Vancouver Sleep Clinic at the Ace Hotel

27^th August 2014

Donna Mackay

Donna Mackay

27 August 2014

The words “teen sensation” often invite negative connotations – think Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Connor Maynard. 17-year-old Australian Tim Bettison, better known as Vancouver Sleep Clinic, does not fit this aesthetic, though the words aptly describe what he is about to become. The Brisbane-born artist has enjoyed a stratospheric few months: with barely two songs to rub together, Bettison found himself supporting London Grammar on their Australian tour, playing his fourth live show in front of 1000 people. Since then he’s released debut EP The Winter, supported Daughter, gone viral on the blogosphere and is now on his first UK and European tour – extraordinary feats for a teenager still in his formative years.

Bettison’s first concert in the UK was at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch, London (set to be followed by a sold-out show at St Pancras Old Church)d. Backed by a full band, he performed with a delicate sound built around his ethereal and poignant vocal. With undeniable similarities to James Blake and a pulsing, melodic dubstep undertone, Bettison draws on lush, layered falsetto in tandem with soothing ambient melodies: it’s electronic indie at its most captivating. The audience embraced the seamless show; Vapour, Flaws and Collapse showcased this young man’s incredible gift – simply luxurious to listen to and testament to the hype Tim has driven across the blogosphere in his short musical life span.

The artist’s meandering guitar riffs and beautiful vocal sensibilities draw comparisons with industry-great Bon Iver, and for an emerging 17-year-old this isn’t patronising, it’s complimentary to say the least. The work that has been entered into this emotional music is obvious, though what’s palpable is the undeniable talent of its creator, with an ultimate knack for creating songs to stir the soul. Watch this space – Vancouver Sleep Clinic are quite simply going to be huge.

Donna Mackay
Photos: Adam Bennett

For further information about Vancouver Sleep Clinic and future events, visit here.

Watch the video for Vapour here: