17 Moments at Fortune Sound

Sep 24

17 years. Hundreds of shows. Countless late nights. One legendary room.

Since opening its doors in 2009, Fortune Sound Club has become one of Vancouver’s most iconic live music venues that has welcomed everyone from emerging artists on the verge of breaking through to some of the biggest names in music.

Over the years, the room has witnessed artists before they became household names, cult favourites before their followings exploded, and global superstars in a rare, intimate setting.

To celebrate 17 years of Fortune Sound, we’re looking back at 17 unforgettable moments from the venue’s history:

01. Jay-Z — October 2009

Just months after Fortune Sound opened its doors, Jay-Z one of the biggest names in hip-hop came through Chinatown. Not a bad way to start a legacy.

02. Mac Miller — January 2011

Before the worldwide recognition, platinum records and generation-defining legacy, there was a young Mac Miller making his way through the early days of his career.

In January 2011, he took the Fortune Sound stage — a snapshot of an artist at the beginning of a journey that would go on to influence an entire generation.

03. Tyler, The Creator — 2011

Before the Grammys, fashion houses, festival headlines and critically acclaimed albums, Tyler, The Creator was building his name from the underground up.

In 2011, Fortune Sound hosted Tyler during the early stages of a career that would go on to reshape music, fashion and culture.

04. Snoop Dogg — April 2016

Few artists have had the cultural impact or longevity of Snoop Dogg.

In April 2016, the West Coast icon stepped into one of Vancouver’s most intimate rooms, bringing decades of hip-hop history to Fortune Sound.

05. Lil Yachty — August 2016

In August 2016, Lil Yachty came through Fortune Sound at the beginning of a breakout run that helped define a new generation of hip-hop.

The colourful sound, style and personality that would soon become synonymous with Yachty were already taking shape — and Fortune Sound was there for it.

06. Cypress Hill — October 2018

West Coast legends Cypress Hill brought decades of hip-hop history to Fortune Sound in October 2018.

From their pioneering sound to their unmistakable presence, having Cypress Hill in the room was another reminder of Fortune Sound’s ability to bring artists from across generations into an intimate space.

07. Drake — November 2018

One of the biggest artists in the world. One very intimate room.

In November 2018, Drake came through Fortune Sound, adding another major name to the venue’s growing list of unforgettable nights.

08. Playboi Carti — December 2018

Before Whole Lotta Red. Before the arena-sized cult following. Before the larger-than-life mythology surrounding his live shows.

There was Playboi Carti at Fortune Sound in December 2018.

Another early chapter captured in the walls of the club.

09. Dave — November 2019

In November 2019, Dave performed at Fortune Sound as his profile was rapidly expanding beyond the UK.

What followed was a career that established him as one of the defining voices of modern UK rap but Fortune Sound caught him during the climb.

10. Joji — January 2020

By January 2020, Joji’s music was reaching audiences around the world.

Before the larger venues and global tours, he made his way through Fortune Sound, bringing his distinctive blend of melancholy, R&B and alternative pop to the room.

11. Drain Gang — April 2022

Few collectives represent the internet era of music quite like Drain Gang.

In April 2022, the Swedish collective brought their unmistakable sound and devoted cult following to Fortune Sound.

An underground phenomenon, in an underground room.

12. Kaytranada — May 2022

Montreal’s own Kaytranada brought his signature blend of house, funk and R&B to Fortune Sound in May 2022.

The timing was especially significant: Kaytranada had recently made history as the first Black artist to win the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

13. The Dare — September 2024

In September 2024, The Dare brought the energy of New York’s emerging club movement to Fortune Sound.

It was another example of the venue’s long-running ability to capture what’s happening right now before the moment becomes mainstream.

14. Snow Strippers — October 2024

The rise of Snow Strippers has been anything but conventional.

In October 2024, the duo brought their raw electronic sound and chaotic energy to Fortune Sound as their cult following continued to grow.

15. The Marías — July 2025

From intimate beginnings to international acclaim, The Marías have built a world entirely their own.

In July 2025, the band brought their unmistakable blend of psychedelic soul, dreamy textures and alternative pop to Fortune Sound.

16. Leon Thomas — December 2025

By December 2025, Leon Thomas was in the middle of a breakout year that firmly established him as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices. Another iconic performance captured in an artist’s trajectory.

17. Celebrating 17 Years of Fortune Sound — September 26 2026

And then there’s the biggest moment of all: 17 years of Fortune Sound with Toro y Moi.

17 years of music, art, culture and late nights in Chinatown.

17 years of artists passing through the doors, from emerging acts playing their first intimate shows to artists who would go on to become icons.

17 years of packed dance floors, surprise appearances, blurry photos, favourite songs and nights turned into core memories.

Our story isn't just about the artists who have performed on its stage. It’s about the people who have filled the room every weekend and made the club what it is.