Drowning Ophelia

Drowning Ophelia combines their love of literature and melody to create an eclectic blend of music and lyrics. You could possibly label their music as “alternative pop;” however, their music combines influences anywhere from classic rock to flamenco sounds and they have been described as something like “Santana meets No Doubt.”

Founded by twin sisters, Candace and Karli Schiebelbein, Drowning Ophelia is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most promising new groups. Their catchy and melodic songs reflect influences from other bands such as Barenaked Ladies, No Doubt, and Guns n’ Roses. The recent addition of drummer Jared Bradley has brought new energy and depth to Drowning Ophelia’s live performances.

They have completed their first full length album, which is expected to be released early fall 2008. Their single “Cinderella” has been greatly received winning awards for “Best Female Vocals” and “Most Original” in Alternative Pop on Garageband.com. Listeners describe “Cinderella” as “zany, quirky, full of fun and latino sounds” with an “uplifting hook, snapping samba-like beat with cutting edge energy behind the song”.

As well as playing in many of Edmonton’s clubs, Drowning Ophelia also won a battle of the bands, put on by Supernova.com, in the summer of 2007. They have proven themselves to have a commanding stage presence; holding their own by sharing the stage with music power houses such as Mathew Landry, front man from Tupelo Honey, at “Big Rock Untapped” held in the Ivory Club in Edmonton.

Growing up in small town Major, Saskatchewan, Candace and Karli were surrounded by music. Their parents, being musicians, encouraged the girls to sing, write songs, and learn as many instruments as they could. At an early age, they perfected their ability to harmonize with one another, impressing all who listened. In 2003, Candace and Karli moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where they attended separate schools – Candace the University of Alberta, and Karli Grant MacEwan College where she received a Diploma in Music. Jared Bradley, hailing from Kelowna, British Columbia, joined the band in October, 2007. Jared also has a strong musical background. He began playing drums when he was only 6 years old, and has taken part in various projects from Jazz to Punk Rock bands.

Drowning Ophelia proves to be a dynamic group and a refreshing addition to Canada’s music scene.

“Watch for them, and you might be saying ‘I saw them long before they were so famous.’” - Tracy Kolenchuk, Edmonton Arts Photographer