The band members of Halifax’s new band, Marmoset, bicker and laugh like siblings as they prepare for their first show of the year at Gus’s Pub. The sound of guitar tuning fills drummer Isabella Tapia-Daly’s house – it emanates from the crowded basement practice space where music chords intermingle with the hum of the furnace.
The band has built a loyal following. Fans trail behind them to various venues across the city. Singer and guitarist Kieran Sabsay says performing live is a critical step for new bands to build momentum and get their name out.
“You get to do something you love with the people you love, in front of the people you love,” says singer and guitarist Charlie Graf.
Marmoset officially formed in September 2024 thanks to previous connections forged in King’s residences. Some Marmoset members have also been in bands together in the past. Alongside Graf, Sabsay and Tapia-Daly, the lineup includes bassist Tess Goodman and pianist Charlotte MacDougall.
Marmoset’s performances are energetic and raw; their angsty, grungy sound ignites dancing and cheers from the crowds at venues like The Grawood and Radstorm. While the band continues to hone its sound, Graf says, “We make the music that we like to make.”
“We’re a group of friends first and then musicians,” says Tapia-Daly. “We all have this drive to try and make something beautiful. It might not be fully formed yet, but I feel like we’re all really committed to making something kind of wonderful.”
The band believes that discipline is the key to performing well. They emphasize sticking to regular rehearsals and practice.
“Art is a skill that needs to be practised and harnessed just like any other creative habit you’re building,” says Tapia-Daly.
Goodman describes the Halifax music scene as welcoming and tight-knit, with a supportive sense of community. Sabsay agrees, noting that the scene’s centrality makes it easy to connect with bands of all sizes and experience levels.
Marmoset hopes to release a single by the end of the year. In the meantime, they encourage fans to follow their Instagram for updates on upcoming shows. If you want to chat with the band after a gig, Freeman’s Little New York is the place to catch them for a bite and a laugh.
