momentum going. We also love when people engage with us on social media – drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hello. Ultimately, it’s about building a community, and we’re grateful for every person who helps spread the word and keeps the energy alive.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting us – seriously, we appreciate it more than you know. We’ve put everything into Illusions, and for those who listen carefully, there’s something special tucked in there. You’ll know it when you hear it.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well